Peak District - The Derwent Valley Heritage Way

In this video I follow the River Derwent along the 55 mile Derwent Valley Heritage Way from Derwent Mouth near Shardlow to Heatherdene on the banks of the Ladybower Reservoir. During the 3 day trek I walk through the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass Derby Silk Mill, walk along Cromford Canal and visit Sir Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mill the birth place of the industrial revolution.
A Huge Blog Post with images and audio - COMING SOON
Route Map - www.shareyouradventure.com/map...
Website - www.DeanRead.net
Twitter - goo.gl/eXYC99
Facebook - goo.gl/LTqMWS
Instagram - goo.gl/P4J2ey
SoundCloud - goo.gl/JimMkH
Subscribe to my channel
bit.ly/KZbinDeanRead
All music by Dean Read. Footage shot with a Canon 7D with a 17-40mm lens and it was edited in iMovie.

[@thomasanderson6558]

Soon as you hear that music you know your watching something special

[@andrewmogg-jm6jw]

The DVHW is a lovely walk, the route especially blessed with such great history and fantastic pubs.

[@DeanRead]

It's a fantastic route isn't it, thanks for watching. I walked it again last week and thoroughly enjoyed it

[@essexplodder9796]

Got to love the random gates in the middle of fields nice overnight place to stay, once again yet another great advert for the glorious countryside we have, with the usual great history thrown in thanks for sharing the trip, last YHA i stayed in was the one in Buttermere Easter 2011 think it was about £11 a night atb Barry

[@DeanRead]

+Essexplodder Hi Barry thanks for watching mate. I think the YHA was £13 a night, I splashed out again got a private room as I'm anti social :-) hahaha. There is certainly lots of great history in Derbyshire and the Peak District just waiting to be explored. I'll get back there again soon and make more videos of some of the place along the way. ATB Dean

[@MrPenninechris]

Started doing this walk yesterday using a book which chops the whole walk into 19 circular walks along the whole path.

[@DeanRead]

It’s a great route, thanks for watching Chris

[@christophersmith2689]

Hi dean superb mate i lived in little eaton in the seventies and used to play in peckwash mill when it was a wreck it as been restord for a good few years now happy days Really enjoyed that dean so much so i am going to watch it again now thanks for that dean top man atvb to you take care chris

[@DeanRead]

+Christopher Smith Peckwash Mill is an interesting place, couldn't fit all the info in the I'd learned about the place though :-) Thanks for watching Chris, ATB Dean

[@angel3ye5]

Your an inspiration to me Dean, luvin your vids and adventures - great stuff !

[@AndrewBeavers]

Looks a great route that Dean,looks like it's another one on the ever increasing list..I did do a short stretch of the walk when i did a walk from Baslow along to Grindleford where i then walked back along froggatt,curbar & baslow edges back in the spring.I did think back then it would be a nice little achievment to do the full route.Bet you were glad you did it in the salomons rather than boots & aint it nice to rock up to a hotel or yha for a nice shower & nice bed lol..As ever mate great vid & some nice information in there r:e the mills etc..tfs.Andy

[@DeanRead]

Hi Andy, sorry I haven't replied to this comment sooner. just found it found it in the spam filter section, It thought you were sharing a link when your wrote route.Bet :-) I was really happily with the Salomons, I'd not worn them in so they were fresh out of the box for this trek. I did get a small blister on my heal from where they rubbed a little but it was my own fault for not tightening them up more and dealing with the blister before it arrived. Thanks for watching mate

[@wellsgb1957]

Great stuff, thanks for taking us along 👍🏻

[@DeanRead]

+Andy Wells Thanks for watching Andy

[@DownHillCol]

Loved that Dean that walks been on my radar for a while now because I live pretty much on the route in Belper, and glad you did a video before I did as it provides way more info than I would have LOL

[@DeanRead]

+DownHillCol Thanks for watching Col. It's a really great walk. I could have spent a week doing it and featuring more of the history but it would have been a very long video :-) ATB

[@constructioneerful]

Great video. Been picking off bits of the peak District last few years, but will now try the trail this summer.

[@SummitOrNothing]

Really enjoyed this, great stuff and very informative as always. Thanks Dean.

