Reaching the Heights of the Derwent

Service Description

This tour crosses both sides of the Derwent Valley and the Cromford Canal. In fact your journey will depart to the east of the hub and return from the west. Although this is a 3 hour tour if you wanted to take at a more leisurely pace it can take a bit longer so you may have less time for refreshment breaks Initially the trail joins the Cromford Canal at Ambergate and follows the towpath north before leaving at Whatstandwell. The route then climbs steeply to The Tramway Village and Crich Stand. A short detour to the Crich Stand Memorial provides a poignant break with a 50pence donation to climb the tower 340m. Even the Tea Rooms offer fantastic views if you don't wish to climb the steps. On a good day 7 counties and Lincoln Cathedral can be seen as well as Alport Heights which you will later on your tour. It is then out onto Plaistow Green along a ridge offering equally good view of the flatter plains to the east and Shuckstone before turning west to the historical manor of Dethick (notably home to the Babington family in Elizabethan times). Riber Castle (19th Century folly) another prominent feature on the local skyline will fade in and out of view from the top of the Moor. The route then falls steeply down into Lea Bridge where signs of the industrial heritage of the area again become prominent. It is then a short push over the canal and the Derwent where we rejoin the canal to Cromford. Cromford Mills provides an ideal halfway stop with cafes and shops located in this World Heritage Site. The return journey crosses the A6 Derby Road to travel west climbing trails and minor roads high onto Alderwasley Moor. The landscape towards Wirksworth is stunning albeit bleaker and more open with a myriad of country lanes to follow. The route passes below Alport Heights. Looking back over the valley is this point higher than Crich Stand? Narrow lanes eventually reveal the Bear Inn, possibly your last opportunity for refreshment. Minor farm lanesbrings you back into Ambergate to arrive at your destination from the opposite side of the Derwent River. Difficulty - Intermediate Red Tour Surface - Minor roads, canal path, tracks, small section of main road , you may have to push your bike for small sections Distance - 20.4 miles Time allocated - 3 hours Refreshment Stop Options - Ambergate, Crich, Whatstandwell, Cromford Mills & Alderwasley Moor Tour Ref - 26