Derwent Valley Heritage Way

Derbyshire

A route that explores the beauty and heritage of Derbyshire’s River Derwent. It starts at Heatherdene on the banks of Ladybower Reservoir and follows the River Derwent through the Peak District National Park via Chatsworth and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site until the Derwent joins the River Trent near Shardlow. En route Matlock, Belper and Derby are traversed keeping close to the river.

The Derwent Valley Charitable Trust was set up in 1996 to promote the valley in a sustainable way and to develop a 'National Heritage Corridor'. In 2001, the Derwent Valley between Matlock Bath and Derby was granted World Heritage Site status due to its importance as the birthplace of the water powered factory system for textile manufacture - a milestone in the industrial revolution. The most effective way of taking in the area’s natural beauty and rich heritage is by walking, so Derbyshire Countryside Ranger, Rick Jillings, has devised Derbyshire’s first official long distance path. The Duke of Devonshire opened the walk at Chatsworth House in 2003.

---

Details:

Path Type:	Paths Marked on OS mapping
Waymark:	Purple disc with name in yellow
Attributes:	Average Gradients Lake/Reservoir/Loch River Urban World Heritage Site Heritage
Start:	SK202858 - Ladybower Reservoir, Heatherdene, Derbyshire
Finish:	SK458308 - Derwent Mouth, nr Shardlow, Derbyshire
Open Date:	2003
Web Sites:	Derwent Valley Heritage Way - The Route Derwent Valley Mills Derwent Valley Heritage Way (Youtube)

---

Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Guidebook

Derwent Valley Heritage Way : Derbyshire  (Derwent Valley Trust  - 2014 )

---