[@DeanRead]

+Summit Or Nothing Thanks for watching, it's a really great route and I'm glad I went back to make a video of it :-)

[@kingkenny334]

Great walk and commentary Dean. Have been watching your channel over the last year or so. You’ve certainly given me the bug to get my arse off my couch to do some hiking. Went around the Roaches a few weeks ago and loved it. First of many walks I hope 👍

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for watching Jurgen, glad the videos have helped give you some inspiration to get out there. The Roaches are stunning aren’t they. All the best. Dean

[@MrSamcro59]

Thanx for this vid my family are from Matlock I live in fleetwood so that area you walked is very dear to me especially as we lost a family member this year! That's a hell of a walk you did good effort!

[@Roobarb_Defender]

Superb video, thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Very professional.

[@pshearduk]

Loving this already Dean, and I'm only 5 minutes in to the video.. Looking forward to viewing the rest with my glass of vino :) who on earth has thumbed this video down!! there are some mean spirited folk out there.. anyway, all the best and thank you for taking the time to record this adventure (and your music). Cheers Paul.

[@DeanRead]

+Paul Sheard Thanks for watching Paul. There must be some people out there who dispute the fact that the industrial revolution started in Derbyshire... either that or they think I'm an idiot :-) haha. Either way they can hit the thumbs down if they like, no skin of my nose. ATB mate, Dean

[@Andrew-Simmons]

Another awesome video and very informative, thanks Andy

[@DeanRead]

+Andrew Simmons Thanks for watching Andrew, I love that period in history so the mills fascinate me :-) ATB Dean

[@PaulOutdoors]

Yet another superb watch and listen Dean. A beautiful part of the world with a rich history eloquently shared. Inspirational. Thank you :)

[@DeanRead]

+Paul Outdoors Thank you Paul, I really love learning about that period in history so I'm glad I went to make the video. Thanks for watching mate. ATB Dean

[@PaulOutdoors]

Dean Read Glad you did too Dean :)

[@jamiecbs]

Nice one dean .. very enjoyable and informative .. some beautiful buildings and sites along the way ... thanks for posting mate .

[@DeanRead]

+jamie shuttleworth Thanks for watching Jamie. Really enjoyed making this one, I love learning about history and then trying to remember to mention the important bits when doing the video :-) haha

[@LezleysAdventures]

Nice trail, adding it to my to do list!

[@DeanRead]

+Lezley I Thanks for watching Lezley, it's a really great trail

[@andrewseadon8770]

Great video​ mate made a refreshing yet interesting change from your usual peak videos . Been loads of these places at various times of my life with and without my children . The heights of Abraham was always a great day out . Going to look up that giddy.path place you mentioned sounds most interesting. Again as always keep up the good work .

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for watching Andrew, you should definitely give Giddy Edge a go. I'd recommend going when it's dry as It can be a little slippery and you wouldn't want to drop from that height :-)

[@TheGun311]

very good content and totally worth the walk!

[@DeanRead]

+TheGun311 Thanks for watching, it's a really great route :-)

[@Edogawa1117]

Excellent video. Really enjoyed it.

[@DeanRead]

+Edogawa1117 Thanks for watching :-)

[@kevjones2107]

I found that very interesting thanks for the inspiration to do this sort of thing myself. ATB Kev

[@DeanRead]

+KEV JONES Thanks for watching Kev, it's a really great route with lots of places to stay along the way to break it up. ATB Dean

[@Dorset_Phil]

A stunning walk this one. I had to study Sir Richard Arkwright for O level history and have always found Cromford fascinating.

[@DeanRead]

+Philip Nicolson hi Philip thanks for watching, I’m fascinated by that period in history and Sir Richard is certainly an interesting character. ATB Dean

[@WalksWithOlly]

Great video, Dean! I climbed up and around the High Tor path about a month ago - great views and the fish and chips down in Matlock Bath wasn't bad either. ;-) A sunny day, in August and, as you said; rammed with people.

[@DeanRead]

+Olly Outdoors Chips are a must when in Matlock Bath, I would have had some if it was later in the day :-) High Tor is a really great little hill with stunning views. Thanks for watching Olly. ATB Dean

[@Depp601]

Thank you Dean for another great video, my American friend totally enjoyed seeing a part of England with you. :)

[@DeanRead]

+Depp601 Thank you for watching from across the pond. I’m really lucky to live in an area that has such varied landscapes and that is also packed with history. All the best, Dean

[@airlessmean]

im looking at doing this route in april or so :) hopefully wild camp it along the way!

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for watching, we went back again in November last year and wild camped the route. We camped/bivvyed beside the Cromford Canal and near Frogatt. Have a great time

[@davidearl2038]

Another great video Dean, some interesting spots there. Your motto should be `Undaunted by the weather` you always give it your best shot whatever the elements throw at you. Well done mate.

