Ilknot one

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Walked from Ilkeston to Nottingham. Mostly very pleasant, though there are a couple of places where the GPX file might be inadequate for a newcomer to the area (using the right of way line through the park in Ilkeston rather than the more direct surfaced path, the straight line past Wollaton Hall which is not entirely possible and the route down from Gregory Street to the canal, which is on the west side of the bridge).

Leaving Ilkeston Market Place we follow the pedestrain area around the church and go straight on on an alleyway (Anchor Row). Either use the ramped path or the steps to get down to the bridge under Chalons Way (this is not a straight line either way!) and follow the obvious path into Chaucer Old Park. Here the GPX file suggests following the right of way around the perimeter of the park to the right, but it is easier to stay on the surfaced path that cuts the corner, as the right of way line is neither signposted nor visible as a path on the ground. Follow Park Crescent past the cemetery to the right turn into Millfield Road, where we take the alleyway going straight on, and stay on the alleyway where it crosses Heathfield Avenue, which we rejoin using Winchester Crescent. We turn left onto Monks Close and take the obvious track that leads down to the bridge across the Erewash canal.

Having crossed the canal we turn right, taking the left fork and a signposted left turn which leads us to the railway bridge, where you can either use the steps or the longer cycle ramps on both sides. The GPX file is inaccurate. On the far side of the railway we follow Mill Lane out to the Nottingham canal, and follow its towpath as far as the second bridge, which we cross, following another towpath right into Robbinets Arm and up to Cossall Road, where we cross with care, taking a tree-lined bridleway up the hill. This leads fairly directly (apart from a short detour to cross under the M1) to the A609.

We turn left and then cross Bilborough Road and Trowell Road to reach Wollaton Vale. There is a choice of path and pavement options here - I used the surfaced path parallel to the road initially but stayed closer to the road beyond the first underpass - it is possible to follow it further but that leads to steps where it ends below the railway bridge. Beyond the railway the road divides, use the one that isn't the main road and follow the pavement as far as the Bramcote Lane roundabout (note that the Hemlock Stone pub is the only one we pass between Ilkeston and Derby Road beyond Wollaton Park). Go a short distance up Bramcote Lane and turn right onto Brookhill Lane, which leads to Parkside and the pedestrian entrance to Wollaton Park. The signs indicate that the park closes at 7 pm, and there are locks on the gates that may be used at night.

We head into the park, taking the main right fork down to the Lake, and proceeding straight on / slightly left up the hill on a clear surfaced path towards the Hall. As noted in my introduction, the GPX file is a little misleading - it is correct as far as the museum, where we continue on a narrower path up steps, which turn left just below the hall to emerge on a surfaced road - we follow this around the bend in front of the Hall and take the first surfaced track right, ignoring the path that heads into the walled garden. The route down onto Lime Tree Avenue is obvious. Beyond the first park gates the avenue is shared with cars using the golf course. We continue along the avenue through more gates and turn left into Middleton Boulevard, which we cross on two pelican crossings.

Continue down Charnock Road, Charnock Avenue and Charnock Way to Derby Road, passing Lenton Lodge, one of the old gatehouses of Wollaton Park. Cross Derby Road on a pelican crossing and (unless a visit to the Rose and Crown is needed) follow Hillside, continuing on a surfaced riverside path, which crosses to the east bank of the Leen on Leen Gate and emerging on Abbey Street opposite the Johnson Arms, crossing Abbey Street on another pelican crossing and turning left. We then follow the signposted route along Priory Street and through to Old Church Street onto Gregori Street, where we turn left and pass the tram stop onto Lenton Lane. The steps down to the canal leave the road on the west (right) side - we follow them down to the canal and go right again under the bridge.

The canal leads us past Castle Marina, the Castle Bridge retail park and the Inland Revenue Building to the lock by the Navigation pub, where we go up the ramp onto Wilford Street, where we turn left. Note that it is easier to use the pelican crossing at the junction with Castle Boulevard rather than the pavement on the south side to reach Castle Road, which we follow up the hill past Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (which claims to be England's oldest pub) and the Robin Hood statue, turning right onto Friar Lane, which we follow, crossing Maid Marian Way at another pelican crossing to reach the Old Market Square and the Nottingham meeting point on the left side of the council house (a.k.a the Left Lion).

A great urban centres walk. Leaving Nottingham city centre is good with no unpleasant road walking. Through Wollaton Park is the highlight with a cafe and loos close to half way. I was a little concerned about the farm track, expecting traffic to Spring Farm Shop but saw nothing. At the bridge under the motorway there was a muddy bit only commented on because the path surface was elsewhere very good. The approach to Ilkeston is along quiet roads and footpaths, the meeting place a good one. No stiles, no cattle, even in good countryside. Road crossing generally very good but care needed at A6002, lights but not for pedestrians and Robbinetts Arm near Cossall busy rat run road. Most of the route is shared with bikes and horses. I didn't see many of the former and only droppings of the latter. It could be shortened by 700 metres taking the public footpath and permissive cycle route along the roads of the private and quiet Park Estate.

I completed this walk in February, starting in Ilkeston. The countryside sections are varied. Even though it had rained in the week before the only muddy section was on the track leading to the underpass beneath the M1. The roadside sections in both towns were on pavements. Thoroughly enjoyable scenic route.

A great route between Ilkeston and Nottingham, taking in parts of the Nottingham Canal and walking through Wollaton Hall Deer Park.
There are obstacles, primarily the bridge over the train line near Ilkeston, but there are ramps for wheeled users. There are also occasional cobbles over canal bridges. Walking is along canal paths, bridleways or quiet roads and even the walk along Wollaton Vale is along quiet service roads away from busy traffic.

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