Derwent Valley Way - Information for Walkers

Derwent Valley Heritage Way

Start: Ladybower Reservoir
Grid Ref: SK 206860
End: Derwent Mouth
Grid Ref: SK 459307
Distance: 88 km
Walking Time: 5 days
Counties Traversed: Derbyshire
Explorer™ Maps: OL1, OL24, 259, 260

Derwent Valley Way The Derwent Valley Heritage Way is a 55 mile walk that explores the beauty and heritage of Derbyshire's River Derwent. The initiative for developing this walk came from the Derwent Valley Trust. Opened in 2003, the route follows the river from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District National Park, via Chatsworth and the superb scenery of the Derbyshire Dales, before passing through the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Taking the Riverside Path through Derby the way continues through the historic inland port of Shardlow to journey's end at Derwent Mouth, where the Derwent flows into the River Trent.This engaging route can be broken down into 10 manageable sections so that it can be enjoyed either as a series of shorter outings or as one continuous undertaking. Along the way there are 28 waymarker posts and 700 direction arrows, so even inexperienced walkers can set out with confidence. From the start, at Heatherdene car park, the route passes through Leadmill Bridge, Baslow, Rowsley, Matlock, Whatstandwell, Belper, Little Eaton, Derby, and Borrowash Bridge, finishing at Derwent Mouth.

This guidebook to the scenic Derwent Valley Heritage Way illustrated above was the perfect companion for discovering the delights of this long distance walk but is now out of print. The full colour guide includes 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping and easy-to -follow directions highlighting points of interest such as stately homes, museums, industrial heritage sites and other attractions. The guide describes the route in 10 chapters, each covering a section of the route. Each section of the guide gives details of local facilities including tourist accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and transport links. Unfortunately the book is now out of print, but second hand copies or library copies may be obtainable.

For walkers who are particularly interested in exploring the Derwent Valley but who have reservations about navigating the Derwent Valley Heritage Way without the guidebook there is an alternative book of walks in the area. This book describes eleven walks intended to show how stunning many parts of the valley are. From the former industrial area near the confluence with the Tyne, the exceptional Gibside estate, a gorgeous gorge and the wild open spaces of the Nookton and Beldon burns near the source, there is a walk for all.