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for watching David, I don't let a bit of drizzle (torrential drizzle) get in the way of an adventure. Just makes filming a little tricky at times :-) All the best

[@darrenbush4491]

Great video again Dean some good information given about the walk, I keep meaning to get to lady bower with my mountain bike.the new trail near Rowsley looks good too.

[@DeanRead]

+Darren Bush Thanks for watching Darren. Once they have fully finished the trail link from Rowsley to Matlock that will make the Monsal & High Peak Trail loop excellent :-) hope you manage to get up to Ladybower soon mate. All the best

[@darrenbush4491]

Dean Read yes it will make Monsal Trail even better.

[@MarkTayloroutdoors]

So this is the quick 55 miles you mentioned lol looked like an amazing route with some very interesting history to go along with it. Can’t fault you for stopping in the hotel, 27 miles was an incredible start to the journey. I visited the Masson mill with my primary school, I really should make another trip sometime. Can’t beat a trip to Matlock, been there many times being a biker myself. Looked a really nice yha in eyam, and a really great journey Thanks for sharing it with us Atb mark

[@jamiestables4283]

Great video Dean, me and my father in law want to do this route at some point. Love willersley castle, one of the very first places I visited when I got into walking. Think I did part of the high peak trail the same day, up to Middleton Top.

[@noh2489]

Great video as always mate. Love froggatt edge I did my first outdoor climbing there at uni many years ago (3 pebble slab). Also I now know what that cable car run is, we took the kids to gullivers up the valley from there last year and could see it in the distance.

[@DeanRead]

+Neil O'Hara Thanks for watching Neil. Great views from up on Frogatt Edge. Really need to go and have another ride on the cable car myself :-)

[@TheEYESONLY4]

As always I really enjoy watching your videos and this is one walk I would definitely like to do. Living not far from Alvaston Park in Derby we could pick the route up from there to make it a walk straight from home.

[@DeanRead]

+David Senior Thanks for watching David. It's amazing how much history is on our doorstep, I love learning about that period in history. ATB Dean

[@thomasanderson6558]

I was watching someone elses camping video ended up turning it off half way through soon as i heard your music i knew that would never happen here only the best

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for watching Thomas. I really enjoyed this walk, so much history to see and experience along the way. Glad you like the music, I love making it

[@jimcurry3906]

I just discovered your channel, I love the videos! Would love to come to the U.K. and do a walking holiday, especially in the Lake District.

[@DeanRead]

+Jim Curry The Lake District is a stunning place, as is the Peak District. Hope you get to visit the UK soon. Thanks for watching and subscribing Jim. All the best. Dean

[@benmarks2471]

love your videos mate!!

[@DeanRead]

+The Young Machinist Thanks for watching, its much appreciated

[@benmarks2471]

+Dean Read No problem! I'm a big fan of them. I'm following you on instagram too and I just think that your videos are so good. you've definitely inspired us to get out there more and do some (responsible) wild camping in and around the peak district too! thanks so much for replying, Ben (maks10.04 on insta)

[@DeanRead]

+The Young Machinist thanks Ben, I've put 2 and 2 together now after you posted your Instagram name. I'm always happy to inspire responsible wild camping :-) ATB Dean

[@waldinrobey6620]

Dean. I enjoyed your jaunt along the Derwent Valley Heritage way . The route as of now does not follow the original route which is a pity. I walked the route with about eighty others on it's opening day. Start was Derby Cathedral steps. Overnight was camping on Packhorse Farm. Next day carried on to Edale and the finishing point top of the Dams. Not nearly as much tarmac as I remember. Nevertheless your trip brought back some pleasant memories. Cheers Waldo.

[@maplady572]

Hi Dean, only just discovered your channel, shall be subscribing! I'm planning to do the DVH trail next year so I stumbled upon your blog that way. Even more excited about doing it now. I have done about three-quarters of it in individual walks (I'm a Derbeian who loves the Derwent Valley/Peak District and a very keen walker) but I'm itching to do a long distance multi-day walk. I did the White Peak Walk 9 years ago, I have just about recovered from it now! ;-) I'm intending to do the DVH in chunks of 10 - 15 miles with overnight stays, so I'll certainly think about your accommodation suggestions. Thanks for a great vid and inspiration!

[@KevinReadOz]

I need too get my arse over there and do more walking with you. So many great locations, pity about the weather though.

