Belper, Derbyshire Ale Trail
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At about 11.5 km (7 miles) with 264 m (866 feet) of ascent this is more than a leisure walk but the main focus is real ales, cider or whatever you prefer to drink.
We head from Belper railway station to the East Mill and over the River Derwent towards Blackbrook and Hazelwood along part of the Derbyshire Portway, an ancient trackway that runs for over 40 miles through the Peak District. There is a good view of the town from here.
We cross back over the Derwent at Milford to the Holly Bush Inn at Makeney: A Derby CAMRA Pub of the year in 2007, it’s described as ‘an increasingly rare breed of unspoilt inn, where time has stood still', hailed for its wide-ranging ales and legendary pork pies. In 2015, the Holly Bush was voted Pub of the Year in the Derby Telegraph.
Over fields we reach the nearby village of Holbrook to the Dead Poets Inn recently leased by the Brunswick Brewing Company of Derby, who re-modelled the beer garden. There are numerous cask ales, including Bass, Abbott ale from the jug, several guest ales, and many varieties of gins, rums, single malts, wines and other spirits, and traditional ciders, to suit all tastes!
From Holbrook we head north across fields and tracks back to Belper and The Railway, a large town centre pub near the station, operated by Lincoln Green Brewery, offering eight cask and six keg ales. Bar meals are available until early evening with popular live music on some Saturdays and a loyalty card scheme on cask ales.
Dogs are welcome but owners must ensure they are kept under control at all times.
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Image Credits: All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
What to bring
Anyone new to walking may wish to draw from the following as required:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful.
Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs.
A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack of 20 to 30-litre capacity, allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for any on-going ailments or conditions, such as hay-fever or diabetes.
Food & drink
We will make time to stop and eat a packed lunch but, if you prefer, buy and eat food at one of the pubs as you choose. There are numerous eateries in Belper for an evening meal if you wish to stay and have dinner there.