Burswa two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked from Burton to Swadlincote, with the intention of surveying it. Mostly fine, but a section of the path east of Oversetts Road was blocked by a sturdy metal fence, so I had to retreat and find an alternative via Meadow View Road and the path that goes south from Almond Grove. The section between Stapenhill and Oversetts had a couple of wet and icy sections, but not enough for the boots to get wet.

From Burton station we head east down Station Road, then turn right where it ends on High Street. We cross a little park and pass through the Burton & South Derbyshire College buildings to reach tha rather impressive viaduct over the Trent flood plain meadows, which leads to the older (1889) bridge over the river. From here streets take us through Stapenhill. There is normally a pelican crossing on Stanton Road just after we join it, but this was out of order due to road works. We then use the access road for the Blessed Robert (who he?) academy then pass through a housing estate.

The path onwards is obvious, and is partly surfaced, though the surface is crumbling in places and it does have a few places that may flood in winter (and were shallowly flooded for me). There were also enough bramble shoots around the path to suggest that these may be an issue in summer. Park Road is reached easily enough, and with it the first of many housing developments near the route. We go left then branch right on the roughly surfaced Woodview Road, which becomes an unsurfaced path once beyond the older houses. A good shortcut path takes us over an area of rough wasteland to Oversetts Road

From here on the route would normally be direct and easy, but unfortunately it is currently blocked by more development (picture 13). There may be an alternative through the new estate to the south, but I opted to go slightly north and use Meadow View Road. It was easy enough to return to the route from Almond Grove, but the more easterly of the two paths here appeared to be blocked by uncut vegetation.

Once back on the route proper the rest is easy - just trust the GPX through the new estate that is not yet marked on the 1:25000 OS map, then use pelican crossings to reach the rather uninspiring bus station.

I really enjoyed walking this route. Everyone in Burton upon Trent and Swadlincote should give it a go!

I used it to get to Timber Festival!

I always take delight in post-industrial nature, something this route is not short of.

I've nothing to add to the previous reviews from Ken and David, other than that there was a lot of vegetation on the day we walked the route. I was fine in shorts, but maybe someone could help to trim back some back!?.

Easy to follow along generally good level ground. I walked Swadlincote to Burton.

Leaving the bus station the road is busy but there are light controlled crossing. The cycle route is inviting but the Slow Way soon leaves it to use a new estate roadside pavement. Much new building is taking place but the path is protected between hedges. A network of mown paths across a scrubland common, with benches, needs navigational care. A path behind houses gradually changes to a rough road before meeting the main road.

More new development opposite where the footpath turns right along a private gated road, a gap to the side allows walkers access if the gate is locked. The track is helpfully raised above what would otherwise be very wet ground which shows signs of severe flooding at times. It had dried out when I passed so the swans had moved away.

Passing under a disused railway bridge the path has signs of a concrete base which was perhaps once a roadway, fast disappearing under encroaching vegetation.

From Stanton Moor it's road walking through Stapenhill with good pavements and a safe crossing of the main road. It was tempting to explore the park but the bridge and viaduct were calling. A woman had a sholley full of bread that she endlessly flung into the river like confetti which attracted the water fowl from miles around. The route passes the college and then in the town all the major bus stops before heading off to the railway station which I suggest is not the best place in Burton for the meeting place.

The route starts through the centre of Burton by pavement to a mainly pedestrianised section and then turns into the High Street. Passing through the college (literally) you then cross the Washlands and then the Trent by the Stapenhill Viaduct, a magical raised piece of engineering which allows a traffic free walk above the greenery and the river. Stapenhill is mainly residential but offers shops and pubs as well as, after a few climbs, some views. After some more residential pavement pounding and a little bit of footpath you pass, almost seamlessly, into South Derbyshire. As you leave the houses you take a footpath through edgeland as far as Swadlincote. The only point of the walk which got my heart racing in a bad way was where I encountered a family of swans who had nested in the lane! I was able to pass with extreme caution (and a fair amount of hissing!). As you emerge from Newhall Wood Swadlincote is ahead. From here you cross the B5353 then follow a series of paths passing construction sites for new houses until you cross a foot bridge. Beyond this is a new road which leads you to a short distance from the bus station. Direct, easy to follow, varied and in parts beautiful. Full marks!.

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