The River Derwent at Darley

This is a short circular ride of just over 2 miles. following the River Derwent Northwards from Handisides Bridge through Darley Park to Evans Mill, and returning by way of Darley Fields. It is mainly traffic free apart from a short section in the village of Darley Abbey.

We start at Handisides's Bridge which once carried the LNER Railway across the River Derwent en route from Friargate Station towards Breadsall and on to Nottingham. The railway was closed by Dr. Beeching in the 1960's and the bridge was retained as a pedestrian walkway and cycle route.

We pass the Derby Rowing Club building and enter Darley Park on the excellent new path constructed by Derby City Council in 2019.

This leads us to Darley Abbey village where we cross the river at Evan's Mill where reels of cotton were once produced in large quantities.

A toll (£1) is payable by motorists, but there is free passage for cyclists and pedestrians.

We are now on Haslam's Lane and we take the first right turn into Folly Road which leads us over a small bridge and into Darley Fields.

The surrounding land is prone to flooding and much work has been done recently to mitigate this and protect vulnerable properties.

On reaching the entrance we have a short section on City Road before turning right on the path alongside Parkers Piece and we return to our starting point on Handiside's Bridge.

A video of the whole route can be seen on YouTube. 

 Click Here

 

Langley Country Park

 With increases in the volume and speed of motor traffic on our roads, they are becoming more dangerous for the most vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. 

The good news is that some of the many new housing estates are being built with paths which are not open to motorised traffic.

Here in Derby we have an example of the best of these path at Langley Country Park, which was recently opened close by Radbourne Lane which is adjacent to Mickleover and the Mackworth Estate.

©Komoot                          Map of route

The ride starts close by this roundabout which is on Radbourne Lane between Ashbourne Road and Station Road Mickleover.

                             Start here on Samuel Road

Take the first left turn onto this path.

The area us unlikely to flood being on top of a hill, but several of these drainage ponds have been put in making a nice feature and providing a haunt for wildlife.

After turning right, follow the path along by this fencing along the East side of the estate.

Here we are on the North side of the estate.

These houses face Northwards, looking over open countryside.

Tantalizing views through the gap in the hedge looking over towards Mackworth village.

And here a distant view of Derby University on Kedleston Road.

A right turn here, heading back towards Radbourne Lane.

Hidden by the trees on the left is the Radbourne Lane Water Tower.

On our right is another path which leads to the centre of the estate.

And on the left a footpath leads to open fields.

Radbourne Lane now insight.

Sharp right here.

Behind the hedge on the left is Radbourne Lane.

And here we are back at the starting point.

You can see a video of the circuit by going to YouTube.

Click Here

and for a video of the circuit running in the opposite direction (anticlockwise) click Here2