Shirley, Longford and Osmaston Park
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 10 miles
The walk starts and finishes from the pretty village of Shirley, near Ashbourne. There is a small amount of roadside parking in a pull-in off the main road through the village.
The walk crosses farmland, which was extremely muddy after rain. Generally, the footpath signs were very poor, and the maintenance of the stiles was the same, a lot were broken and very wobbly. Blackthorn was growing over some of the stiles and overhanging bushes and trees have been left to go wild for some years.
The footpaths and gateways crossing the Osmaston Park land were good with easy to access gateways. The walk winds through Osmaston Park woodlands, from Osmaston the route takes you down Park Lane, between two of the park’s lakes. The old water mill with its large wheel has a roof similar to a Swiss chalet.
The walk itself was nice, good for dogs and there were areas that they could run free if kept under control.
If you are going to attempt this walk, it is important that you are able to navigate using either maps or GPS due to the lack of proper signage.
Shirley is an appealing village with a fine church and a very old inn, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. St Michael’s Church has been heavily restored and has lost its Norman shape. John Cowper Powys, one of England’s leading religious novelists, spent the early years of his life in the village, where his father was the vicar. The Sarcen’s Head takes its name from the crest on the arms of the Shirley family.
Further Information
Shirley, Longford, and Osmaston Park are three adjacent areas in Derby, that are home to a variety of natural beauty. Shirley Park is a wooded area with a lake, Longford is a more open area with fields and farmland, and Osmaston Park is a mix of both.
The history of these areas dates back centuries. Shirley Park was once farmland owned by the Wilmot family, while Longford was originally a hamlet that grew up around a coaching inn. Osmaston Park was created in the 19th century when the Wilmot family donated land to the city of Derby.
Today, Shirley, Longford, and Osmaston Park are popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. The parks offer a variety of activities, including walking, running, cycling, fishing, and birdwatching. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas in the parks, making them perfect for families.
In addition to their natural beauty, Shirley, Longford, and Osmaston Park also have a rich history. The Wilmot family's Osmaston Hall, which was originally located on nearby Ascot Drive, is now a Grade II listed building. The hall was built in the 17th century and was once the home of the Wilmot family, who were prominent landowners in the area.
The parks are also home to a number of other historical features, including the Longford Windmill, which was built in the 18th century, and the Shirley War Memorial, which was erected in 1921 to commemorate the men from the area who died in World War I.
If you're looking for a peaceful place to enjoy nature or learn about Derby's history, then Shirley, Longford, and Osmaston Park are the perfect destinations. With their beautiful scenery, variety of activities, and rich history, these parks have something to offer everyone.
What will I see on this walk?
