Lambing time: Please keep dogs on leads. 🐑

Brinsley, Heanor and Codnor

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 7.9

Explore the Heritage Trail: A Walk from Brinsley Nature Reserve to Codnor Castle and Heanor

Embark on a captivating circular walk starting from the Brinsley Nature Reserve car park, nestled in the heart of the former mining village of Brinsley, Nottinghamshire. This easy route offers a unique blend of industrial history and medieval intrigue as it leads you to the atmospheric remains of Codnor Castle before returning via the outskirts of the vibrant town of Heanor.

Your journey begins with an opportunity to witness a tangible link to Nottinghamshire's significant coal mining past: the poignant remains of Brinsley Headstock. These iconic structures stand as a powerful reminder of the once-thriving industry that shaped the local landscape and communities. Imagine the bustling activity that once surrounded this site, the sounds of the mine, and the lives of the generations who toiled beneath the surface.

Continuing along mostly well-maintained paths, the walk meanders towards the historical site of Codnor Castle. Prepare to step back in time as you approach the ruins of this once-formidable medieval stronghold, dating back to the 13th century with origins possibly even earlier. Explore the remnants of stone walls and imagine the lives of the Lords Grey of Codnor, who resided here for centuries and played a notable role in English history, even having a connection to the signing of the Magna Carta. The castle's strategic location offers views across the Erewash Valley, hinting at its past importance in controlling the surrounding lands. Keep an eye out for evidence of the castle's historical features, such as the moat and possible garden areas, remnants of a bygone era.

The return leg of the walk takes you along the outskirts of Heanor, a town with its own rich history, having been mentioned in the Domesday Book. While the route may not take you directly through the town center, you'll get a sense of its present-day community and its historical roots as another former mining area.

This circular walk provides a stimulating experience for those interested in local history, industrial heritage, and scenic countryside. The varying landscapes and points of interest make it an engaging outing, offering glimpses into both the recent and distant past of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. With mostly decent paths, it's a route suitable for many fitness levels, promising a pleasant and insightful exploration of this fascinating corner of the East Midlands.

Further Information

Brinsley, Heanor, and Codnor: A Trio of Nottinghamshire Communities

Nestled in the western reaches of Nottinghamshire, bordering Derbyshire, lie the distinct yet interconnected communities of Brinsley, Heanor, and Codnor. Each with its own unique character and history, these areas offer a blend of rural charm and convenient access to urban centers, making them interesting places to live and explore.

Brinsley: The smallest of the three, Brinsley exudes a more tranquil, village-like atmosphere. Its history is deeply rooted in coal mining, and remnants of this industrial past can still be seen, most notably at the Brinsley Headstocks. This former mine site has been transformed into a nature reserve, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's heritage while providing a haven for wildlife and a pleasant space for walking and cycling. The village itself retains a close-knit community feel, with local amenities catering to daily life. St James' Church, a Grade II listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to Brinsley's long history.

Heanor: The largest and most bustling of the three, Heanor functions as a small town with a more comprehensive range of shops, services, and cultural attractions. Its history, like its neighbors, has strong ties to coal mining and was once part of the route of the "Ripley Rattler," a significant, albeit somewhat notorious, tramway connecting Nottingham and Ripley. While the mining industry has declined, Heanor has adapted and now offers a vibrant high street with independent businesses alongside more familiar retailers. Heanor Memorial Park, with its imposing iron gates from the demolished Shipley Hall, provides a green oasis in the town center and hosts various community events. The town also boasts the Heanor Antique Centre, a multi-floor treasure trove for vintage and retro enthusiasts. Nearby, Shipley Country Park offers extensive recreational opportunities, with walking trails, cycling paths, and diverse wildlife habitats.

Codnor: Situated on a hilltop between Heanor and Ripley, Codnor is a village with a rich history dating back to Saxon times, mentioned as "Cotenovre" in the Domesday Book. Its strategic location as a crossroads has been significant for over a millennium. The most prominent landmark associated with Codnor is the ruins of Codnor Castle. Built in the 12th century by the de Grey family, the castle held a commanding position overlooking the Erewash Valley. Although now largely in ruins, the site is historically significant and offers a glimpse into the region's Norman past. The village itself retains a strong sense of community and character, with local amenities and a backdrop of rolling countryside.

Interconnected History and Modern Life:

While each location possesses its own distinct identity, the history of Brinsley, Heanor, and Codnor is interwoven, largely due to the significant impact of the coal mining industry on the entire area. The rise and decline of this industry shaped the landscape, the demographics, and the social fabric of these communities. Today, the legacy of mining is evident in the landscape, with former railway lines converted into trails and reclaimed land now serving as parks and nature reserves.

In modern times, these three communities offer a diverse range of living environments. Brinsley provides a quieter, more rural setting, while Heanor offers a more active town center with a wider array of amenities. Codnor blends a historic village feel with convenient access to surrounding areas. Their proximity to each other allows residents to easily access the facilities and attractions of all three, creating a broader local network. Furthermore, their location provides good transport links to larger urban centers like Derby and Nottingham, making them attractive for commuters seeking a balance between rural living and urban accessibility.