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Dale Abbey, Stanley and the Nutbrook Trail

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 13.4 miles

Embark on an extended exploration through the picturesque landscapes and charming villages of Derbyshire with a rewarding walk encompassing Dale Abbey, Stanley, and the scenic Nutbrook Trail. This route offers a diverse tapestry of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and even a touch of the unexpected, promising a memorable day out for keen walkers.

Your journey begins near the quaint village of Dale Abbey, where convenient parking awaits in a large gravel pull-in just above the village itself. From here, you'll set off to discover the fascinating remains of Dale Abbey, a site steeped in history dating back to its foundation as a hermitage in the 12th century. As you wander through the atmospheric ruins of this former Premonstratensian monastery, imagine the lives of the canons who once resided here until its dissolution in 1538. A particular highlight is the renowned hermitage, dramatically carved into the sandstone woodlands, offering a unique glimpse into a solitary medieval existence.

Leaving the historical echoes of Dale Abbey behind, the walk unfolds into the tranquil meadows of the Locko Park estate. While the 18th-century Locko Hall itself remains privately owned, public footpaths meander through the attractive parkland, providing opportunities for peaceful strolling and enjoying the scenic views across the estate's lake. Keep an eye out for the Grade II listed lodges that mark some of the entrances to this historic landscape.

The route then seamlessly integrates with the Nutbrook Cycle Trail, a well-maintained path that follows the course of the former Nutbrook Canal and railway line. This section offers a relatively level and accessible stretch, ideal for enjoying the surrounding countryside. The Nutbrook Trail stretches for approximately 10 miles between Long Eaton and Heanor, and your journey will likely utilize a section of this popular route, allowing you to appreciate the blend of nature and industrial heritage.

Adding a touch of delightful surprise to this Derbyshire walk is the opportunity to spot alpacas at Hopwell Hall. While the grand Hopwell Hall itself met with a fiery end in 1957, the estate and its farm still exist, and you may be fortunate enough to observe these gentle creatures grazing in their fields, a truly unique highlight of the area.

Throughout this walk, you'll traverse reasonable paths, generally well-maintained but with the understanding that winter conditions can render some sections wet and potentially muddy. Therefore, appropriate footwear is highly recommended, especially during the colder months.

This extended walk through Dale Abbey, Stanley, and along the Nutbrook Trail presents a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the Derbyshire countryside, combining historical exploration with natural beauty and the charming quirk of alpaca sightings. Remember to wear suitable footwear, especially during wetter periods, and allow ample time to fully appreciate the diverse attractions this route has to offer.

Further Information

Dale Abbey, Stanley and the Nutbrook Trail are all located in Derbyshire. Dale Abbey is a small village that is home to the ruins of a 12th century Cistercian abbey. Stanley is a larger village that is located just south of Dale Abbey. The Nutbrook Trail is a 9-mile long footpath that follows the route of the Nutbrook Canal. The canal was built in the early 19th century, but it fell into disuse in the early 20th century. The Nutbrook Trail was created in the 1980s and it is now a popular walking and cycling route.

The ruins of Dale Abbey are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Derbyshire. The abbey was founded in 1147 by monks from the Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx in Yorkshire. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539 and it has been in ruins ever since. The ruins of the abbey are still impressive and they offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Stanley is a charming village with a population of around 2,000 people. The village is home to a number of historic buildings, including the 14th century St. Mary's Church and the Stanley Hall, which was built in the 17th century. Stanley is also home to a number of pubs and restaurants.

The Nutbrook Trail is a great way to explore the countryside around Dale Abbey and Stanley. The trail is well-maintained and it offers a variety of scenery, including woodlands, meadows and canals. The trail is also a popular spot for birdwatching.

If you are looking for a day out in Derbyshire, Dale Abbey, Stanley and the Nutbrook Trail are all great options. The ruins of Dale Abbey are a fascinating historical site, Stanley is a charming village and the Nutbrook Trail is a great way to explore the countryside.