The Five Pits trail

The Five Pits Trail is a rail trail in Derbyshire, England. It consists of a network of surfaced walkways for recreational use. The approximately 5.5-mile-long (8.9 km) trail links Grassmoor to Tibshelf. The Trail can be extended to 7.5 miles (12.1 km) by continuing along the route to Williamthorpe Ponds and Holmewood. Derbyshire County Council created the Five Pits Trail in 1989, following the route of the former Great Central Railway which served the five main coal mines of Grassmoor, Williamthorpe, Holmewood, Pilsley and Tibshelf.

Access to the Five Pits Trail is possible via numerous footpaths which cross it, and by a number of roads which cross it. There are car parks provided at several locations: Church Lane in Tibshelf, Station Road in Pilsley, Timber Lane near Astwith, and at both the Birkin Lane and the Mansfield Road entrances to Grassmoor Country Park.

Map of the Five Pits trail The Five Pits trail is part of the round Chesterfield walk. This section was formerly the Tip on the left hand side and the Alma Pit on the right. Wolfie pond, recreated after open casting in the 1980's, now used by the Alma Fishing club. View of the Alma Estate from the trail
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