Burhil three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

The link between Burton and Hilton needs to cross the River Dove which limits the available routes. Having looked at the road serving one bridge I was not happy to use it or invite others to use it. This route has roadside pavements so no direct conflict with traffic but the pavement/cycle track alongside the A38 is not ideal but is safe. The missing link here is a direct Slow Way Burton to Derby which would be far better along the canal to Swarkestone then the cycle route using the old Derby canal route.

I walked from Hilton which after a short section of estate road goes off road along a popular dog walking cycle track. Back on the road there is a narrow pavement but the rail crossing requires that we cross the road twice as it’s on the opposite side.

Into a cropped field, the plot correctly takes us along the edge before turning in the true direction of travel. An excellent stile accesses a grass field, no stock in January but there could be at other times. A tour through Egginton confirms there are no services here.

The footpath exits via the churchyard where there are seats for use on a day warmer than today. The path heads south to hit the A38 but there is no link here so we use a track. The pavement as said is not ideal, noisy and relies on drivers keeping their vehicles on the road. We follow the slip road and continue on the pavement passing a bus stop before using a flight of steps to access the canal towpath. An alternative cycle track is available along the north bank and could be used into Burton.

The towpath is well walked but is only an earth path so could be a bit muddy at times, today it was firm and frozen. Signs invite us to visit the Clay Mills pumping engines, well worth a visit perhaps on another day. After the fourth bridge the cycle track has cross the canal and runs alongside but separate from the towpath, this is a bonded surface so may be an option if you don’t mind sharing it with bikes.

Passing Dallow Lane Lock we soon arrive at a footbridge over the canal and here we leave onto town streets with safe crossings to arrive at the poorly located Burton meeting place, that is unless you wish to make a rapid exit by train.

I walked this route from Hilton to Burton using public transport at either end.It is good direct route,leaving Hilton and crossing the Derby/Crewe train line(manned level crossing)passing Derby Airport the route crosses several fields and on to Eggington.A track can then be used to access the A38(any road sections do have a pavement but care is needed on the A38 section as it is a cycle route and offers no protection from fast moving commercial and general traffic which pass ) crossing the A38 at Clay mills bridge and joining the canal (Trent and Mersey)heading towards Burton on Trent.Leaving the canal at Shobnall It is a straightforward walk to the finish at Burton on trent railway station.There were no access or obstruction issues.

A safe and direct route which deals with two problematic crossings with aplomb. The limited crossing points of the River Dove and safe crossing points of the A38, limit the options. I caught the stopping bus from Burton for my first ever visit to Hilton. The starting point is adjacent to the bus stop. The walk from there is fairly functional. Walking along main road pavements and tarmac paths until you reach the countryside. This relaxing section is punctuated by some interest in the village of Egginton. There is a section of cycle lane alongside the A38, a noisy and not particularly enjoyable section, but preferable to the alternatives of lane walking, or trying to cross it. Having reached Staffordshire you soon join the towpath of the Trent and Mersey Canal. This is a well used and friendly section of walking. A cycle lane running parallel is set slightly higher and away from the towpath and can be preferable, but dodging cyclists can be an issue here. The last residential section is a short walk from the meeting point. Steps and Stiles.

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