Derby Nomad Way - Walk 4 of 5, Kirk Langley to Morley Smithy

The Derby 'Nomad Way' is an 80 km (50 mile) recreational route circumnavigating the City of Derby. The route celebrates the Derby Nomad Ramblers, formed in 1935, many of whom took part in the mass trespass of Kinder Scout in 1932, which resulted in the opening of access to the moors and freedom to roam the countryside that we enjoy today. The walk is broken into a series day walks between 8.8 km (5.5 miles) and 20 km (12.5 miles) long. 

Please note: we will be using public transport for these walks. Each leg begins and ends in the centre of Derby via a bus ride to the start point and back from the end point to the City centre.

The route traverses the rolling countryside within the districts of Amber Valley, Erewash Valley and South Derbyshire, and it passes through 22 Civil Parishes surrounding the Derby City boundary with numerous places of interest along the way. Overall, the walk terrain is 'moderate' with all of the footpaths and tracks on public rights-of-way within the County of Derbyshire. Crossings of the River Derwent are made at Duffield and Church Wilne.

Villages included on the walk include Quarndon, Duffield, Little Eaton, Morley Smithy, Dale Abbey, Stanton-by-Dale, Risley, Breaston, Draycott, Shardlow, Aston-on-Trent, Weston-on-Trent, Swarkestone, Barrow-on-Trent, Findern, Etwall, Dalbury, Lees, and Langley Common. There are numerous pubs, cafes and tea rooms to offer refreshments at various points along the route. 

Links to other walks in the Nomad Way series:

Walk 1 of 5, Dale Abbey to Shardlow - Sat 11 October 2025

Walk 2 of 5, Shardlow to Findern - Sat 18 October 2025

Walk 3 of 5, Findern to Kirk Langley - Sat 22 November 2025

Walk 4 of 5, Kirk Langley to Morley Smithy - 17.6 km (11 miles) - Sat, 29 November 2025

Walk 5 of 5, Morley Smithy to Dale Abbey - Sat 13 December 2025

At Vicarwood, a high point 125m above sea level is reached on the bridle road behind the Pleasure Ground of Kedleston Park. A panoramic view of the City of Derby to the immediate south can be seen from here with the granite escarpment of Charnwood Forest on the horizon.

The high point on the Derby Nomad Way is reached here at 'The Common', 137m (482 feet) above sea level. A detour could be made here, via Coach Drive, for an opportunity to view the Millennium Topograph on Bunker's Hill behind 'Montpelier'.

Quarndon was visited by Daniel Defoe in 1727, by which time the medicinal and 'curative' waters of the Chalybeate (Ka-Lib-e-at) Well had aquired rame and aspirations for the development of an important 'Spa'. A series of earth tremors, after around 1863, disrupted the 'spring' and the flow finally ceased from the Lion's Head Pourer following a major tremor in 1956. The ornate, castellated stone enclosure to the spring can be seen half-way down Church Road adjacent to the 'Joiners Arms'.

Return bus service (109, Mon to Say only) to Derby available from Quarndon.

St. Alkmund's Church in Duffield is adjacent to an ancient crossing of the River Derwent, south of the main village. This religious site, during Anglo-Saxon times, was probably a refuge for travellers. The earliest remains of the existing building are from the Norman period. Duffield Bridge was constructed in 13th century and subjected to later widening for the Chesterfield Turnpike in 1812. Looking downstream, dominating the skyline on the eastern bank, can be seen the brick chimney of Peckwash Mill. Originally a corn mill in 13th century but later, a paper mill of massive importance, being the largest producer of paper in the world during its heyday.

Return bus service (The Sixes) to Derby available from Duffield.

On the other side of the bridge we pass the 'Bridge Inn' pub.

The 'Derby Nomad Way' begins to share part of its route here with  the 'Midshires Way' and the 'Centenary Way' passing through Eaton Deer Park which existed during the Middle Ages.

At this junction, on the outskirts of Little Eaton between the main settlement and Coxbench is the 'Bell and Harp' pub.

Return bus service (7.1, 9.2 or Amberline) to Derby abailable from 'Bell and Harp'.

In the field, before reaching Morley Moor Farm, the route again crosses the line of Ryknild Street on its way north to Templeborough (Rotherham).

The 'Three Horseshoes Inn' is available here for refreshments at the end of the walk, if desired.

Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome but owners must ensure they are kept under control at all times.

Waitlist: If this event is fully booked, add yourself to the waitlist. Places often become available closer to the date. If you will not attend, cancel your attendance as soon as possible to allow someone else to take your place.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

All images taken by Darren (Derventio) with permission for ODL use.