Erewash Walking Week

Monday 8^th – Sunday 14^th April 2024

Promoting everyday walking to improve health and well-being

Join us for guided walks and walking challenges!

Great fun for all ages and family members

Welcome to Erewash Walking Week which is taking place from Monday 8^th April to Sunday 14^th April 2024.  The programme is run to encourage everyone to get outdoors and explore the local area through walking.  There are a range of walks on offer from Monday to Sunday, whether you are interested in learning about local history, exploring nature, socialising with friends, or simply challenging yourself. Walking can also contribute to boosting your immunity and reduces the risk of long-term health conditions.

Please note the following:

• All walks are free of charge to attend.
• Booking information where relevant is listed against each walk.
• When walking, please ensure that you wear suitable footwear and clothing.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please make sure to bring a filled water bottle and a snack with you on your walk.

National Walking Day – Wednesday 3^rd April

The 3^rd of April is National Walking Day and to celebrate this Erewash Museum has organised the following history walk in partnership with Ilkeston and District Local History Society:

Old Railways Walk, Ilkeston 

Run by Erewash Museum in partnership with Ilkeston and District Local History Society

Time: 10 am – 12 noon

Start and finish: Victoria Park, Drummond Road, Ilkeston, DE7 5HA 

Distance: 2 – 2.5 miles

Toilets: On the walk, along the proposed route  

Parking: Car park at Victoria Park

A member from Ilkeston and District Local History Society will explain how it’s been 60 years since the railways were open and how there is so much to see and discover about the old railways. This walk will particularly suit the railway enthusiast.

Erewash Museum has organised this walk-in partnership with Ilkeston and District Local History Society. Ilkeston and District Local History Society runs meetings and activities to discover fascinating details about the towns past, from industry, social history to heritage.  

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Katherine Simpson on 07929 731026 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Erewash Walking Week - Full programme of walks:

Monday 8^th April

Petersham Breakfast Café Walk, Long Eaton

Run by Hope Long Eaton

Time: 9.45 am – 10.15 am

Start and finish: Petersham Community Hall, Grassmere Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4DZ

Distance: 1.5 miles

Parking: Free on street parking is available on surrounding streets

A short walk lasting around 30 minutes around the Petersham community.  A free breakfast is available at the community café before or after the walk from 9 am until 11 am.  Hope Long Eaton is a Christian ethos charity that runs community outreach in the Long Eaton area.  

No booking is required.

Contact: Just turn up at the start of the walk. 

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
• Toilets available

West Park Circular Walk, Long Eaton   

Run by Long Eaton Health Walk  

Time: 10 am – 11 am

Start and finish: Long Eaton Town Hall, Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1HU  

Distance: 1.5 – 2 miles

Parking: £1 for up to 3 hours at Long Eaton Town lower car park

An easy going walk around West Park which is an attractive local park. Long Eaton Health Walk is a friendly group who meet every Monday at 10 am outside Long Eaton Town Hall.

No booking is required.  

Contact: Just turn up at the start of the walk.  

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Toilets available

Potters Loop Walk, Ilkeston 

Run by Monday Strollers Group

Time: 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start

Start and finish: Victoria Park Leisure Centre, Manner Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8AT

Distance: 2.5 miles

Parking: At Victoria Park Leisure Centre or surrounding area

A circular walk-through Ilkeston down to Potters Lock and back along Erewash canal.  The group disperses near Tesco where people can get some refreshments. The Monday Strollers are a friendly group who meet most Mondays (except Bank Holidays) at Victoria Park Leisure Centre at 10.15 am.  Occasionally, the group meets at The Gallows Playing Fields for a walk along the canal.  All walks are usually between 2.5 – 3.5 miles in length.

No booking is required.

