Enjoy afternoon tea provided by Katey's Coffee Shop whilst leisurely cruising along the beautiful Chesterfield Canal. The 2 hour Cruises run on Fridays 7th & 21st June; 5th & 19th July; 16th & 30th August; 6th September
Departing from Tapton Lock Visitor Centre at 14:00.


Please note: Passengers who are vegetarian or gluten/dairy intolerant must email johnvarley@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk with your dietary requirements


After winding (turning round), we descend Tapton Lock - following the Rother Valley – down through Wheeldon Mill Lock and on to the beautiful Bluebank Woods. Here we explore this wonderful broad and sweeping curve before descending Bluebank Lock towards Dixon's Wharf where we wind again and return through the locks arriving back at Tapton Lock at about 16:00

Subject to conditions and the skipper's permission, you may be able to help with the locks or have a go at steering the boat.

Unlike rivers, canals can go up and down hills! Learn about the working of the 250 year old locks which raise and lower the boats from one level in the canal to another. Locks use a lot of water - each time we use Tapton lock, it takes about 100 cubic metres of water to refill it. That's the equivalent of about 2500 baths! The water isn't wasted though, it eventually finds its way back into the river. 
If engineering (and sums) isn't your thing, then relaxation surely is. Cruising on water is just such a tranquil and leisurely activity. Combined with a profusion of wildlife – dabbling ducks and moorhen, the majestic heron or iconic kingfisher – look out for martins as they swoop and skim low over the water - tree lined avenues and swathes of bluebells and other spring flowers – all your cares and worries will drift away on the water. 

John Varley II is a purpose built 36' (10.9m) narrowboat. Built in 2016, designed and licenced to carry 12 passengers, it replaces an older trip boat, also called John Varley, which was retired off after 24 years' service. Narrowboat? - John Varley is 6'10” (2.1m) wide and the locks are little more than 7' (2.13m) wide ~ so mind your fingers in locks, bridges and tunnels. 

Why John Varley? The route of the Chesterfield canal was originally surveyed by canal engineer James Brindley and he employed John Varley as his clerk of works. Brindley died in 1772 and Varley took over as resident engineer. The canal opened in 1777 and ran 46 miles from Chesterfield to West Stockwith on the River Trent. 

In its heyday, the canal carried malt, hops, gravel, pottery, coal, iron ore, iron products, lead and stone. The boats were all horse-drawn and were called 'cuckoo boats'. Prior to canals, cargoes were carried by horse and cart. The maximum load a single horse could pull in a cart – and remember the roads were rough, muddy and full of pot holes - was about one tonne. The same horse pulling a canal boat could pull up to 30 tonnes. So you can see – canals made good sense. 

All trips are crewed by qualified volunteers of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, and the profits from all trips go towards the restoration of the last few miles of the Chesterfield Canal.