Allestree Park, Duffield, and Kedleston Hall
26 people attending
4 places left
Allestree Park, about 3 km (2 miles) north of Derby, is the largest area of parkland within the city at over 1.29 km2 (319 acres). It is a former 18-hole golf course, a permanent orienteering course, an angling lake, and a nature reserve because of the diversity of habitats and species present.
Allestree Hall is a 19th-century former country house, a Grade II listed gritstone building. Since the 1980s the hall has been unoccupied but the city and English Heritage are looking to find a suitable scheme to enable its redevelopment. As of July 2022, it remained on the Heritage at Risk register.
The River Derwent powered the Industrial Revolution, evidenced by the tall chimney of a former mill alongside the river near Eaton Bank as we approach St Alkmund's Church. The original church building dates back to the first millennium built near to Duffield Bridge, which was used by pilgrims and other travellers.
Duffield was originally a Celtic settlement from about 400BCE. The Romans arrived in the area in 43CE. The Doomsday Survey records "Duvelle" in Norman times when Duffield Castle (demolished) was built to protect the hunting grounds of Duffield Frith nearby.
Kedleston Hall is a neo-classical manor house, and seat of the Curzon family, commissioned in 1759 by Nathaniel Curzon and designed by Robert Adam. Most of the hall and estate transferred to the National Trust in 1977. The grounds, as they appear today, were designed to "take in hand the deer park and pleasure grounds" as a natural-looking landscape.
Total distance 19 km (12 miles). Total ascent 196 m (643 feet). Approximately 6 hours.
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome but owners must ensure dogs are kept under control at all times.
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All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
What to bring
Please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for cold and, especially, wet weather - layer appropriately and bring wet-weather gear if necessary.
Here is a standard kit-list you may wish to draw from:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful.
Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs.
A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack of 20 to 30-litre capacity, allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for hay-fever, diabetes, or any on-going ailments or conditions.
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water and any preferred drinks, food and snacks to keep you going during the day.
We will eat a packed lunch about half way through and there will be opportunities to buy food and drink during the walk.