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Newsletter
Daily Telegraph Commendation (29/12/07)
The Daily Telegraph has ranked the Heritage Way amongst its top ten Christmas walks. The Telegraph's Gemma Leighton had this to say:
"If you've resolved to be more ambitious in the New Year, put yourself to an early test by trying this fantastic long-distance path that follows the River Derwent. Travel through lovely Peak District scenery and - as it says on the tin - heritage sites. Start at Ladybower Reservoir, heading for Derwent Mouth to meet the Trent. It's 55 miles but if your resolution wobbles do it in bits: this can be your first compromise of the new year."
Undertaking to complete the Way - in one epic trip, or in bitesize episodes - makes for a healthy New Year's resolution to work off the festive excesses that the whole family can enjoy. Make sure you record your achievement when you've finished the Way by claiming a commemorative certificate and embroidered badge.
The Telegraph's full list of Christmas walks can be reviewed here.
Site Update: (16/12/07)
We are deeply grateful to Ashley Franklin for granting us permission to use some of his photographic works of the Way on this site. Ashley has taken numerous stunning shots of the Way, which can be viewed along with his other work in his extensive portfolio, available at his own site http://www.ashleyfranklin.co.uk
Footpath Update: (17/08/07)
Walkers intending to use the Heritage Way should be aware that the
route of the footpath has been temporarily changed in the Matlock area
due to the development in the Cawdor Quarry. Further details and a map
of the diversion are available here
News Update: (16/08/07)
The Derwent Valley Heritage Way footpath continues to be popular and is
used by visitors for short walks as well as by those walking the full
length. It was always the Trust’s intention to develop a multi-use Way
open to cyclists and horse riders as well as walkers.
Most sections of the footpath are not suitable for cycles
and horses and so alternative routes have been investigated. This work
was supported by Sustrans (the cycleway development charity) and local
groups are also keen to see cycle routes developed and are pressing for
action. It will probably be necessary to direct part of the route along
roads as well as improve existing tracks or develop new ones as part of
the overall route. Recent meetings in early 2007 with interested
parties, including the local authorities, have shown support for the
scheme but the high potential cost means that it is not going to be
easy to develop it quickly. Road sections, for example, could be done
as part of planned road improvement or maintenance work which would
have to wait their turn. Others would require negotiation with land
owners and other parties as well as needing finance. A phased approach
is going to be necessary.
Derbyshire County Council has indicated that it would support
a first phase in the Matlock area but financial constraints mean that
any progress is unlikely for a couple of years. This is disappointing.
However, the heritage for which the Valley is famous took a long time
to develop and become recognised as such. Perhaps our modern generation
wants instant solutions in a world where funding is stretched and
dependant on lotteries and competing demands. We will have to manage
our expectations and be patient!
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