Stanton-by-Bridge Circular Walk

This is a delightful walk, with little by the way of ascent or descent, through undulating South Derbyshire countryside. Visiting Poppy Wood a National Forest site, off Breach Lane, where around 260 willows have been planted. The charming little village of Kings Newton is also visited. Before returning down Ward’s Lane which lost its status as a main road many years ago and is now just a rural access road. There are potentially a few muddy patches along the walk during wet weather, so wear suitable footwear for the weather!

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

The Ingleby Road Junction
- This grass triangle contains within a tree planted to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.
Poppy Wood
- A site owned by the National Forest which is home to around 260 willow trees, with a circular walk guided by information boards on-site.
Kings Newton
- An old English village with examples of homes dating back to the 18th Century, with even a home from the Elizabethan Period.
The Holy Well
- A historic spring of pure drinking water that has been restored by the local Civic Society, with an accompanying plaque nearby with the Well’s original inscription
Swarkestone Bridge
- The longest stone bridge in the country at three-quarters of a mile long and is a Grade I listed building. There has been a bridge at that spot for over 800 years, with the current bridge having been built to replace a prior bridge in 1795-7. The site is said to be the furthest point reached by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s armies before his retreat back to Scotland.