5.6 miles / 9.1 km
After initially following a disused canal, now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and local nature reserve, the Way then takes to woods and fields beyond Ambergate before passing a large pond as it heads for Belper, a town retaining much of its intriguing industrial past. At Shining Cliff Woods there are the remains of a huge yew tree said to be 2,000 years old and, according to legend, the origin of the nursery rhyme Rock-a-bye-baby. Near Belper Bridge the original North Mill, one of the town’s various mills, now houses a Visitor Centre and interpretative museum.
Terrain
Canal towpath, woodland and field paths, minor roads.
Public transport
To the start at Whatstandwell, and from the finish at Belper, buses link to Derby, Matlock, Buxton and Manchester; trains link to Matlock, Derby and Nottingham.
Accessibility
The canal towpath & lane down to Ambergate are suitable for wheelchairs & buggies, also Wyver Lane into Belper, but not the paths between.
