I did this route in two halves, breaking at Brailsford and using the hourly Swift bus to get to either end. This is a good route with plenty of variety and scenery, and mostly obvious paths. The only problems I found were muddy or recently ploughed fields, just east of Brailsford, which obstructed the marked route....

Andrew Davies

A direct, safe, relaxing, well plotted route. This takes a more obvious direct route out of Hilton....

David Sanderson

Beyond the road the path is fenced off and though it deviates a little from the GPX line there is no possibility of going wrong. The line out of this wood is further west than the definitive path, and leads to an obvious trodden line over the next field which leads to Moor Lane. We continue down Mill Lane then fork left along a little used farm road that leads to field paths on both sides. A short section of quiet road leads to more well marked field paths. Once out of the houses the path remains well trodden but deviates a little from the definitive line. After crossing the lane again the way ahead crosses a large arable field (easy at this time of year) - note that the exit from this field crosses a hedge below the top of the field and continues along the pasture on the left before rejoining the definitive line in the next field. We eventually leave it right on a well used path (once again not quite on the definitive line) that leads to another farm road which we follow out to Markeaton Lane, which is busy but has a good pavement on the west side apart from a short narrower section over a bridge....

Hugh Hudson

This is a good direct route,I walked from Hilton to Derby.leaving Hilton via Welland road and joining Hilton greenway one soon arrives at Eggington Road after a small amount of pavement walking one joins the disused railway line(great northern greenway)This stretch of the route is good walking but is very straight and has very little to offer.Eventually arriving at the former site of Mickleover station one heads towards Mickleover (Station road)take a left Onslow road follow the signs for City Centre.This section of the route was a real suprise a green corridor amongst new developments and constant traffic noise.Arriving at the A38 which one passes under the route is straightforward from this point to Derby bus station.There were no issues regarding obstructions etc.Both ends of the walk have a good bus service(every half hour)Care needed on some of the road crossings but an enjoyable walk....

J w ollid

We cross to the field path beyond, which is a little muddy in places and has a couple of stiles, following it right to emerge on Trent Lane just before the old railway bridge, where a good surfaced track takes us onto the Cloud Trail, an NCN cycletrack that takes us most of the way into Derby. Having crosses under the A514 and the Castle Donington goods railway line, we take the lane right at Swarkestone lock, following the Cloud Trail cycletrack along the path of the Derby canal. Our route follows the old canal line under the bridge, but there is a pub (New Bridge Inn) a short distance left along Derby Road and a Co-Op a little further. There would normally be a pedestrian route by the car park by the bus station, but this area is currently coned off for building work, so if using the route literally the best thing is to cross to the right hand end of the bus station then walk through the bus station. There are two better alternatives for this final section, one is to leave the riverside path at the railway bridge and head down Siddals Road, or (slightly longer but free of road crossings) stay by the river under Holmes Bridge and follow the Boulevard to the meeting point by the bus station....

Hugh Hudson

A short field path takes us to a farm lane, beyond which the field path is a little indistinct in places, and has stiles. North of Collins Park Farm I tried to use the shortcut path left, and one hedge gap was very overgrown with holly and bramble shoots, and might have been impassable in summer - I think most walkers take the slightly longer bypassing line, and the GPX does not make this clear. Having crossed the main road in Stanley Common we turn left down the Ropewalk - don't miss the path that branches right earlier than one might expect if following the OS map....

Hugh Hudson

It is used by many people to access Eastern Derby and the Pride Park employment area from the surrounding towns. Good for a nice Riverside walk....

James Meek

From the meeting point outside Derby bus station, we go right twice to reach the riverside path, which we follow over Exeter Bridge (where there is a choice of steps or ramps), Beyond the Museum of Making, we go left to the road (the riverside path is closed here because of damaged and potentally unsafe duckboards, though there is no obvious notice or fence at the south end, and it is possible to escape at the north end by climbing a low wall). Where the cycle track heads right across the fields, we stay by the river on a narrower path, that leads to a bridge which we cross to reach Folly Road. Eventually we go under the main road bridge, where a shortcut path goes right up steps to reach the wide cycle track on Abbey Hill. At the T junction (Riggs Lane) we go sharp left to reach Duffield Road, where we cross and turn right using the pavement on the west side. There are steps at the crossing of Shaw Lane, where we go straight on, following the right edge of a small wood then crossing in front of Wildersley Farm to join Wildersley Road, a narrow farm lane that takes a dead straight course down then up to Holbrook Road, where we turn right....

Hugh Hudson

Where the path follows a riverside path east of the Silk Mill, the route is temporarily blocked by barriers, and you need to use the road underpass instead....

StephenWalker

A short section of pavement walking takes us to Nottingham Road, where there is a pelican crossing a short distance left. Here we rejoin DERILK 1, using the pavements of Chaddesden Lane and Morley Road to reach the bridletrack which takes us east, crossing Acorn Way (take care) and joining Locko Road for a short distance of road walking - the verges are too narrow to walk on but it didn't feel unsafe to me. We cross a footbridge and take the surfaced path half right to reach the bridleway which goes left along the edge of a school field to reach Derby Road. There is a pelican crossing on Oakwell Drive, where we go straight on, then turn right onto Wharncliffe Road which leads us to the market place, where the Ilkeston meeting point is to the left in the middle of the open square....

