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WALX Derwent and Dales

Walk Description:

Saturday Explorer Day walk 

Description for longer version - contact Sam to organise pick up or start points of preference for the 10km. 

Ecclesbourne Valley Walk – Duffield to Wirksworth (with heritage train return)

Step into the timeless beauty of Derbyshire with the Ecclesbourne Valley walk – a delightful countryside ramble from the village of Duffield to the historic town of Wirksworth.

This rewarding route follows the gentle contours of the Ecclesbourne Valley, offering walkers a tranquil escape into nature, rich in scenery and heritage. Your journey begins in Duffield, where we park. From here, the walk winds north through a varied landscape of riverside paths, patchwork fields, and wooded glades. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming stone cottages, wildlife-rich hedgerows, and occasional glimpses of the heritage railway that mirrors your path.

Arriving in Wirksworth, you’ll find a vibrant town steeped in history, with independent shops, cosy pubs, and quaint streets to explore. Take time to relax, (if we arrive in time) refuel, and soak in the atmosphere before hopping aboard the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for a leisurely return journey.

This lovingly preserved train line offers a nostalgic ride through the same countryside you’ve just explored on foot – a unique and memorable way to complete the day.

You can choose to walk a shorter section of it, finishing in Idridghay Station (6 miles) and organise a lift from there back to the start. There is a separate booking option for this. 

Beautiful countryside walking with gentle terrain, a historic railway journey back to Duffield

For 10 or more the group travel price starts at £9.00 for a single pp, for concessionaires it will be (tbc ). Once we have the bookings, prices can be adjusted accordingly.  

Walk length: Short version: 6 miles (join us from Duffield or optional start from Idridghay)

Full walk: 11 miles (Duffield to Wirksworth) Highlights:

Distance: 16.7 km

Ascent: 371 m

Duration: 5–6 hours

Grade: Moderate 

Location: Derbyshire Dales 

Lunch: Picnic 

Start/Finish: Duffield, end of Chapel St, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway car park. 

Please bring appropriate clothing and refreshments for the walk. 

Any cancellations made 24 hours before the walk won't be refunded, so please do not self-cancel.

Location Notes:

Parking is available in the station car park £3 for 24 hours.