CHELLASTON WALK
THE WALK
Chellaston Walk is an easy relaxing walk that includes a stroll along the Trent and Mersey Canal. As well as a visit to Swarkestone with its ancient Bridge and Causeway. Despite having a population of less than 200, this small quiet village played a major part in English history. When it served as a turning point for the advanced troops of the Jacobite Army, in 1745. The English were unprepared for an invasion, most of the troops were abroad and King George, fearing the worst, was preparing to return to Germany. If the march had continued the course of British history may well have been changed.
LOOK OUT FOR
Route Point 1 –Infinity Park Way was recently constructed as a direct link between the world headquarters of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and the A50. The park to the south of Rolls-Royce is intended to attract thousands of jobs, primarily in the high-tech sector. At the centre of the park is the iHub, a manufacturing-focused innovation and technology facility, which has Enterprise Zone status. The manufacturing and technology business park will also help Derby increase economic output and boost productivity to further establish the city as a leading high-tech hub. A new A50 junction and link road to Infinity Park Way have been approved. This will unlock a substantial area of land that has been allocated for employment and housing as part of Infinity Garden Village.
Point 3 – At Swarkestone Lock an arm of the Derby Canal used to branch off linking it with Derby. All that survives is about 50 yards of the canal and the former toll house converted into the headquarters of Swarkestone Boat Club. James Brindley, the famous canal builder, had planned to link the Trent and Mersey Canal with Derby but was prevented from doing so by vested interests. As a result, nothing further happened until Benjamin Outram was eventually commissioned to build the canal, which was completed in 1796, providing Derby with a reliable water transport system. The canal ran from the Trent and Mersey Canal at Swarkestone to Derby and Little Eaton, and the Erewash Canal at Sandiacre.
Point 4 – Over 275 years ago Swarkestone was the scene of one of the most momentous incidents in English history, often referred to as the ‘45’. From the time when James II, the last Stuart King of England went into exile in France in 1688, the Jacobites had attempted several times to regain the throne. All had failed and in 1745, it was the turn of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, frequently known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, to try to overthrow the English Monarch. Support for the cause was half-hearted, but enough clansmen were raised for the march south. On 4 December 1745, Charles Edward Stuart and his army reached Derby and made arrangements for the capture of the strategically important Swarkestone Bridge. A meeting was held at Exeter House in Derby, when the Jacobite generals decided to retreat, despite the protestations of their leader. If the march had continued, it would probably have been successful and the whole course of British history changed. In memory of this important event, a cairn has been erected at Swarkestone Bridge, in the gardens of the Crewe and Harpur Arms. It marks the southernmost point reached by an advanced party of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army.
Point 5 – Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway at a length of three-quarters of a mile, is the longest stone bridge in England and holds Grade I listed building status. There has been a bridge here for 800 years, and at one time a bridge chapel and toll house stood partway across the bridge. It is still an important crossing place and has become increasingly busy with traffic. The narrowness of the bridge has led to frequent accidents.
Point 6 – The tiny St James’ Church contains some superb carvings. Sir Richard Harpur, who was one of Queen Elizabeth’s judges, lies in his judge’s gown, on a fine alabaster tomb, with his wife Jane. They both lived at Swarkestone Hall. Little remains of the hall today, but the Old Hall Farm, built out of part of the remains still exists.
Point 7 – The most unusual building on the Chellaston walk is the Summer House, sometimes called ‘The Grandstand,’ which has a grass-covered rectangular enclosure in front. No one is quite sure what its use was; bull-baiting and jousting are suggestions. More likely, the much gentler pursuit of bowling took place on the green. The building is now in the hands of Landmark Trust and is let for holiday accommodation.
THE ROUTE
- Facing Chellaston Academy on Swarkestone Road, walk down an enclosed footpath next to a bus stop. At the end of the path turn right down Infinity Park Way. On reaching a roundabout go to the left along Eagle Drive and follow it around until it swings to the right.
2. From this point, continue along a tree-lined path by the side of the A50. After a short distance turn left under the A50 bridge. To join a hard-surfaced path that passes the headquarters of Swarkestone Boat Club.
3. On arriving at Swarkestone Lock walk to the right along the canal towpath, but only as far as the first canal bridge (Number 15). Here you leave the canal and ascend the footpath to the left of the bridge. Turn left down Lowes Lane past Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre.
4. Cross the A5132, with the utmost care and continue straight ahead down Woodshop Lane. The lane soon bends to the left past the Crewe and Harpur Arms. In the pub garden is a cairn in remembrance of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
5. Opposite the pub, cross the busy A514 and follow the footpath by the river for a few yards. Here you get a good view of Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway. Go to the left along a path behind the houses that face the riverbank.
6. At the end of the path cross the village access road and turn left past Swarkestone Church. Immediately you have passed the churchyard wall, go to the right to cross a stile into a field.
7. With your back to the field boundary angle to the right towards the farm access road onto the A5132. As you cross the field you will see on your right the Summer House, sometimes called ‘The Grandstand.’ On reaching the A5132 turn right and follow the footpath for a short distance. Until where the road begins to bend to the left, go down a path onto the canal towpath.
8. Turn left under the canal bridge and follow the towpath to Swarkestone Lock. At this point turn right along the path, you used earlier on the walk. But only as far as the A50 bridge. Where you carry straight on eventually crossing a footbridge and then Infinity Park Way. Before going to the right for a few yards and then left by a roundabout onto Dundas Way.
9. At a second roundabout turn right into Courtway Crescent, but only for a few yards before going left through Rowallan Way Park to the top lefthand corner. Here you turn left along a rough path that runs behind a row of houses. Where it ends go to the right into Rye Butts road and follow it around to the left to Parkway.
10. Go to the right up Parkway to reach Derby Road. Where you turn right at the roundabout and follow the road back to the starting point of the walk.
REFRESHMENTS
Crewe and Harpur Arms is on the A514, facing Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway. For more information visit:www.creweharpurpub.co.uk or telephone 01332 700641.
Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre on Lowes Lane which is passed on the walk. For more information visit: www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk or telephone 01332 700800