Derwent Valley Heritage Way

The Derwent Valley Heritage Way is a 52.7-mile (84.8 km), one-way point-to-point walk from Heatherdene on Ladybower Reservoir to Derwent Mouth, where the Derwent joins the Trent. It is split into ten stages and passes from an upland reservoir and gritstone country through estate parkland and historic mill towns to Derby and the lower river. The full walk takes about 20–32 hours on foot, usually spread over two to five days. It is a long-distance journey, not a loop or a casual day hike; choose your stages and sort out the finish before setting out.

At Heatherdene, cross Ladybower Dam and follow a former railway between Win Hill and Bamford Edge before riverside meadows toward Leadmill Bridge. The first 5.2-mile section is mainly easy walking, but only the Thornhill Trail part is wheelchair-suitable; the remaining field paths are rougher. For a photo, frame the dam parapet and control tower with the reservoir beyond. The 6.8-mile Hathersage-to-Baslow section stays near the Derwent across tracks, woods and fields, with old bridges, Calver Mill and Bubnell Hall; Coppice Wood and Horse Hay Coppice can be uneven. Hathersage churchyard carries the local story that Little John is buried there. From Baslow, the route crosses Chatsworth’s deer park, known for its Emperor Fountain, then reaches Caudwell’s Mill at Rowsley. Farther on, it uses a disused canal towpath and Shining Cliff Woods before Belper’s North Mill; the southern stages pass through Derby and follow the lower Derwent to its mouth.

Look for the yellow arrows on purple markers; the way is marked in both directions. Bridge End in Baslow has galleries and refreshments, and Caudwell’s Mill has a visitor centre and flour shop. Buses from Sheffield and Bamford station serve Heatherdene, and some later stages have bus or rail links. Start at Heatherdene Car Park by Ladybower Reservoir; the route finishes at Derwent Mouth, so arrange a transfer or use public transport between stages. Surfaces change from smooth disused railway to muddier field and woodland paths, canal towpath and town streets. Wheelchair access applies only to particular stretches, not the end-to-end walk.