Spanning 66 miles, the River Derwent is Derbyshire’s longest and deepest river and the life force of the county, such is its importance to the human history of the region, a 15-mile stretch has been deemed by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. We pick a selection of walks fromour archive that take in a section of the Derwent.
Bamford
Bamford may be famous for its prximity to the nearby Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs, but this walk takes in Bamford Mill which was once powered by the River Derwent.
Click here to view the details of the Bamford walk
Hathersage
Leaving Hathersage, the route ascends past Hazelford, followed by a switchback hike to Highlow and Offerton then a gentle descent through fields returning to river level. It ends with a stretch of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way for a tantalising glimpse of Nether Hall from the riverside path.
Click here to view the details of the Hathersage walk
Baslow
This walk follows an old coach road from Baslow on a hike to the hills and moors where swathes of heather will flower in late August to create a purple sea. Curbar Gap forms a break in the long escarpment of Edges. Here we descend to the river far below, passing ancient monuments, curiosities and quaint little cottages along the way. The walk ends with a riverside path through wild flower meadows and the tucked away hamlet of Bubnell.
Click here to view the details of the Baslow walk
Chatsworth
Possibly the most famous stretch of the River Derwent passes through the Chatsworth Estate. This scenic walk around Chatsworth Park and the estate village of Beeley follows quiet riverside paths and woodland tracks with a dash of hilltop hike and the chance to call in at the House along the way.
Click here to view the details of the Chatsworth walk
Matlock
This walk sets off from Matlock Bridge, an important crossing of the Derwent since Medieval times when it was known as Pontem de Matelock. Originally a narrow packhorse bridge, the 15th century structure was widened on the upstream side in 1904 to cater for 'modern' traffic requirements.
Click here to view the details of the Matlock walk
Alderwasley and Cromford Canal
Start your walk at Ambergate beside the long, many-arched bridge that spans both a mill stream and the recently united waters of the Amber and Derwent rivers and take in another important waterway in for form of the Cromford Canal.
Click here to view the details of the Alderwasley walk
Belper
This walk wanders through riverside meadows, ambles along quiet lanes and ascends an old path rewarded with aerial views across the valley. Along the way see how the River Derwent has been shaped and is swollen by a succession of weirs and sluices, and marvel at the old mills, early industrial factories and housing, often sympathetically preserved alongside modern counterparts.
Click here to view the details of the Belper walk
Duffield
Duffield is within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Area, the River Derwent holding particular importance to the many mills that were powered by it.
Click here to view the details of the Duffield walk
Derby
From the hustle and bustle of Derbyshire's capital city, take a sightseeing walk to where it all began - the site of Derventio on the banks of the River Derwent.
Click here to view the details of the Derby walk
Elvaston
Elvaston Castle Country Park is located near the most southern part of the River Derwent, where it meets the River Trent near Shardlow.
Click here to view the details of the Elvaston walk
All the routes were correct at the time of publication, over time access to certain parts of the walk may be subject to change.
