Lonbee two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked as the first part of a four route walk from Beeston to Derby via Long Eaton, Breaston and Borrowash. No major problems, though I share Ken's concerns about the narrow path at the Long Eaton end - I had to duck to avoid brambles at head level and it is obviously little used.

The walk out of Beeston is pleasant enough, though interest diminishes once it gets more suburban. The route across the golf course is clear and surfaced (badly marked golf course paths are a personal pet hate) and the crossing down into Attenborough Nature reserve is safe. The paths through the reserve are popular and pleasant.

I don't have any problems with unprotected crossings on straight sections of railway, and I hope this crossing doesn't get axed, even though the industrial estate is not an ideal introduction to Long Eaton.

One thing that puzzled me slightly is that the GPX route suggests using the footbridge to cross the final railway in Long Eaton when there is a flat "pavement" alternative - I would only use the footbridge if the crossing gates are closed.

I walked this route From Long Eaton in February. The exit from LE is not very attractive, the narrow footpath along the railway is a dumping ground, but usable none-the-less. Once across the railways and heading for Attenborough it is enjoyable walking. The section through Attenborough nature reserve and village particularly pleasant. Overall a pleasant stroll.

I enjoyed this walk which has no stiles and generally a good firm surface. There are two level rail crossings but major road crossings are light controlled. If I walked it again I would go via Long Eaton Market Place and High Street then stay on the roads avoiding the enclosed narrow path alongside the railway.

This route may be shorter than Lonbee-1 but it has some issues. From Long Eaton the railway footpath crossing at the end of Barton Road is unprotected and I would guess on the list to be closed on grounds of safety. A second pedestrian railway crossing at Attenborough is light controlled.

The section of path alongside the railway in Derbyshire is in limbo as a site notice points out. It was provided by agreement for ten years in 2007, that has now expired. While the landowner appears to have taken no action to block access, the path can be closed at any time, this could be temporary or permanent. Derbyshire County Council still show it as part of their local cycle network but it's not adopted by the council and is not a right of way. The county boundary is the River Erewash half way along and Nottinghamshire do not acknowledge the remainder of the route, It would appear to have no other link as part of the Nature Reserve. It is well used and perhaps the councils will eventually sort it out, if they have the cash to get a result.

It only occurred to me recently that the name Barton Road was the road to Barton in Fabis via a long gone ferry across the Trent, a bridleway on the south side marks the location. The walk by Attenborough church is very pleasant taking me to new locations passing the village green where flood prevention walls have been constructed in sympathetic materials. Approaching Beeston through West End offers the best of the town's heritage, as the west end usually does.

This route is a shorter version of the Lonbee One route, taking in the northern boundary of the Attenborough Nature Reserve. It is a lovely route and a lot of wildlife can be seen along the way.
The route can flood after prolonged, very heavy rain (as can Lonbee One), so check if this has been the case.

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