4.8 miles / 7.7km
The Way negotiates the undulating eastern side of the Derwent Valley and, as it does, passes patchwork fields, tall chimneys hinting of past industry and an ancient bridge over a disused quarry, all the while not far from signs of urban life. Belper Park is a remnant of an old Royal forest. In the Middle Ages it was owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and used for breeding deer. Peckwash Mill, built in 1805, became one of the biggest paper mills in the country. Its spectacular chimney was added in 1895 but the emission of smoke upset a neighbour, a consequence that led to the demise of the business. Stone from the nearby Rigga Quarry area was used in the construction of Derby Cathedral and other notable buildings around the Midlands.
Terrain
Footpaths, tracks, pavement by road.
Public transport
To the start at Belper, buses from Derby, Matlock, Buxton and Manchester; trains from Matlock, Derby and Nottingham. From the finish at Little Eaton, buses to Belper, Derby, Mansfield and Heanor.
Accessibility
Only the road sections are wheelchair suitable.
The route as far as Makeney is possible with a buggy but would be hard work. The paths between Duffield Bridge & Little Eaton are not passable.
