The Shardlow Circular Walk - A 6 mile walk through the countryside
If you're staying at The Canalside Cottage and fancy getting out and exploring the local area on foot, the Shardlow Circular Walk is a great way to discover the countryside surrounding the village.
The 6 mile (9.7km) route starts in the historic canal village of Shardlow before heading through the countryside towards Church Wilne and Great Wilne, eventually returning to Shardlow. The route follows canal towpaths, footpaths, bridleways, and quiet lanes.
Starting in Historic Shardlow
The walk begins at the inland port of Shardlow, an area with a fascinating history.
Shardlow is one of Britain's best-preserved examples of an inland canal port, with historic warehouses, wharfs, pubs and merchants' houses still forming part of the village today.
From The Canalside Cottage, step out onto the towpath and turn right, following the towpath all the way to Derwent Mouth Lock, giving you the chance to enjoy the waterways before heading out into the surrounding countryside.
Through Church Wilne and Great Wilne
As the walk continues, you'll leave the canal behind and head through the countryside towards Church Wilne.
One of the highlights is St Chad's Church, situated within the small, historic settlement of Church Wilne. Nearby, St Chad's Water Nature Reserve provides an attractive setting and is known for its variety of birdlife.
The route then continues towards Great Wilne, where you'll find traditional buildings and plenty of open countryside before the walk eventually loops back towards Shardlow.
A Mostly Flat Countryside Walk
The route is approximately 6 miles (9.7km) and takes around 2 1/2 hours to complete at a steady walking pace. The route is generally flat, although there are a number of stiles to cross and some sections can be muddy after wet weather.
The official route recommends allowing extra care of narrower sections of towpath and unpaved lanes.
Stop for a Drink or Something to Eat
One of the nice things about the walk is that you're never too far from Shardlow when you're ready for a break.
There are several pubs in the village where you can stop for refreshments after your walk, making it easy to turn the route into a relaxed day out.
Walking with your dog
The walk can also be enjoyed with your dog, but there are sections through farmland, so dogs must be kept ona lead where required. The official route also asks walkers to clean up after their dogs and take care around livestock. It's worth remembering that conditions can change after wet weather, so suitable footwear is recommended.
A Great Walk From The Canalside Cottage
One of the best things about staying at The Canalside Cottage is having walks like this so close by.
Whether you're visiting for a couples holiday, a family holiday or simply fancy getting some fresh air during your stay, the Shardlow Circular Walk offers a lovely combination of canal, countryside, wildlife, and local history.
And after six miles of walking, there's nothing better than heading back to the cottage for a well-earned rest.
Route Information
Distance: 6 miles (9.7km)
Approximate walking time: 2 1/2 hours
Route: Shardlow > Canal towpath > Church Wilne > Great Wilne > Shardlow
Terrain: Mostly flat, with towpaths, footpaths, bridleways, and quiet lanes
Refreshments: Pubs and restaurants are available in Shardlow
For anyone wanting to follow to route in full, the Trent Rivers Trust's official Shardlow Circular Walk guide includes the map and detailed route instructions.
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