I woke with some minor aches and loosened up with a hot shower. After sampling much of the breakfast buffet I was walking before 8am. Despite the early sun, the air was cool and I was tempted to get gloves from my pack, but instead opted to quicken my pace. The weather was forecast to become cloudy but this didn't happen and so later in the day I was applying sunscreen.
_04.jpg "The Cromford Canal is easy rural walking") |
| The Cromford Canal is easy rural walking |
Today's first section around Cromford was familiar although quieter than when I've visited later in the day. The various attractions were still closed. Walking through industrial Belper and Derbyshire was interesting and looked to be worth a future 'tourist' visit. The DVHW guidebook suggests heritage attractions but I didn't have the time for detours and I don't find it easy to mix stops and hiking in a day.
_05.jpg "Historic mill houses on a Belper hillside") |
| Historic mill houses on a Belper hillside |
South of Derby was a tough 8km for me as the path was clear, level and paved. Great for cycling but tedious for a tired walker. Every hundred metres felt like an eternity.
_06.jpg "The River Derwent is regulated by many weirs along its length") |
| The River Derwent is regulated by many weirs along its length |
After some welcome field paths the way passed through villages on the road, once again a struggle. At Shardlow I was relieved to join a canal again with its colourful boats and portside structures.
_07.jpg "The Trent and Mersey Canal was a welcome sight") |
| The Trent and Mersey Canal was a welcome sight |
Derwent Mouth is a picturesque ending defined by an information board. It's worth continuing to the footbridge over the River Trent to see the end the the Derwent more clearly, whatever your destination.
_08.jpg "The Derwent Mouth is where the River Derwent flows into the River Trent") |
| The Derwent Mouth is where the River Derwent flows into the River Trent |
However, this bridge was part of my route as I continued a few km into Long Eaton to catch a train home. I was very aware of today's 50km with a mild back ache and the beginning of a rubbed toe.
The DVHW was an enjoyable 90km walk, generally easy underfoot and with only a few minor ascents. To a degree its ease might be seen as a drawback as it didn't provide much variation in pace.
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