River Derwent - Darley Abbey to Derby Paddle Trail

1-2 hours

Duration

3 miles

Distance

One Way

Easy

Difficulty

DE22 1DU

Start Postcode

DE24 8XL

End Postcode

A. Put in down the bank, below the shallows at the bottom of the weir and turn right, towards Derby city centre.

B. The river is quite narrow and overhung by trees, creating a green tunnel in summer. After the first mile the suburbs crowd in and a quiet stretch leads to a road bridge before the busy inner ring road bridge.

C. Once under this, the paddler is in the middle of Derby, and on the right bank is a former Silk Mill, now restored and a tourist attraction. A pleasant, more open part of the river is crossed by a new and modern pedestrian bridge. On your right is Derby Cathedral, with new flats on the left and paths either side of the river.

D. After the next road bridge, the river broadens out into a lake, with County Council buildings on the right bank and much open ground. There are many ducks and geese. This is a favorite walking, lounging and picnicking space and also a possible egress.

E. At just under 1.5 miles you reach Longbridge Weir. This can be easily portaged on the right bank, or shot in enough water.

F. As you paddle beneath the pedestrian suspension bridge you may spot the many ‘love locks’ attached to its metal sides.

G. The river continues through an urban area, but is well vegetated, especially in summer. After passing a railway line and bridge, the scenery opens out a bit with the left bank as grassland.

H. Ahead is a modern road bridge, which heralds the finish of your trail. Head to a heavily vegetated river bank on the right side, about 300 yards downstream of the modern road bridge to leave the river.

Discover More

This trail offers a good opportunity to paddle what might be seen at first as an uninteresting urban river, but which repays your time and effort. Downstream from the finish is a very industrial area, with poor road access and some dangerous weirs. In summer, thick vegetation makes portaging difficult.

Darley Abbey village in Derbyshire, is a haven of peace and tranquility, a short distance from the busy A6 just north of Derby. It is a village of delightfully restored mill cottages, built in rows or around squares. It was originally an Augustinian priory, founded by Robert Ferrers, second Earl of Derby, around 1146. The Abbey became one of the most important in Derbyshire, but was surrendered as part of the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1538, and almost totally obliterated.

Derby is the most central city in the UK. It is well worth taking the time to wander around the city before or after your trail.

Derby Silk Mill, formerly known as Derby Industrial Museum, is a museum of industry and history in Derby, England. The museum is housed in Lombe’s Mill, a historic former silk mill which marks the southern end of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Please note: the Silk Mill is currently undergoing a full refurbishment, with an expected completion date of summer 2020. Until the project is complete, the majority of the museum is closed, with limited opening hours.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.