Hugh Hudson

More steps or a loop to reach a huge bridge to safely pass under the road then follow the riverside path because the definitive line is invisible across perfect turf. The settlement of Darley Abbey is worth this minor detour but I don't think the Slow Way offers the best route to Derby, paths through the park by the river would be a better choice. A part of the riverside path was closed but the detour was simple although not signed. The final approach to the meeting place offers the best of Derby's riverside....

Ken

The route can be broken into two parts - the quieter part before Pride Park allows you to enjoy the wildlife and river while the part after has benches and is busier with people using the route to travel between Pride Park and the city centre. All in all an enjoyable walk....

Lynn Jackson

Then onto the line of the Derby Canal, which provides a nice green line through the outer housing estates....

StephenWalker

I walked this route from Derby in January. Coming from Derby and using the 1:25000 map I had no difficulty in finding and following the route....

StephenWalker

a nice flat and safe route that follows the river Derwent and uses the cycle track, some is tarmac and some hard pack....

DJ Smith

The section between these crossings are quite pleasant, it basically follows the route of the old Derby canal....

DJ Smith

After crossing Lime Lane the route uses footpaths across the fields to Stanley Common. Leaving Stanley Common it uses more cross-country footpaths across the ridge before reaching tarmac at Park Hall Lane....

StephenWalker

The exit from the town is on quiet roads with pavements, followed by the section along the urban greenways to Kirk Hallam....

StephenWalker

The main road crossing in this direction had poor sight lines but there is a light controlled crossing close by if required. There is a choice at Dale, a cross field path would take you closer to the abbey remains although the arch can be seen from the main route passing the play area, with seats, and the inn, which was open pre-noon on a Thursday. Crossing the next main road, again from the inside of the bend but using eyes and ears should provide a safe crossing. A spell on a bridleway and crossing another minor but busy road, with good sight lines, then it's Chaddesden. A few more shops, perhaps one sells earplugs, because after a few quiet estate roads we hit the main road into Derby....

Ken

Starting at Hilton, we pass the large Tesco Express store on the left, emerging at the end of Welland Road, which we follow past a small roundabout to a gravel path where we turn left, crossing Washford Road and emerging on the Mease, where we follow the cycle route signs right and left onto another surfaced track, which leads through an industrial estate onto Egginton Road, which we cross, and follow another cycle track sign on the far side, which leads us onto the old railway, which forms most of the route. We follow the right-hand track, where the old railway path/cycle track continues without any navigational challenges (or anything else of any great interest - there are a few gates but no steps or stiles) until the track leaves the old railway at the old Mickleover station, emerging on Station Road, where we turn right, ignoring the new housing development on the left and turning left onto Onslow Road, which we follow until just after it turns south, taking the signposted surfaced track through Mickleover Meadows and on through a surprisingly pleasant urban green space. The route onwards follow a series of suburban streets as directly as is possible to emerge on Uttoxeter Old Road, where we turn left, crossing the pelican crossing and turning right into South Street and left along Vernon Street to emerge on Friar Gate, which we follow right under the old railway bridge and into Derby city centre....

Hugh Hudson

I walked it from Borrowash to Derby as the final part of a four route walk starting in Beeston. The road walk down the hill out of Borrowash is quick and easy, from there we join the route of the old Derby canal....

Hugh Hudson

Due to structural issues, the Darley Abbey bridge is closed to pedestrians until July at the earliest. This will be reviewed in July after emergency repairs have taken place I will keep this route under review and will update once I have further news....

Lynn Jackson

Crossing the road from the bus station the route uses busy city shop lined streets which fad away before passing under the neglected Frigate bridge which once carried the rail line that we will later be walking along. The signed cycle route is close by but our walking route takes a more direct course through New Zealand, passing shops before going under the busy A38. There a brief section of estate road walking before crossing a main road. This is an improvement on the original Hilder which had a level crossing of the busy road. The next section is alongside an industrail area but the old lane is traffic free and provides a quite route into Hilton passing shops close by the meeting place....

Ken

I walked Hilton to Derby this is the most direct route which involves some mostly wide roadside pavement for 1.5km. A possible to loop into Etwall using Hilder-2 but otherwise railway path then divert into Mickleover for shops and buses....

Ken

The northern link to or from the cycle route crosses fields with stiles and cattle and some may find the road crossing dangerous with poor visibility....

Ken

My review is based on the review by Lynn, a study of the route on the map, an inspection of the obstruction on site and knowledge of the paths in the area....

