THE WALK

DARLEY ABBEY WALK

Length: Three miles.

Start/finish: Tourist Information Centre.

Location: Market Place, Derby city centre.

Terrain: Easy, flat walking mainly on surfaced paths and pavements.

THE ROUTE

Walk across the Market Place towards the War Memorial and turn right up Iron Gate, carry straight on, passing Derby Cathedral and the Dolphin Inn.

Maintain the same direction up Queen Street, cross King Street and walk along a recently created path leading to the footbridge over St Alkmund's Way.

On reaching St Mary's Roman Catholic Church turn right in front of the church, and then in a few yards go to the left up Darley Lane.

Continue straight on up North Street before going right at a sign for Chester Green; do not cross the bridge but walk along the path close to the River Derwent by the Derby Rowing Club Head Quarters.

Walk across Darley Park heading slightly to the left towards a gap in the trees in front of you, which eventually leads to footpath where you turn right. Follow the path round, keeping to the left of the park cafe.

On reaching New Road go to the right and follow it to the bottom of the hill, where you turn left past the Abbey Inn.

Continue along the road through the village and as it bends to the right cross the bridge over the Derwent.

Follow the narrow winding road carefully through the mill complex, before about 75 yards after leaving the mills behind turn right down Folly Road.

After passing Derby Rugby Club on the left and Folly House on the right, you go over the new bridge (officially opened in 2003). Keep straight on before turning right at the Millennium Milepost, after 200 yards.

Remain on the path close to the river, before crossing Handysides Bridge on the right, just past Derby Rowing Club.

Once, on the other side of the Derwent, turn left down a flight of steps and continue in the same direction keeping close to the river.

Go under St Mary's Bridge, with the Bridge Chapel on the right and continue by the side of the river, passing the Old Silk Mill, down to Exeter Bridge. Turn right over the bridge, with the Council House on your left and return to the Market Place and the start of the walk.