[@DeanRead]

+Kevin Read I need to get my arse back down under. Anything trails we can do early next year or perhaps March when it’s cooled down?

[@VRWarehouse]

1st :) Thanks for another video Dean.

[@DeanRead]

+Gazeranco Thanks for watching mate and well done for being first :-)

[@davidh2414]

Chesterfield pal we got to meet up for a Pint or two good Video can't wait for Next one :)

[@hb_blue9205]

G'day ya having a good day and also good video mate

[@DeanRead]

+HB Blue Thanks for watching Hayden, can't believe it's nearly a year since Tasmania

[@hb_blue9205]

Dean Read me neither

[@DeanRead]

+HB Blue Will you be going with your dad on his big walk in December? My dad was talking to me about it and told me to come and walk a section of it too

[@MrDazza64]

Splendid stroll once again Deano lad. Had a day out last week, inspired by you, to find and photograph Three Shires Head. Embarrassing to say....but I couldn't find the place to save my bloody life! Found the cafe where you left Amy with her hot choccy and you went for the car. Even saw the sign you pointed out with ...Flash "The highest village in England" on it. I know I was close, but just couldn't find it, or even see a signpost for it. My phone gps was useless...no signal whatsoever up there and the only map I had was the AA road atlas in my van...just not detailed enough to pinpoint me to it....very frustrating! So I returned home via a stop-off and stroll over the Roaches instead. The week before, I was up around Ladybower and did a couple of "the Edges" whilst there, Bamford, Millstone and Stanage is it? Hope village etc, so many places I either passed through or walked around that day thinking, Deano and Amy wild camped up there! Deano and Ray come here or go there... or even, I've seen them go for a pint in there! A lovely day exploring in perfect weather...only thing that would of topped it off, would of been to have bumped into you and good old Raymundo somewhere along the way! ;-) Best regards, Dazza.

[@DeanRead]

+MrDazza64 Thanks for watching Daz and I must say your comment made me laugh. Would be great to bump in to you out there mate, I'll be the ginger idiot waving a camera around and Ray will be the one in the hat so is hair doesn't get in a mess :-) haha. If you want to get the Three Shire Heads then I'd recommend parking at the Cat and Fiddle Pub and walking south to a place called Dane Bower and then following the river down stream. ATB mate, Dean

[@MrDazza64]

Dean Read Cheers Dean, thanks for replying and tips re Cat n Fiddle etc, I shall try again in next week or two matey. Atb, Daz.

[@DeanRead]

+MrDazza64 I have a video on my channel called "Peak District - Three Shire Heads & Shutlingsloe". If you have a look in the description of that vid there is a link to a blog post and route map. It won't allow me to post links in the comments section or I'd just send a map :-) Enjoy and I hope you find it this time. ATB Dean

[@MrDazza64]

Dean Read ...Hey Dean, once again, thanks for taking the time to reply and... "more specifically" ...pointers to the video. I'm sure I've most probably seen it, think I've watched most of your back catalogue by now? Some more than once! Even the old Scottish tours, where Jay looks about 12 and still has hair and a waistline instead of a bay window! Lol. Don't tell him I said that, he might block me from his Goonie channel?! Lol. Anyway, I shall indeed find and rewatch that video for some more pointers and set sail to find TSH's again this coming week or so. Cheers dude, best regards, Daz.

[@DeanRead]

+MrDazza64 haha :-) I'm just at work with Jay now and have resisted telling him. He'll probably see this anyway. I look like a baby faced child in those videos with a head the size of a small planet. Thankfully I'm much healthier now than I was back then. You have certainly shown dedication when it's come to keeping up to date with the videos. Really appreciate it mate. ATB Dean

[@defiantsx24]

Great video Dean as always. You was close to my house when you was in borrowash. You could have popped in for a cuppa

[@DeanRead]

+defiantsx24 I was ready for coffee by the time I passed Borrowash so would have welcomed a cuppa :-) thanks for watching mate

[@juliecase624]

Another "F" rated video Dean :). Very inspired to do this walk now as apparently past relatives were weavers. So much history and lovely scenery within a short walk. Loved the shot of the poppies. Thanks for sharing, really enjoyable.

[@freedom5716]

Brilliant video Dean as per love all your vids bro. Quick question if i may what would be the best route from lady bower dam to Alport Castles best scenery not to hard going as i will be with a young one any advice please. Thanks again

[@DeanRead]

Hi mate, thanks for watching. The best way to get to Alport Castles would be from the Ashopton Viaduct up and over Rowlee Pasture. It's a great route with fantastic views of Crook Hill, Kinder and the surrounding Moors. All the best, Dean.

