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Derwent Valley Heritage Way

Derwent Valley Heritage Way

A walk through the Derbyshire Dales from Ladybower Reservoir in the north to Shardlow in the south.

4 to 7 nights
55 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £546 per person

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About this route

4 to 7 nights
55 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous
2nd January to 24th December

From £546 per person

Derwent Valley Heritage Way

Art of an industrial mill on thhe Derwent Valley Heritage Way.

The Derwent Valley Heritage Way follows Derbyshire's River Derwent from Ladybower Reservoir to Shardlow, encountering a range of beautiful scenery and industrial heritage along the way. The trail enjoys wonderful views across the Derbyshire Dales and visits numerous sites of interest, including the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and a collection of museums, stately homes, wildlife reserves and even a steam railway.

There is a variety of quaint villages and friendly towns along the route, as well as the thriving industrial city of Derby, boasting everything a walker could require. The trail itself is well-signposted with reasonably gentle terrain; however, there are a number of varied climbs with the reward of beautiful hilltop views to keep walkers engaged throughout.

 

Standard
Interactive
© Contours Walking Holidays Derwent Valley Heritage Way map
Yorkshire Bridge to Shardlow
55 miles (88 km)
2nd January to 24th December

Holiday highlights

Starting the walk at Ladybower Reservoir, famous for being the testing ground for the Dambusters.

Visiting the many charming towns and villages along the way, including the historic Matlock Bath, boasting a wide range of attractions.

Learning about the wealth of local history around the area and how the River Derwent contributed to Derbyshire’s industrial development.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
DVHW1 From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow 4 nights, 3 days walking Demanding / Strenuous £546
DVHW2 From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate / Demanding £678
DVHW3 From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate £809
DVHW4 From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate £940
"Wyver Farm Gate Just North of Belper" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Wyver Farm Gate Just North of Belper" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Bicycle-Based Advertising for Baslow Village Spar Shop" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Bicycle-Based Advertising for Baslow Village Spar Shop" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Heading Under a Footbridge on Cromford Canal" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Heading Under a Footbridge on Cromford Canal" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Darley Abbey Mill on the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Darley Abbey Mill on the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Passing a Wharfe Shed on the Cromford Canal" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Passing a Wharfe Shed on the Cromford Canal" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Fingerpost on the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Fingerpost on the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Chatsworth House on the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Chatsworth House on the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Heights of Abraham Cable Cars in the Distance" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Heights of Abraham Cable Cars in the Distance" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Fishing on the Derwent between Cromford and Matlock Bath" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Fishing on the Derwent between Cromford and Matlock Bath" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Peering Up At Derby Cathedral" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Peering Up At Derby Cathedral" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Aerial Views of Matlock Bath from the Heights of Abraham" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Aerial Views of Matlock Bath from the Heights of Abraham" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Views Over Green Fields Out of Rowsley" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Views Over Green Fields Out of Rowsley" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Strutts North Mill in Belper" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Strutts North Mill in Belper" by Contours Holidays (2017)
"Waterside Walking on the Derwent Valley Heritage Way" by Contours Holidays (2017) "Waterside Walking on the Derwent Valley Heritage Way" by Contours Holidays (2017)

Customer reviews from the Derwent Valley Heritage Way

“Was a lovely break. The walking notes were very clear so no mishaps. Great week walking. Very good instructions and places to stay. Would definitely book another holiday with Contours.”
Mrs Thorpe, UK
“Great walk and beautiful countryside. Thanks for your help.”
Ms McArthur, UK
“The scenery was beautiful and varied and the walks were of a good length for us. I would recommend Contours Walking Holidays. We have walked with Contours almost every year since 2004. The organisation, preparation and information provided are exemplary and we have always been happy with the walks and the accommodation.”
Mr Shotton, UK
“We're really grateful to Counters - especially Richard and Emma - for their assistance. Arriving on Day one of Storm Babet was a tough start but with all their help we had a great time! It's a great walk going through many lovely villages with lots of places to stop for refreshments on the way.”
Mr Coyle, Canada
“A wonderful walk through the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution combined with beautiful, ever-changing countryside.”
Mrs Scarth, UK
“Very enjoyable holiday, weather could have been better.”
Mr Brown, UK
“Today we completed our 5-day Derwent Heritage Way walk and despite the rain we had a wonderful time. We greatly enjoyed every part of the Way, and especially loved Heathy Lea. On our last night in Shardlow, we are in Holden House, looking out on the mighty Trent - awesome! Thanks for a great experience.”
Dr Lindenmeyr, USA
“Enjoyed having a bath in most places - thank you.”
Mrs Rodger, UK
“We thoroughly enjoyed our walk along the Derwent.”
Mr Falla, Netherlands
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