When I was planning the route for this section, I faced a dilemma. Should my outward route take in the beautiful Shining Cliff Woods and the ancient St Margaret's Chapel at Alderwasley, on the west side of the river? Or should I explore the remains of some old tramways and make my way up to Crich, perched high above the east bank of the Derwent? I wanted to do both. But I also had to follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Way along the Cromford Canal. I decided on the Shining Cliff option, and did that loop with Toby. Then, a few days later, I unexpectedly had the chance to do another walk by myself. So I returned to the car park in Ambergate and set off for Crich. All of this rambling only advanced me a couple of miles along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Walk 1: Ambergate, Alderwasley, Cromford Canal There's a large layby on Holly Lane, Ambergate, which is very convenient for Shining Cliff Woods. It gets busy, but Toby and I bagged a space and set ...
Getting through life one cake at a time.