Derby Nomad Way - Walk 5 of 5, Morley Smithy to Dale Abbey
4 people attending
16 places left
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 - Sat 29 November 2025
Walk 5 of 5, Morley Smithy to Dale Abbey - 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
We will visit St. Matthew's Parish Church in Morley to discover some in-built remains from Dale Abbey and view the Sacheverell-Bateman Mausoleum. The (converted) Tithe Barn and Dovecote at Morley Hall are also of interest.
Th Church of St. Andrew, much restored in 1875, retains a few Norman features from its 12th century origin, a 14th century font and interesting Jacobean Pulpit.
Stanley Colliery, closed in 1959, was a drift-mine or 'footrill', nicknamed 'Nibbl'um or 'Nibby Pit' due to the coal-owners constantly cutting wages. In former times, the smooth white sandstone from Stanley Quarry was used to produce 'donkey-stones' used for polishing theshold steps. The 'White Hart' is open all day for refreshments.
Return bus service (Black Cat) to Derby available from Stanley.
This is 'The Flourish' and site of the former 'Stanhope Arms', on the old Derby-Nottingham route. Legend had it that the notorious outlaw Uthlagas preyed on the traveller s but after dreaming of the Abbey in Depedale, he became a reformed character and then lived as a hermit.
We will take short detour from the route to visit Derbyshire's only remaining wooden post-mill - The Cat and Fiddle Windmill - built in 1788, where we will have lunch at the Windmill Farm Cafe.
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.
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All images taken by Darren (Derventio) or under Creative Commons Licence to modify, share and use for free with permission for ODL use.
https://live.staticflickr.com/1003/5182457631_24c4a59e5a_b.jpg by Richard Miller
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eamoncurry/6818310172/ by The Roaming Picture Taker
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eamoncurry/7202499668/ by The Roaming Picture Taker
What to bring
Please keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared as necessary.
Click on the link below for useful information.
Food & drink
This is a fairly short walk that includes a late lunch at the Windmill Farm Cafe at the end. Bring plenty of water and any snacks to eat during the walk, as required.