Ecclesbourne Way, Duffield
Ecclesbourne Way is an 11 mile walk following the length of the Ecclesbourne River from Duffield to Wirksworth. The walk is along footpaths and a few minor roads with some hilly sections offering great views. There is an optional extension up to Alport Height which adds a further mile to the walk.
The route
The walk starts in Duffield, and finishes in Wirksworth, following the full length of the Ecclesbourne River upstream. Or you can of course do this in reverse.
The highest point of the route is 768 feet and there are panoramic views from ‘Hilltop’ at 650 feet.
There is also an optional extension on to Alport Height, at 1,034 feet.
The length of the walk is approximately 11 miles, or 12 miles if including Alport Height.
The route is along footpaths and a few minor roads. Some of the walk is alongside the river, other parts follow and climb up from the valley and away from the river, which allows you to see the spread of the valley from above.
The last section from Idridgehay to Wirksworth is the hilliest.
Overall, please don’t expect a flat walk!
At the end, return to Duffield, or Wirksworth (depending on where you started!) by Ecclesbourne Valley Railway heritage train.
Cafés and pubs in Duffield and Wirksworth provide refreshment.