Mercia Marina - 3 Circular Walks
All walking routes start from the Marina:
Route 1: Short circular 1.5 miles (30-40 minutes approx)
Route 2: Findern circular 3 miles (45-60 minutes approx)
Route 3: Willington circular 3.3 miles (1-1.5 hours approx)
Route 1 takes you to the waterside – look for the wildlife pond that attracts water birds including mallards, coots and moorhens. The path to the pedestrian canal bridge joins the towpath which runs parallel to the 93 mile Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777. The walk continues to former boater’s pub Potlocks Farm and King George V playing field – a great place for children to play and to have a picnic before resuming your walk back to the marina.
Route 2 takes you to the waterside and to the wildlife pond that hosts an array of water birds. The path to the pedestrian canal bridge joins the towpath running parallel to the 93 mile Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777. Continue the walk to former boater’s pub Potlocks Farm and on to Ballast Hole Pond. Further along you visit Jubilee Wood where 1,000 trees were planted in 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Take some time to take in the delights of the thriving wildlife wetland site and Stanhope Wood woodland area as you continue along, then choose to visit Cote Close Bird Sanctuary or Cardales Wildflower Meadow. Look out for a rare white flower with red and yellow edges, called the ‘Fynderne Flower’. This was brought to the area in the 16th Century and this is the only place in the UK where it blossoms.
In Findern take time to see the small restored Methodist Chapel, All Saint’s Church built in 1863 after the original church burnt down, the old silk weaver’s cottage and Somerville House – a mid-18th Century gentleman’s residence that has a noticeably high gateway to allow for carriages to enter.
Route 3 takes you to the waterside and to the wildlife pond hosting an array of water birds. The path then links to the towpath running parallel to the Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777. Following the path you will eventually come to Willington – look out for a multitude of wildlife including birds, flowers and butterflies on the way. Situated on the River Trent, Willington was once an agricultural village before becoming the highest navigable port on the river in the 17th Century. The 18th Century saw it continue to grow in popularity as the construction of the Trent and Mersey Canal began. The same year Bass beer in Burton upon Trent began to trade and use the canal as their main transportation link. Extending your walk to Repton is also an option on this route if you wish.
With thanks to Findern Footpaths Group for providing these wonderful walking routes.
Findern Lane
Willington
Derbyshire
DE65 6DW
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