Contact: Just turn up at the start of the walk.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Toilets available

Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve Walk, Kirk Hallam

Run by Kirk Hallam Community Network

Time: 11 am – 12 noon

Start and finish: Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve, Wirksworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 4GE

Distance: 3 miles

Parking: Parking available at nature reserve (6 spaces) and around local area

Walkers will walk about Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve which is truly a breathtaking experience.  The peacefulness of the area is only interrupted by the occasional chirping of birds or rustling of leaves.  The trail is well maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for all levels of walkers.  It’s a great opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. Kirk Hallam Community network aims to increase physical activity levels across Kirk Hallam.

No booking is required.

Contact: If you have any queries or questions about the walk, please contact Aija Cirule on 07540 094808 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome

Tuesday 9^th April

Shipley Park – Carers Walk & Talk, Heanor  

Run by Derbyshire Carers

Time: 10 am – 12.30 pm

Start and finish: Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre, Heanor, DE75 7GX

Distance: 4.8 miles

Parking: Pay and Display parking is available

Come along to the Carers Walk & Talk at Shipley Country Park. Walkers will meet at the Visitor Centre before beginning the guided 4.8-mile walk.  Chat to the organisers and other carers whilst taking in the scenery! Carers are welcome to bring a pack lunch to have at the end of the walk.  Carers Walk & Talk is organised by unpaid carers who are registered with Derbyshire Carers Association.

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Katie Matkin email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs leads are welcome
• Booking required
• Toilets available

Wednesday 10^th April

Erewash Canal Walk, Long Eaton

Run by West Park Walkers

Time: 10 am – 11.30 am

Start and finish: West Park Leisure Centre, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 4AA

Distance: 4.5 – 5 miles  

Parking: At West Park Leisure Centre or surrounding area

Walk a section of the Erewash Valley Trail, which is a scenic 30-mile path for walkers through Long Eaton offering access to captivating wildlife and heritage. West Park Walkers run an ongoing walking group on Saturdays from 10 am at West Park.

 

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Rachel Buczkiewicz on 07878 847170 to book your place.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Booking required
• Toilets available

Bennerley Viaduct Skywalk, Ilkeston

Run by The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct

Time: 11 am – 12.30 pm

Start and finish: Bennerley Viaduct, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8PX. The closest postcode to the lane is DE7 8JF. Access via a lane off Awsworth Road. From A6069, Shilo Way, turn onto Awsworth Road. Drive down and turn right before the railway bridge. Coming from Ilkeston it’s the first left after the railway bridge. Drive down the tarmac lane.  If you are walking use the Erewash Canal towpath then the woodland track to the railway footbridge.  Follow the path to the compound. Walking from Nottingham side, follow the path underneath the viaduct to the Erewash River footbridge.

Distance: 2 miles

Parking: Free car park

Enjoy a guided walk of Bennerley Viaduct which is one of only two wrought iron viaducts nationally and its beautiful surroundings.  Learn about history, industry and nature and work to rescue and reopen this amazing place. The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct is a charity dedicated to restoring, conserving, and celebrating Bennerley Viaduct.  

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place and see www.bennerleyviaduct.org

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Booking required

Morley Hayes layby to Brackley Gate Walk, Morley  

Run by Erewash Ramblers

Time: 10.30 am – 12.45 pm

Start and finish: Layby next to Morley Hayes Golf Club (A608)

Distance: 4.5 miles

Parking: Layby only

Walk to Brackley Gate passing the Alms Houses and return via Morley Hayes Church and Morley Hayes Golf Club. Erewash Ramblers is a local group of The Ramblers, based in south-east Derbyshire, established in 1981. The group organises group walks in the local area and beyond, led by experienced walk leaders.

No booking is required. 

Contact: If you have any queries or questions, please contact Derek on 07973 254317, www.erewashramblers.org.uk.

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome

Old Railways Walk, Ilkeston 

Run by Erewash Museum in partnership with Ilkeston and District Local History Society

Time: 10 am – 12 noon

Start and finish: Victoria Park, 15 Drummond Road, Ilkeston, DE7 5HA 

Distance: 2 – 2.5 miles

Parking: Car park at Victoria Park

Ilkeston and District Local History Society will explain how it’s been 60 years since the railways were open and how there is so much to see and discover about the old railways. This walk will particularly suit the railway enthusiast. Erewash Museum has organised this walk-in partnership with Ilkeston and District Local History Society. Ilkeston and District Local History Society runs meetings and activities to discover fascinating details about the towns past, from industry, social history to heritage. 

