コスサルでののおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Still closed at the far end

There is a small, free car park just up from the nature reserve area, and another lay-by about 1/2 mile up. Several bridges and loop back paths cross over at various points and tracks are mainly gravel and soil. In addition, there are footpaths over fields moving away from the canal . Wildlife includes Moorhens, swans, ducks, birds, butterflies, damsel and dragonflies in various months. Lovely ‘Lord of the rings-esque’ tree tunnel when you turn right away from the canal opposite the ‘short cut’ route that takes you to Ilkeston houses and the railway bridge. Bulrushes, various flora. Level, easygoing trails. Several deep ponds are marked with signs at reserve (Trowell) end.

Viaduct is lovely but currently (as of 7th Sept 2024) closed at the Nottinghamshire end so no way across. Other than that definitely worth a trundle

the eastwood end of the viaduct is closed at the moment due to construction work

Wed 17th Jan 24 Amazing walk across the viaduct. It does move slightly under foot and could be intimidating for those of a nervous disposition. Slightly restricted walk due to floods but worth the effort. We will be back in the Spring. Well done to the enthusiasts who have worked so hard to open and maintain this iconic structure.

The Erewash canal flows 12 miles from the River Trent to the Nottingham Canal. It was completed in 1779 and worked until the last commercial canal boat stopped in 1952. Today it's a leisure canal with boats and walking trails.

Shaw's Plantation is a small copse of mixed woodland that survived the motorway and local building/farming. The Robin Hood Way runs along the southern edge.

The nature reserve follows the former tow path of the Nottingham Canal. It now offers key habitats including open water, woodland and grassland habitats.