Derwent Valley Walks: Discover the Derwent Valley and World Heritage Site: Discover the Derwent Valley and World Heritage Sites - Softcover

The Derwent Valley is one of this country’s finest assets, both from the point of view of its heritage and magnificent scenery. Although only about 60 miles in length, it fills mighty reservoirs near its source, and has been harnessed to mills and, most importantly played an outstanding part in the Industrial Revolution. This was recognised in 2001, when the Derwent Valley was awarded World Heritage Status, the site running from Masson Mill at Matlock Bath to the former Derby Silk Mill, a distance of approximately 15 miles. It is the only World Heritage Site in the East Midlands. The walks and features are designed to enable visitors to discover this unique and stunningly beautiful valley, both from the valley floor and high up on the surrounding hills and cliff tops. The walks are suitable both for the long-distance walker as well as for those who just want a short walk. As they can be completed in short or long stages, dependent on time and choice. In total there are 20 linear walks, and 10 circular walks. The latter can all be subdivided into two short walks, making 50 walks in all to provide hours of exploration and enjoyment. Suggested refreshment stops, suitable for both linear and circular walks have been listed. Also numerous places of interest, both in the Derwent Valley and a little further away, which if you have the time, you will find well worth the effort of visiting. Some are open all year, others on a more restricted basis.

Denis Eardley has been writing local interest features and walks for the Derby Telegraph for over 12 years. He has compiled eleven Discover Derbyshire and two Discover Derby supplements, as well as writing for YesterdayToday and the Derbyshire Magazine. Denis also supplies the Telegraph with weekly walks, which are published during the spring and summer. Now retired, Denis lives at Littleover in Derby and his love of walking and local history has led to him wanting to share with readers the joy of discovering the Derwent Valley with its stunning scenery and fascinating history and legends. Denis has written three books, Around Wirksworth, Wirksworth and the surrounding area and Villages of the Peak District. Also, he has a book in the Picture the Past series featuring Derby due for publication later in 2011.