Findern - Stenson - Willington Circular Walk

This is an easy, level walk, packed with interesting sights, visiting Stenson Bubble, Willington and Mercia Marina. Wildlife enthusiasts will particularly enjoy exploring the numerous short diversionary paths that meander through the fields and woods just off the route of the main walk. Nearly half of the walk is along the banks of the Trent and Mersey Canal, which comes alive with brightly painted boats at weekends and in the summer holiday season.

The key points to look out for on this walk are:

• Crow Park Way
  • The local name for Findern’s Ash Plantation. Filled with tall ash trees, where crows and rooks used to nest, the area stretches from the Trent and Mersey Canal and along the canal bank up to the Twyford and Stenson boundary.
• Canal Bridge No.20
  • The creation of the canal system revolutionised the way in which goods were transported across the UK and the canal system would expand to cover a large area. The Trent and Mersey Canal was most famous, connecting many canal networks together. Canal Bridge No.20 is one of many canal bridges that ensured the development of the canals wouldn’t hinder the movement of people or packhorses. The bridge provides the choice of travelling east towards Stenson Lock or west towards Willington.
• Stenson Lock
  • The Stenson Lock holds the title of the second deepest lock and is a Grade II listed building, alongside the quaint Red Brick bridge behind it. Beside the bridge is the Stenson Lock Café, the other side of which sits Stenson Marina.
• Willington
  • The midway point between Derby and Burton and has been a hub for transport for many years. Evidence of human habitation dates back to 2000BC with traces of settlements built by the early humans of Britain – the Beaker people – being found in the area. Willington was formerly an important inland port in the 17th and 18th centuries due to the River Trent, before the Trent and Mersey canal – and later rail and road – became key in transporting goods across the country.
• Mercia Marina
  • Mercia Marina was, at one time, the site of a quarry used in the construction of the nearby A50. It would then be converted into a fishing lake before businessmen John Thornton invested in the area to create England’s largest inland marina. There are many restaurants, retailers and even office space for business use.

Visit Discover Derby – who put the walk together – for the route directions and more information on the key landmarks.