Barnsley Canal Walk February

The Barnsley canal was opened in the early 1800’s.  The canal ran from the River Calder at Wakefield to Barnsley and its junction with the Dearne and Dove Canal. In 1819 the canal was carrying coal, limestone,  corn, iron and timber.  It was taken over by the Aire and Calder Navigation in 1854, and despite competition from the railways, and structural damage from subsidence, remained profitable until 1942. It was sadly abandoned in 1953, after major breaches occurred in 1945 and 1946.  

Saturday 4 February

We decided to go on a 4 mile circular walk which takes you along part of the abandoned Barnsley canal.  It starts at Walton, near the New Inn Pub.  Walking round the golf course and past Walton Hall,

through Haw Park Wood and past Cold Hiendley reservior and back along the abandoned canal.  It was really interesting as you could see some of the  abandoned locks and bridges and guiding pulley’s used for guiding the boats around the sharp bends of the canal .

It was  a lovely crisp day, we made it back to the New Inn for a drink just as the snow started to fall!   The New Inn is newly refurbished and the staff made us feel extremely welcome, especially Bisto who settled quite happily in front of the warm fire!