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Katherine Simpson 07929 731026 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Booking required
• Toilets available

Thursday 11^th April 

Little Eaton to Breadsall Walk, Little Eaton

Run by Erewash Ramblers

Time: 10.30 am – 1 pm

Start and finish: Little Eaton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Little Eaton, Derby, DE21 5EA  

Distance: 5 miles

Parking: At Little Eaton Village Hall car park

Little Eaton walk to Breadsall which loops round the Great Northern Railway Greenway back to Breadsall and returning to Little Eaton passing Drum Hill. Erewash Ramblers is a local group of The Ramblers, based in south-east Derbyshire, established in 1981. The group organises group walks in the local area and beyond, led by experienced walk leaders.

No booking is required. 

Contact: If you have any queries or questions, please contact Derek on 07973 254317 www.erewashramblers.org.uk.

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome

Walk Derbyshire Cotmanhay Walk, Ilkeston

Run by Parkside High CIC, Cotmanhay Conversations, Walk Derbyshire Active Neighbourhood Pilot  

Time: 10 am – 11 am

Start and finish: Cotmanhay Children’s Centre, Beauvale Drive, Ilkeston, DE7 8RU

Distance: 2-3 miles

Parking: On road parking by Cotmanhay Children’s Centre

A relaxed walk is available to residents of all ages and abilities with the aim being to talk about Cotmanhay, barriers to walking and seek out potential walking routes.  It will include positive engagement and how walking can benefit individuals to improve health and wellbeing.  Parkside High is working with Walk Derbyshire and other local partners to research and understand what walking means to people locally, in and around Cotmanhay. 

No booking is required.

Contact: If you have any queries or questions, please contact Josh Binch on 0115 930 1000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs

Ilkeston Town Walk, Ilkeston

Run by Ilkeston Town Walkers

Time: 10 am – 12.30 pm

Start and finish: Outside Ilkeston Library, Market Street, Ilkeston, DE7 5RN  

Distance: 4 miles

Toilets: Marketplace public toilets available at start and finish of the walk

Parking: There is a pay and display car park at Pimlico car park or South Street car park.

A gentle stroll to Straws Bridge Nature Reserve via Rutland Recreation Ground. Try to bring binoculars if you can. Ilkeston Town Walkers is a new walking group with walks taking place around Ilkeston and surrounding areas. Beginner walkers are very welcome.

No booking is required.

Contact: If you have any queries or questions, please contact Ken Foster 07964 374105 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs

Friday 12^th April

 Bennerley Viaduct Skywalk, Ilkeston  

Run by Friends of Bennerley Viaduct

Time: 11 am – 12.30 pm

Start and finish: Bennerley Viaduct, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8PX. The closest postcode to the lane is DE7 8JF. Access via a lane off Awsworth Road. From A6069, Shilo Way, turn onto Awsworth Road. Drive down and turn right before the railway bridge. Coming from Ilkeston it’s the first left after the railway bridge. Drive down the tarmac lane.  If you are walking use the Erewash Canal towpath then the woodland track to the railway footbridge.  Follow the path to the compound. Walking from Nottingham side, follow the path underneath the viaduct to the Erewash River footbridge.

Distance: 2 miles

Parking: Free car park

Enjoy a guided walk of Bennerley Viaduct which is one of only two wrought iron viaducts nationally and its beautiful surroundings.  Learn about history, industry and nature and our work to rescue and reopen this amazing place. The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct is a charity dedicated to restoring, conserving, and celebrating Bennerley Viaduct. 

