News 5 October 2023

Autumn walks in Derwent Valley

Lace up your walking boots and enjoy an autumnal walk in Derwent Valley, by train.

Lea Wood

Alight at Cromford or Whatstandwell to visit this beautiful ancient woodland, bursting with autumn colours and almost 100 different species of fungi! Lea Wood is roughly equidistant from Cromford and Whatstandwell stations, about 1.5miles (2.4 km) along Cromford Canal. Explore the woods at your leisure, and keep an eye out for the idyllic Aqueduct Cottage, built in 1802 as a lockkeeper’s cottage and now restored by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Photo shows Lea Wood Pumphouse with Aqueduct Cottage in the distance on the left.

Duffield to Belper

There are a number of options for this walk of between 4 and 6 miles, so take a look at the leaflet on our website to decide which one is right for you. The routes take in rolling Derbyshire fields, historic villages and autumnal wildlife with a wide choice of pubs and cafes in Duffield and Belper – the perfect station-to-station walk.

Nottingham and Beeston Canal

Stroll by the tranquil canal from Nottingham city centre to Beeston station (4 miles) or continue for another 2 miles to Attenborough. Walkers looking for a longer distance challenge can continue a further 5.5 miles to Long Eaton station: Try the walk.

Look out for winter migratory birds such as whooper swans and goldeneye ducks.

What’s your favourite seasonal walk in Derwent Valley? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram and X.

More News Articles

June 25 2024

Passengers discover the history of Long Eaton’s four railway stations

The history of the railway in Long Eaton is revealed through a set of new information panels located around the railway station.

View
June 10 2024

Network Rail Report Considers Improvements at Belper, Duffield and Spondon

Derby Area Stations Strategic Advice; This Network Rail study seeked to answer - How can local railway stations and rail services in the Derby area be made more appealing to users?

Rail service options and station facilities were considered for Duffield, Belper and Spondon,

View
June 5 2024

Community Rail Marketing and Communications Job Opportunity – Deadline Extended to 11 July

The Derwent Valley Line CRP and High Peak and Hope Valley CRP seek freelance marketing and communication services to deliver key elements of their activity plans. The closing date for this role has been extended until 11th July at 11am.

View
June 4 2024

Scouts Summer Planting Project at Matlock Bath

Matlock Scouts took the train to Matlock Bath and helped the station adopters plant up and water the platform planting barrels.

This planting session follows on from an evening talk about the Derwent Valley Line and safety on the railway. The Scouts will also be using the train for a summer evening walk.

These activities form part of the Scouts Platforms for Change initiative which is a collaboration between Community Rail Network, the Scouts and the rail industry to engage Scout groups through community rail activity, station projects and rail confidence trips.

View
May 23 2024

Community Rail Week on the Derwent Valley Line

A range of community and promotional activities took place along the Derwent Valley Line as part of Community Rail Week 2024.

The week began with schoolchildren making Bee Bug Hotels followed by a community project day at Duffield Station and a day promoting the Derwent Valley Line at Nottingham station.

View
April 25 2024

Community gets on board with Belper Station artwork

A new community artwork has been unveiled at Belper railway station.

The mosaic welcomes passengers to the town and celebrates its outstanding heritage.

View
March 25 2024

Schoolchildren Discover Tracks, Trails and Trains

Children from two schools in Wirksworth have launched a new walking booklet celebrating their local history, environment, and the railway.

View
March 10 2024

Local treats and eats in Derwent Valley

With Easter on the way, it's the perfect time to sample some locally crafted treats. Hop on the bus or train to explore Derwent Valley and enjoy a taste of Derbyshire.

View
February 9 2024

Striking New Artwork Unveiled at the Matlock Station Footbridge

An impressive 3.4 square metre artwork depicting a Midland Railway 1000 Class steam locomotive has transformed Matlock Station Footbridge..

This type of locomotive was a common sight in Matlock until the 1960s.

The Unveiling Ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the transformation of the pedestrian approach to Matlock Station.

View
February 7 2024

Pubs and pub walks in Derwent Valley

As lighter evenings begin to arrive, it's the perfect time for a pub walk in Derwent Valley, by train of course. Here are a few suggestions of places to visit where you can enjoy a stroll followed by a welcome pint or two.

View
January 30 2024

Celebrating a successful train service at Spondon

Public transport in Spondon has received a boost, thanks to a community campaign and the support of East Midlands Railway to improve the train service.

View
January 7 2024

We’ve been shortlisted!

We're delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2023 Community Rail Network Community Rail Awards, for a partnership project with The Heights of Abraham.

View
December 29 2023

New Year, new adventures ahead

Set a healthy and community-spirited New Year's intention by making sustainable transport part of your lifestyle in 2023.

View
December 7 2023

Family winter walks in Derwent Valley

Enjoy family-friendly winter walks in Derwent Valley this winter. Getting the train to your destination will feel like a festive adventure in itself!

View
November 16 2023

Amazing views in Derwent Valley

Soak up the last of autumn's colours and take in some of Derbyshire finest views. Get there by train on the scenic Derwent Valley line, where you'll also get a great view from the train window.

View
November 10 2023

Derwent Valley Line adopters attend Routes of Remembrance service

On Friday 10 November, Station Adopters from the Derwent Valley Line joined East Midlands Railway staff and other Community Rail Partnerships at Derby station for a Service of Remembrance.

View
November 1 2023

Feeling festive in Derwent Valley

The festive season is here! Get into the spirit with this selection of sparkling experiences in Derwent Valley.

View
October 17 2023

Books and literature in Derwent Valley

Derwent Valley is a book-lover's paradise! It's home to plenty of independent bookshops and literary connections, so hop on the train and start exploring.

View
September 18 2023

Annual Report 2022/23

We're pleased to share our Annual Report for 2022/23

View
September 8 2023

Museums and heritage by train

The Derwent Valley Line runs through the heart of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and is bookended by the historic city of Nottingham and the Victorian spa town of Matlock. History and heritage buffs will be spoilt for choice!

View