www.ramblers.org.uk

Derwent Valley Heritage Way

Ladybower Reservoir, Bamford to Derwent Mouth, Shardlow
88km/55 miles
Signed EASY
 East Midlands

Along the river Derwent from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District via the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and the city of Derby to the Derwent's confluence with the river Trent near Shardlow. A fascinating combinination of rich natural landscapes, industrial heritage and famous stately homes and estates such as Chatsworth and Haddon.

The route has been developed by the Derwent Valley Trust which is working to develop the valley in Derbyshire into a National Heritage Corridor in association with many other local groups including the Ramblers. It opened in April 2003.

Accessibility

Numerous sections with easy access including Ladybower Dam, the Thornhill Trail, Matlock parks including Hall Leys and Lovers Walk in Matlock Bath and Cromford Canal from Cromford to High Peak Junction.. More information from Derwent Valley Trust (below).

Public transport

There is good public transport along the route. The start at Heatherdene on the banks of the reservoir is served by buses linking with rail services at Bamford and Sheffield. The route then passes close to Bamford and Hathersage stations (with links to Sheffield and Manchester). There are various bus services between Hathersage and Matlock, with an independent tourist railway, Peak Rail (www.peakrail.co.uk) operating parallel to the route between Rowsley and Matlock. National rail services from Matlock to Loughborough and Leicester then parallel the route with stations at Matlock, Matlock Bath, Cromford, Whatstandwell, Ambergate, Belper, Duffield, Derby and Spondon. Numerous additional bus services operate at many of these points. The end at Derwent Mouth is a short walk from Shardlow with buses to Derby and Leicester, and a longer walk to Long Eaton which is also on the Matlock-Derby-Leicester railway line. See the Derbyshire council website for details of buses.

Maps

Publications

  • The Derwent Valley Heritage Way, ISBN 0 7117 2958 1. Jarrold £11.99.
    Detailed description, OS 1:25 000 map extracts, practical information, photos and background.
  • Basic route description and overview map on website below.
  • Free overview leaflet from local TICs (below)

Connecting routes

Parks and countryside

Contacts

Regions

Local authorities

Visitor information

Accommodation