SUGGESTED SHORT WALK
Greenside, Ockbrook
THE WALK
■■Within a short distance of Ockbrook, the walk takes you through attractive open countryside with excellent views of the Derwent and Erewash valleys. As you near the end of the walk it is well worthwhile taking your time to explore the Moravian Settlement.
THE ROUTE
■■From the Cross Keys pub on Green Lane walk down the path beside the pub towards the Moravian Settlement. Take the second turn on the right, along Sisters’ Lane. At a footpath sign cross a small field to the left-hand corner, where you turn left to walk past a former school playing field and along an access track.
■■Ensure you only remain on the access track for a few yards – where the track bends a few feet to the right – your route is through a wide gap in the hedge into a field. Continue forward along a welltrodden path, with the hedge close by on your right.
■■As you approach Dale Road Recreation Ground at Spondon go to the left down a wide track. Continue straight ahead along the track, by the side of the park and maintain the same direction where the park ends. A short distance further on you will arrive at a T-junction of paths, where you turn to the left along a wide footway. As you walk along you will be able to enjoy extensive views over the Derwent and Erewash valleys.
■■Ignore all paths leading off to the right and left and soon the houses on the outskirts of Ockbrook come into view. As you get closer to the village; your path joins a field access route and bends sharply to the right down Bakehouse Lane. Opposite the drive to the former Ockbrook School. Turn left towards The Settlement, where the Moravians established a church and community.
■■Greenside House is on your right where visitors to the Settlement usually stayed. It was then known as the New Inn and began business in 1792. The extension on the western side was used as a Sunday School and during the First World War as a hospital for servicemen.
■■The slope is quite gentle and takes you into the heart of the Moravian Settlement. The path soon levels out as you pass the church and return to the starting point of the walk.
REFRESHMENTS
■■Cross Keys in Green Lane at the start of the walk. www. thecrosskeys.co.uk or telephone 01332 662308.
■■The Apple Tree Gift Shop and Teahouse on Flood Street – reservations advised. www. theappletreegiftshop.co.uk or telephone 01332 987001.
■■Denis Eardley’s new website – www.discover-derby.co.uk – includes historic city trails, beautiful walks, attractions to visit, parks to explore, pubs to enjoy, villages to discover and events to look out for.