Five Pits Trail

It is a 5 and a half mile linear route linking Grassmoor Country Park to Tibshelf Ponds, passing mainly through agricultural and woodland landscapes. 

The trail can be extended to 7 and a half miles, by following the route through to Williamthorpe Ponds and Holmewood Woodlands.

The Five Pits Trail was completed by us in 1989. It was based upon a Great Central Railway route which served the five main collieries of Grassmoor, Williamthorpe, Holmewood, Pilsley and Tibshelf.

The closure of many other smaller pits along the railway has dramatically changed the landscape. Most of the original railway line was removed and parts of the land were opencast. 

Today the Five Pits Trail follows the approximate route of the original railway. The landscape is now undulating throughout with a number of long steep slopes. 

Trail entrances are considered to be accessible for disabled people but surface conditions and some steep slopes may limit people's access to some sections.

A large site map detailing the heritage, wildlife and access opportunities can be found at each of the visitor centres along the Five Pits Trail.