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place and see www.bennerleyviaduct.org

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Suitable for children
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Booking required
• Waterproof footwear recommended

Petersham Family Easter Trail Walk, Long Eaton

Run by Hope Long Eaton

Time: 11 am – 1 pm

Start and finish: Petersham Green, Grassmere Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4DZ

Distance: 0.5 miles

Parking: Free on street parking available on surrounding streets

A free Easter trail for families.  Find the hidden clues to complete the trail and win a prize. Hope Long Eaton is a Christian ethos charity that runs community outreach in the Long Eaton area. 

No booking is required.

Contact: Just turn up at the start of the walk. 

• Easy – flat terrain
• Suitable for children
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs

The Navvy’s Walk around Borrowash, Draycott and Ockbrook

Run by Erewash Borough Council

Time: 5.30 pm – 8.00 pm

Start and finish: Village centre shops, Victoria Avenue, Borrowash, DE72 3HE 

Distance: 5.5 miles

Parking: Please park on the streets because parking in the shop car park is limited to 2 hours.

This is a picturesque walk nearby Hopwell Hall grounds, Draycott House and the Old Derby canal. Erewash Borough Council runs a walking project to raise awareness of local walking groups and to promote everyday walking to help improve health and wellbeing.

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Rachel Scott email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place.

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Booking required
• Toilets available

 

Saturday 13^th April

 Hermits Walk, Dale Abbey

Run by Erewash Borough Council

Time: 9.30 am – 12 noon

Start and finish: Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve, Wirksworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 4GE

Distance: 3.5 miles

Parking: At Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve (limited parking)

A lovely circular walk from Kirk Hallam to the Dale Abbey Hermits Wood and Dale Abbey Arch. Erewash Borough Council runs a walking project to raise awareness of local walking groups and promote everyday walking to help to improve health and wellbeing.

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact Rachel Scott email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place.

• Hard – hills, challenging
• Suitable for children
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Dogs on leads are welcome
• Booking required

Sunday 14^th April

Walks4Wellbeing (mixed group), Draycott

Run by Walks 4 Wellbeing

Time: 10 am – 12 noon

Start and finish: In the car park behind Draycott Fish Bar, 15-17 Derby Road, Draycott, DE72 3NJ

Distance: 3 – 4 miles

Parking: Free car park behind the Draycott Fish Bar

A walk from Draycott and around the local area.  There are plenty of resting places on this walk where walkers can have a drink and chat. Walks 4 Wellbeing runs mixed, and men only walks. The men only walks take place every first and third Sunday and the second Sunday is a mixed group, led by a qualified Walk Leader.

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Raoul 07775 673189 to book your place.

• Medium – mixed terrain
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Booking required

 

Accessible Walk & Talk, Long Eaton  

Run by Walks 4 Wellbeing

Time: 2 pm – 4 pm

Start and finish: Outside West Park Leisure Centre, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4AA

Distance: 1 mile

Parking: Free car park including disabled parking

A gentle walk around West Park.  The route is flat and accessible and will be led by a trained Walk Leader.  Suitable for wheelchair user and people with reduced mobility. There are plenty of resting places on this walk where walkers can have a drink and chat.

If you are interested in attending this walk, please book your place using the contact details below.

Contact: Raoul 07775 673189 to book your place.

• Easy – flat terrain
• Waterproof footwear recommended
• Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
• Booking required
• Toilets available

Forthcoming walking activities

 Derbyshire Adult Community Education are running two remote sessions as follows:

The Peak District Ethels, 18^th April 2024

1 pm – 3 pm

Find out about the work of Ethel Haythornthwaite in preserving the Derbyshire landscape and helping to establish the Peak District National Park.  Ninety-five high points in the Peaks were designated as Ethels in recognition of her work.

Virtual Map Reading, 30^th April 2024

1 pm – 3 pm

This session is for beginners interested in using maps to explore the countryside by foot or by bike.  Learn how to recognise key map symbols and relate them to features on the ground, estimate distances on a map and find out how to keep safe when out in the countryside.

For people who live in Derbyshire aged 19 years and over. Both sessions will be delivered remotely, and participants will be part of a live class with a tutor but with everyone doing the lesson in their own home.

For more information and bookings please see www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation with bookings opening on 18^th March 2024.