Derwent Valley Heritage Way
Explore the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
Derwent Valley Heritage Way
https://www.contours.co.uk/derwent-valley-heritage-way
A walk through the Derbyshire Dales from Ladybower Reservoir in the north to Shardlow in the south.
From £520 per person
From £520 per person
The Derwent Valley Heritage Way follows the Derbyshire 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.
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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.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVHW1 | From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow | 3 days walking | £520 | |
| DVHW2 | From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow | 4 days walking | £645 | |
| DVHW3 | From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow | 5 days walking | £770 | |
| DVHW4 | From Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Shardlow | 6 days walking | £895 |
Travel to Yorkshire Bridge(L) where your first night's accommodation will be booked
Yorkshire Bridge(L) to Rowsley. 17 miles (27.5km)
Rowsley to Belper(L). 17.5 miles (28km)
Belper(L) to Shardlow. 20.5 miles (32.5km)
Depart from Shardlow after breakfast
This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.
Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation in most cases; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard if practical. A very limited number of stops will require you to travel on foot up to two miles off the trail, however these instances will be clearly communicated to you if applicable.
Further transfers may also be required due to some accommodations having a two-night minimum booking policy, especially at weekends.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
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.
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
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“A wonderful walk through the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution combined with beautiful, ever-changing countryside.”Mrs Scarth, UK
“Great walk and beautiful countryside. Thanks for your help.”Ms McArthur, UK
“We have just completed the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail, a superb walk with lots to see, read and research. We should like to thank you for the arrangements made, especially for the depositing of luggage at Ladybower prior to the start, and for the arrangement made at the end at Holden House for collection. We had a delightful experience and hope to use Contours again.”Mrs Morrison, 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 thoroughly enjoyed our walk along the Derwent.”Mr Falla, Netherlands
“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
“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
“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
“My first walking holiday, one which was made extremely enjoyable by Contours taking all of the stress out of it. Thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the holiday. Without a doubt would definitely book another holiday with you, nothing was too much trouble for the contours team.”Mr Chandler, UK
