Eckington: Walking our Connections
Eckington Library, Market Street, Eckington, Derbyshire, S21 4JG
Starting from the public library near the market cross in the ancient village of Eckington, the route goes down Station Road, built to give access from the village to the two railway stations on the edge of the Eckington and the neighbouring village of Renishaw. This road and the older Southgate contain some fine houses built for the wealthier inhabitants of Eckington in Victorian times. The walk will proceed across the former golf course close to the route of the old Penny Engine line, a connecting railway which served to move coal and people to the two stations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Relics of an older tramway, the Setcup railway, can also be seen here. Walkers will re-join Station Road shortly before it crosses what it now a freight-only railway line and look at the site of the old Eckington Station which closed in January 1965. Walkers will enter the Renishaw Hall estate through an entrance not normally open to the public. This once had a gatehouse, now with only the gothic arch remaining. It was created to give the Sitwell Family staff and visitors a grand, direct access to the railway station. The tour will be guided by the Head Gardener from this point, following the driveway to the better known parts of the garden in which walkers are welcome to stay after the tour.
The Library exhibition 'Eckington Connections: past lines' is open all day and provides useful back ground (see separate entry)
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- 1100
- Friday 13 September:
- 1100
Location & directions
Eckington Library, Market Street, Eckington, Derbyshire, S21 4JG
- Directions:
- Eckington Library is in the centre of the town, next to the Civic Centre and opposite Eckington Business Centre. There is a large, free car park to the rear of the building, accessible from Gosber Street. The library is a very short walk down through the miners memorial area and across the road from Eckington bus station. The No. 50 Sheffield to Chesterfield bus stops here (approximately half hourly) as does the No. 252 circular serving Sheffield, Crystal Peaks, Eckington, Ridgeway and Heeley and a number of other services from Killamarsh, Clowne and beyond. The No. 53 bus between Sheffield and Mansfield also goes through Eckington. See Stagecoachbus.com and Derbysbus.info.
- Contact on day:
- Lainy Chambers
- Telephone number:
- +447743322115
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Booking by email only, during the period specified. Please give name and if possible a contact mobile number and specify clearly the date required or the preferred date if prepared to accept either. Only 2 places per request. Dogs accepted but please state if you will be bringing one. Dogs much be on leads at all times.
- Booking contact name:
- Lainy Chambers
- Booking telephone number:
- +447743322115
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking opens:
- 19 Aug 2024 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2024 01:00 AM
Accessibility details
The walk is relatively easy but some parts are on rough ground making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or prams. Suitable footwear advised. The route avoids main roads although the main road between Eckington and Renishaw is crossed to enter Renishaw Hall estate. This part of the walk takes 45 minutes. After the garden tour, participants will need to make their own way back to the village, leaving through the main gate to Renishaw Hall. There are toilets are in the library and the hall grounds. The library, containing the exhibition is open from 0930 to 1900 on both Fridays of the walk.
Additional information
Eckington's Market day is Friday. There is a cafe at Renishaw Hall and a free museum there.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 2 hour(s)
