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Walk Derbyshire

Walk Derbyshire
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Belper is a lovely little town with many shops, restaurants and a gorgeous cinema. It is situated on the Derwent River and has a vast history. Belper is the birthplace of the factory system. Derwent Valley Mills were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. With Cromford Mill hosting a visitors centre to introduce people to the story of Richard Arkwright, Jedediah Strutt, a partner of Richard Arkwright built a water-powered cotton mill in Belper in the late 18th century.  The mill is still standing today, however it is no longer used in this industry.  

Belper is also known for its lovely River Gardens which are worth a visit as they regularly hold brass bands playing at the weekends. In the summer months you can hire a rowing boat and spot the kingfishers. There is a cafe and a play park on site. 

The walk takes us past Wyver Lane Nature Reserve which also has the Wyver Lane Firing Range wall which you can see within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The Strutt family, who built water-powered cotton mills in Belper from 1776 onwards, used their own militia to protect the mills, in case of visits from mill-wreckers and even invasion, in the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1800, a firing range was provided for Belper volunteers on the Chevin Hill – a large wall which can be seen today by walking along the North Lane footpath, accessed from Sunny Hill at Milford or Farnah Green Road. We see some beautiful vista’s, farmland and in the spring months lambs and calves. There is a pub halfway around the walk too so a great place for a swift pint. 

THE ROUTE

You can park for free on Belper Road or  until 6pm at night you can park opposite Angelo’s Restaurant.  

We start the walk on Wyver Lane. Head down with the river on your right. 

We pass Wyver Lane nature reserve which has a bird hide where you can spot white heron’s if you are fortunate. 

Follow the lane all the way down until you see a gate – head through the gate or if you are slim enough, the tiny gap. Here we go a slight left onto the grass field and through the gateway. This part of the walk is seemingly always muddy so boots or similar a must. 

Head up left to the top of the field and over to the right hand side where there is a little cut through. Sometimes there are cows in the top field here but they have never caused us an issue. Head straight up to the stone wall and over the steps to the right. 

Pause – take in the beautiful view behind you. 

From here we head left down Whitewells Lane. This is a 60mph limit area and a single track so be careful if you have dogs or children, but it is not busy. This is a fab place to spot lambs in the spring. 

Follow this all the way till you get to the pub on the corner, The Bulls Head. The pub is closed Monday and Tuesday’s but is open on bank holiday Mondays. After a swift half, head opposite the pub down Belper Lane End.  

Follow the road all the way up and start to head down the hill. Look out for a footpath sign on the right where they are building new houses. 

I’m not sure when they will have finished the houses but for now, follow the visible path and we eventually head through a gate on the right. Head left and follow the path. The view here on the right is beautiful too. 

The path through the fields looks  like they head to the gateway but you can’t actually get that way so just look down to the right where you will see a little path going down slightly and between two big old gate posts where you will see a proper path. 

Follow Shire Road all the way down until you hit the main road. This is a blind bend and as we need to cross the road please take care. 

We head left onto the pavement and you will follow this down to where you will see the start of the walk.

DETAILS

Parking: Next to Belper Mill there is a pay and display car park, also opposite Angelo’s Restaurant is a car park you can park in during the day.

Pubs: There’s many to choose from, The Bulls Head is half way round the walk, but there are numerous in Belper just a short walk from the finish. 

Distance: 6.5km  4miles

Time: Approx 1.5 Hours

Terrain: Quite easy, not too muddy, with a gentle climb through fields.

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