Stepping Stones

For anyone with small children or not 100% sure-footed - THE STONES ARE NOT CURRENTLY PASSABLE TO EVERYONE (early May). And the path on the southern bank of the river is very muddy and has a potentially dangerous section. I did my research and knew that it is easier in summer when water level is lower, and saw a mention of one of the stones being dislodged, making it more tricky. But the overall message was that its definitely doable. Its not. There are 3 large gaps, which you can only get across by getting wet / having to step on slippery submerged stones / using a walking stick to help swing yourself over the gap. This is advanced scrambling, and not for everyone. We walked west along the southern bank of the river, intending to cross over the stones and return to our car via the village. We could not cross. If I was on my own I might have tried it. But it was not possible for my wife and kids (6 and 3). This meant we had to return the way we came, instead of via the village. The track on the southern bank was narrow and at this time of year very muddy almost throughout, which we did not really expect from a path marked as Derwent Valley Heritage Way on the OS map. There was even a 5-6 metre section (at the entrance to Goose Nest Wood) which looked like the river bank had collapsed, and the track was literally 5 inches wide and required you to lean onto and cling to the muddy cliff next to you, otherwise you can fall straight into the river, which is deep at this point. Again, pretty hairy and not great with kids. In summary, although the river is undeniably pretty, if youre expecting a leisurely walk next to it - at this time of the year its an annoying muddy slog, and you most likely wont be able to cross over the stepping stones to make it a circular walk.
May 2nd, 2023

Visited on Public holiday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No More
Apr 17th, 2023

A lovely place to visit when you wish to enjoy the place all alone. Theres a walking trail that you can take which is 4 miles or bypass the trail with a 500mts (approx) of walk from the A6187, right opposite to the Thorpe Farm shop and there a resting place where you can park the car for sometime on the main road right after this farm
Apr 11th, 2023

Visited on Public holiday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No More
Apr 6th, 2023

So good I joined!!!
Jan 10th, 2023