Derwent Valley Heritage Way
Total distance covered; 58 miles (93kms)
5 days walking, based in Matlock
This 93kms (58 miles) walk follows the River Derwent from Ladybower Reservoir, high on the moors of the Derbyshire High Peak, to its confluence with the River Trent at Derwent Mouth. In its middle section the route passes through the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site which celebrates the area’s massive contribution to England’s Industrial Revolution.
The valley at the head of the River Derwent was flooded in the 1940s to create three massive reservoirs to supply fresh water to the cities of Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way starts from the shore of the Ladybower Reservoir and follows the course of the river through the gritstone uplands and down through the beautiful and varied scenery of the Derbyshire Dales. Between Matlock and Derby the route runs through the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site where the disused water-powered textile mills, which were of such significance Industrial Revolution, have been restored.
Highlights of the walk include the views along Ladybower Reservoir, the gritstone edges above Froggatt and Curbar, the village Baslow with its historic bridge – the oldest on the River Derwent never to have been destroyed by floodwaters – and ancient market cross, the magnificent house at Chatsworth Park, the village of Matlock Bath, one of England’s first tourist destinations, Arkwright’s Mill and wharf at Cromford, Darley & Nutford Nature Reserve, and the historic inland port at Shardlow.
What's included in the price of this holiday?
Holiday Options 2023
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Ladybower Reservoir to Baslow 13 miles (21kms)
Day 2: Baslow to Matlock Bath 12 miles (19kms)
Day 3: Matlock Bath to Belper 11 miles (18kms)
Day 4: Belper to Derby 10 miles (16kms)
Day 5: Derby to Derwent Mouth (Shardlow) 12 miles (19kms)
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