[@freedom5716]

Cheers Dean much appreciated

[@leopeever5871]

Hi mate can we have more videos next year PLZ PLZ PLZ

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for watching Leo, 2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for many reasons. I'm hoping 2021 will be more settled but I definitely plan to get the camera back out more. All the best, Dean

[@leopeever5871]

@@DeanRead hi I want to go camping but I not sure

[@DeanRead]

@@leopeever5871 start with a few camps on camp sites if you haven't already, just to get used to your kit. Then head for somewhere easily accessible but pick a time with good weather for your first trip

[@leopeever5871]

@@DeanRead I thought about that that sounds good not to much at first how di u start m8

[@DeanRead]

@@leopeever5871 my friends and I did the same.. camped on sites first and then started wild camping, after that I started solo wild camping when I'd gained the experience. You could go straight for wild camping but you definitely need to know your kit well

[@DCSabers]

Hi Dean, I'm new to your channel, but local to the peaks and walking /camping etc is something me the Mrs and the lad are starting to do loads more of. Question is on wild camping, it seems unless you live in Scotland it's quite a touchy subject requiring permissions etc, it's something you do quite a bit of, any advice? Keep it up mate John :)

[@DeanRead]

+DCSabers hi John Thanks for watching and subscribing. Wild camping in England isn’t strictly legal sadly other than on Dartmoor. I do find that generally the issue is people who leave a mess or have fires where they shouldn’t. I always follow the leave no trace rule and make sure whenever I camp I’m out of sight of buildings and roads. I always make sure I pitch late in the day and leave early in the morning. I’m always prepared to move on if I have to but I’ve never been challenged or even found by landowners / other walkers. I think if you make sure you follow the leave no trace rule and try and use a bit of stealth I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ve spoken to rangers and land owners in the past and they generally don’t mind people who are responsible, it’s the idiots who make a nuisance of themselves that they want to discourage :-) All the best. Dean

[@paulyoung3504]

Great vid as usual. Is this do-able cycling it Dean? More importantly, is it socially acceptable. ATB

[@DeanRead]

Hi Paul, thanks for watching. I'm sure you could figure out a route that follows it closely but the majority of the footpaths along the way aren't bike friendly. There are some nice cycle paths though like the part through Derby and the Cromford Canal. All the best, Dean.

[@summitupmark5615]

Hi Dean. Have you hiked the Sheffield Country Way? 53 miles looping around the perimeter of Sheffield passing the city centre and as far west as Stanage Edge.

[@DeanRead]

I haven't walked that route yet, just googled it and it looks pretty good. Will have to give it a go in spring and camp up in the edges. I did the Sheffield Round Walk a few months ago which is nice, currently walking up to Ringinglow in the snow.

[@summitupmark5615]

@@DeanRead sounds nicer than all the mud I’ve been walking in around Leicestershire. I’m doing the Sheffield Country Way in spring hopefully as a fundraiser for a Doncaster/Sheffield charity for cancer patients. It looks fabulous - I agree camping on the edges looks the way to do it.

[@DeanRead]

@@summitupmark5615 Excellent, I'll prob give it a go in spring too.

[@summitupmark5615]

I’ve just read that Willersley closed permanently in the summer 2020 😢😢😢 it’s up for sale for £4m.

[@DeanRead]

Yeah I saw that too, it's a beautiful building with a great history

[@BinManSays87]

What bus/train dose thee get from town lady bower duck....if you couldn't guess I'm local, because I've been wanting to do this trail since just before all this inforced inside so ASAP I'm doing this.

[@DeanRead]

I couldn't tell you without googling it 😁 have a great walk 👍

[@thomasanderson6558]

You really do love the land dont you dean

[@DeanRead]

I certainly do 😁

[@MaritaDiary]

Your video is amazing. You should look at a camera stabilizer :D

[@DeanRead]

+Eden's Family Thanks for watching :-) my Canon 7D DSLR would need a rather large stabiliser, not sure if they do waterproof ones either and they would be tricky to take camping :-) All the best Dean

[@MaritaDiary]

Check out the Zhiyun Crane and the like hand held stabilizer. It's pretty decent and portable. Keep up the awesome work!

[@GAP_was_here]

£34 for a hotel room!! Now that's a bargain 😊