STENSON WALK
STENSON
Stenson’s walk starts from the tiny hamlet of Stenson which along with Twyford, an even smaller neighbour, is a civil parish in South Derbyshire. The Trent and Mersey Canal flows to the south of the settlement. A few yards away from the canal and marina is the Stenson Bubble Inn, a popular pub with a restaurant, accommodation and seating inside and out. The pub got its unusual name from a small spring on the downstream side of the lock.
Stenson Lock
The coffee shop at Stenson Lock overlooks the Trent and Mersey Canal, where you can sit and take refreshments while watching canal boats navigate the lock. The lock is the second deepest on the canal at 12 foot 6 inches in depth and, together with the red-brick road bridge behind it is Grade II listed.
Findern
The pretty South Derbyshire village of Findern is situated five miles to the southwest of Derby. Its appearance is enhanced by a traditional village green with chestnut trees, encircled by white posts and chains and overlooked by the church and picturesque, mainly white-washed properties. Silk weaving was once a popular local industry with nearly every cottage having a loom. Velvet making is also known to have taken place at 17th-century Ivy Cottage. Before the Parish Council took action in the 1950s to restore it, the green looked a sorry sight divided into four small grassed areas, split up by tarmac paths and frequently used by vehicles. The problem was in knowing who owned the green. Eventually, ownership was traced to the Crown and the land was purchased for £50 and the restoration of the green started. This century, a village sign has been erected on the green to mark the Millennium and, more recently, a village map.
THE WALK
Stenson Walk is an easy, level walk, packed with interest. Wildlife enthusiasts will particularly enjoy exploring the numerous short diversionary paths that meander through the fields and woods just off the route of the main walk. More than half of the walk is along the banks of the Trent and Mersey Canal, which comes alive with brightly painted boats at weekends and in the summer holiday season.
LOOK OUT FOR
THE ROUTE
1. Make your way to Stenson Lock and turn right along the canal towpath. The lock is the second deepest on the canal at 12 foot 6 inches in depth and, together with the red-brick road bridge behind it is Grade II listed.
2. After walking about a quarter of a mile go over the first Canal Bridge you encounter. Once on the other side, turn left and follow the footpath alongside the canal.
3. Near the end of the path go to the right along a path that takes you past Stanhope Community Woodland, where the first tree was planted on 18 November 2003. The planting of the wood was completed by the Findern Footpaths Group, other villagers and the National Probation Service during that month. It is one of several circular diversions encountered where you can explore the flora and fauna and view the wildlife in the area. Follow the path up a short flight of steps.
4. Go through a metal gate and turn left along a wide track. After a short distance, you will see on your right a tunnel under the A50. Follow the path through the tunnel and go to the left.
5. Continue along the wide gated access road passing several wildlife sites on either side of the lane. The route is known as Crow Park Way the local name for Ash Plantation. Filled with tall ash trees, where crows and rooks used to nest is where the name was derived from.
6. After a short time, you will arrive on the outskirts of Findern. Ignore the right turn into Sycamore Avenue and follow the road as it swings to the left past a small car park. Turn right alongside the wall to the churchyard.
7. All Saints’ Church was rebuilt and consecrated in 1863, on the site of a Saxon place of worship. A Norman tympanum was rescued when the old building was demolished and can be seen in the church.
8. Turn to the left past the Parish Rooms with the Green in front of you. A village sign has been erected on the green to mark the Millennium and, more recently, a village map added. During 2006, the neglected Parish Rooms were transformed and together with the village hall now provide much-needed facilities for what is a very active community. Follow the road around to the left and out of the village. Cross the bridge over the A50 and soon afterwards take the footpath on your left. Continue along the path around the King George Vth Playing Fields.
9. After leaving the path keep straight ahead down Heath Lane. Leave the lane to the right as you approach the Nadee Restaurant (undergoing a change of status). Walk down the side of the restaurant and cross the canal bridge. Go to the left along the canal towpath to return to the start of the walk.
REFRESHMENTS
The Bubble Inn is located off Stenson Road by the marina. For more information visit: www.thebubbleinn.com or telephone 01283 703113.
Stenson Lock Coffee Shop faces the lock on the Trent and Mersey Canal. For more information visit: www.stensonlock.co.uk or telephone 07505 287452