Ken

The exit from Derby is good passing the university and making a safe level crossing of the inner ring road. This route offers an excellent link from the city to the park which is accessible to all. A tea room and loos are on route here and there's not much more in the miles to come so best make use. The bridleway track and a cross field footpath are well used passing Vicar Wood on the edge of Kedleston Park, signs make clear there is no access from the public path. At a road crossing, five miles from Derby, a detour of 250 metres left to Maynall Langley would offer a tea room. It's now an easy and direct route through Osmaston Park where signs make clear where the path is not....

Ken

Still, the route was clear and the paths good as I came into Osmaston and took the path to the side of Osmaston Park (photo 4). The only path arrow from the gatepost pointed southwest, to the corner of the field into woodland, not the Slow Ways route east path. I retraced my steps and followed the southwest path to the woodland (photo 12) and then made my way east (without a defined trail this woodland will become difficult to walk through in summer). I came to a gate and followed a faint trail around the Hall grounds to a gate that opened onto Mill Lane, back onto the Slow Ways route. Sadly, I could no more recommend that route than the Slow Ways route....

Lynn Jackson

We began the walk in Heanor but only a few minutes later we were in the Shipley Country Park. We walked past the Shipley Country Park Visitor’s Centre and for a little while stayed in the Park, before passing Mapperley Reservoir and walking into fields containing calm and uninterested horses....

Lynn Jackson

The next section is along the Trent and Mersey Canal, including a section near Swarkestone, Swarkestone Bridge being the furthest southern advance of the Jacobite Army under Bonnie Prince Charlie. You soon leave the Trent and Mersey Canal to join the route of the old Derby Canal....

David Sanderson

A pub at Dale Abbey (halfway through the walk) provides a food and toilet stop if needed. Coming out of Locko Park we walked a small section of the Midshires Way (photo 8), to come into Dale Abbey (photo 9). From Dale Abbey we continued in the countryside, passing through fields with well defined paths and over foot bridges (photos 11 & 12) until we came to the outskirts of Kirk Hallam. The walk past the Nut Brook Pond (photo 13) led us to the Nut Brook trail....

Lynn Jackson

A narrow bridge and short narrow section of muddy path could be improved as the section to Spondon otherwise is stone or tarmac surface....

Ken

North of London Road where you could leave and follow the road into Derby, the track enters the well kept Alveston Park before the cycle track meets Derbor and the Derwent Valley Heritage Way to follow the river side cycle path into Derby....

Ken

The start of the walk at Belper (photo 1) is less than 100 metres from a great little café called The Filling Station (next to the bus station) where you can get a superb breakfast for a very reasonable price (what3words: ///will.online.dunk). The footpath confusion happens again at ‘Ruth’s Hill’ (officially called Red Hill) as you walk into Little Eaton (///bats.prove.sprint) – photo 5. This is also a public footpath, so ignore the sign into the cemetery – walk up the drive until you see steps facing you (the drive curves left). Although the gpx route suggests that you walk through them, it will not add to your journey to walk along the side path next to the turf (photo 7)....

Lynn Jackson

The exit from Heanor is direct and enters Shipley Country Park from the urban area via Sustrans route 67. The correct path has a metal gate but no signage except a notice from the Woodland Trust wrongly stating 'No Public Access' this is very misleading as it's a public footpath so ignore the sign if it's still present. This path takes you across pleasant field to Mapperley Park then a short section of quiet road and right onto another unsigned path which eventually crosses a private airfield, signs offer a warning. Approaching the A608 road crossing the plotting should again be disregarded, Take the climbing surfaced path right. Next a visually pleasant path if you ignore the noise of the adjacent busy but invisible road. It's a direct route between the Derby and Heanor and it's also a very enjoyable leisure walk....

Ken

Camping on the edge of Borrowash at Little Stryne otherwise very little in way of services along the way....

Ken

Walkers on the route share the path with cyclists - the Derbor route is on National Cycle Route 6 which is well used by cyclists. Buses run frequently between the start and finish points of the route in Derby and Borrowash, operated by Trentbarton. A review of another route (Dermel 1) suggests care might be needed in Alvaston park in Derby, as a known anti-social behaviour area....

AF63

For transport to intermediate points on the route, there are bus stops 550 metres off the route at Duffield for services from Derby or Belper. Bus stops on the route in Little Eaton serve Derby and other places in the direction of Hucknall....

AF63

This is a pleasant route from Melbourne to Chellaston where it follows village and rural footpaths then a disused railway line and the canal tow path. Beyond Chellaston it follows the old Derby Canal cycle path. Some areas nearer the city centre are not particularly pleasant....

histman

The Derwent Valley Mills and the River Derwent was designated a World Heritage Site in December 2001 and this route starts in the mill town of Belper and passes more mills at Milford, Duffield Bank and finally, the Silk Mill (Museum) at Derby. The route includes a section of road walking but there is a safe pavement. There are alternative routes between Belper and Derby but they would require more elevation gain and would possibly not hold the same historic interest....

Brian in Belper

River path is super easy to follow and a great no-traffic route for cyling. Tarmac & streetlights out to Raynesway, then dirt/gravel surface....

AlfaFoxtrot

The route north from Chellaston into Derby follows the old canal path....

finbarrinz