Shardlow and Bellington Hill

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 9.4 miles

Embark on a delightful and easy walking adventure through the scenic landscapes of Derbyshire, where you'll uncover the charm of Church Wilne, the historic inland port of Shardlow, and the quaint village of Ambaston. This route primarily follows tranquil canal towpaths, meanders through open fields, and traverses quiet country lanes, offering a diverse and engaging experience for walkers of all abilities. While generally easy underfoot, be mindful that paths can become muddy and very wet during the winter months, so appropriate footwear is recommended during that season. For convenient access to the start of your walk, parking is ideally situated in the small car park serving the nature reserve at St Chad's Church in Church Wilne, providing a picturesque beginning to your exploration.

Your journey begins in Church Wilne, a settlement with roots stretching back centuries. It's highly probable that Church Wilne predates Shardlow, potentially originating in the 7th or 8th century when St Chad himself used it as a base to spread Christianity throughout the Kingdom of Mercia. The presence of St Chad's Church underscores this historical significance, with records indicating a Saxon church in the Wilne area as early as 822 AD. The current St Chad's Church, largely rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries, stands as a testament to the enduring importance of this location. Adjacent to the church lies St Chad's Water, a nature reserve created from a repurposed gravel quarry, now a haven for diverse bird life and a tranquil spot to begin or conclude your walk.

From Church Wilne, the route likely progresses towards Shardlow, a village that flourished with the arrival of the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1777. Before the canal, Shardlow was a smaller river port, trading in local goods like Derbyshire cheese. However, the canal's construction transformed it into a significant inland port, facilitating the transhipment of goods between river barges on the River Trent and the narrowboats navigating the canal. Evidence suggests a settlement in Shardlow dating back to Roman times, with its mention as "Serdelau" in the Domesday Book of 1086 highlighting its long history as a crossing point on the River Trent. Today, Shardlow retains much of its 18th-century character as a canal port, with surviving warehouses and a rich industrial heritage waiting to be discovered.

Continuing your walk, you'll eventually reach Ambaston, another village with historical depth. Ambaston's origins predate the Roman era, with its name believed to derive from an Angle named Embold who settled the fertile flood plain for farmland. This gave rise to its Domesday Book entry as "Emboldstune." Historically, Ambaston marked the northernmost navigable point on the River Derwent. While it evolved over time to include various trades and a public house, it experienced a period of depopulation in the early 20th century. Interestingly, during World War II, Ambaston was temporarily abandoned to serve as a "Starfish" decoy site to divert enemy bombers from nearby Rolls Royce factories.

Throughout this easy-grade walk, you'll enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Trent and Mersey Canal, a waterway that played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. Conceived by engineer James Brindley and championed by Josiah Wedgwood, the canal aimed to connect the four major rivers of England. Its completion in 1777 facilitated the transport of raw materials and finished goods, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth. Keep an eye out for local wildlife that often frequents the canal banks and surrounding fields.

This circular route, beginning and ending near St Chad's Church in Church Wilne, offers a gentle exploration of Derbyshire's waterways and charming villages. It’s an ideal way to experience the blend of natural beauty and historical significance that this part of the county has to offer. Remember to check local weather conditions and wear appropriate footwear to fully enjoy this pleasant walk along the canal, fields, and lanes.

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