The best walks and hikes around Shardlow And Great Wilne
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Hikes around Shardlow and Great Wilne explore a landscape shaped by its waterways. The region is situated at the confluence of the River Trent and River Derwent, alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, creating a water-based environment for exploration. The terrain is generally flat, characterized by riverside paths, open fields, and historic canal towpaths, making it suitable for most ability levels.
Best hiking trails around Shardlow And Great Wilne
- The most popular hiking route is the Shardlow Wharf – Chapel Farm Marina loop from Shardlow and Great Wilne, a 2.7 mile (4.4 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to complete. This easy walk follows paths along the historic Shardlow Wharf and local marinas.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Shardlow Wharf – St Chad's Lake loop from Shardlow, a moderate 5.4 mile (8.6 km) path. The route features waterside scenery and passes the St Chad's Water Nature Reserve.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Chapel Farm Marina – River Trent near Shardlow loop from Shardlow and Great Wilne, a 3.1 mile (4.9 km) trail leading along the River Trent, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Shardlow and Great Wilne is defined by canal towpaths, riverside trails, and open meadows. The network of circular walks Shardlow offers provides options for different fitness levels, from short, easy strolls to longer moderate hikes.
- The routes in Shardlow and Great Wilne are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,300 reviews. More than 9,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Shardlow and Great Wilne's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
4.9
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hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(27)
101
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Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(6)
36
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.8
(5)
15
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(6)
21
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Popular around Shardlow And Great Wilne
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful place to visit year-round. They updated the benches.
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When visiting the Red-Brick Warehouse on the Canal, take a moment to appreciate its unique architectural feature: the internal canal arm that allowed boats to be loaded or unloaded within the building. This design, common in historic canal warehouses, facilitated efficient transshipment of goods directly from the waterway to storage. Such features are exemplified in structures like Telford's Warehouse in Chester, where boats could enter the building for loading and unloading. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telford%27s_Warehouse
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The church dates from the 13th century, and was completed in 1474 with funding from Walter Blount, 1st Baron Mountjoy. The chancel was restored and lengthened by 11 feet (3.4 m) in 1904 by George Frederick Bodley. Some of the tombs and memorials were moved to give a better view of the altar. The new chancel has no window at the east end, but a large reredos of carved white clunch filled the whole end, which was richly carved with subjects and figures, and effectively lit by two new traceried windows of three lights each in the north and south walls of the sanctuary. The pavements of the sanctuary and chancel were laid with black and white marble. The floor of the nave was laid with wooden blocks, and the aisles with slate and white stone. The plaster was removed from the walls. The roofs and various parts of the walls were decorated with gold and blue, with monograms of "B" for St Bartholomew.
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A Gothic Revival castle in Elvaston, Derbyshire, is now part of Elvaston Castle Country Park, owned and managed by Derbyshire County Council, encompassing 321 acres of parkland, woodlands, and historical gardens. The castle, designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s, replaced an older house dating back to 1633.
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Part of the 19th century formal gardens laid out at Elvaston Castle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walking routes around Shardlow and Great Wilne dog-friendly?
Yes, the area is generally very welcoming to dogs. The wide-open fields and towpaths provide great walking opportunities. Many local pubs also allow dogs. A popular spot is St Chad's Water Nature Reserve, which is known to be dog-friendly, but remember to keep your dog under control as it is a nature reserve with abundant wildlife and anglers.
What are the best options for an easy, family-friendly walk?
The terrain around Shardlow is mostly flat, making it ideal for families. For a very easy walk, consider the Shardlow Wharf – Chapel Farm Marina loop from Shardlow and Great Wilne. It's a short, 4.4 km walk along the historic canal wharf. For a dedicated family outing, the nearby Calke Explore is a highly-regarded nature play area set in woodlands.
Are there many circular walks available?
Yes, circular walks are a key feature of hiking in this area. Most trails are designed as loops that start and end in Shardlow, allowing you to explore the canals, rivers, and surrounding countryside without retracing your steps. A great example is the Chapel Farm Marina – River Trent near Shardlow loop, which offers a pleasant waterside circuit.
Where can I find walks that feature the Trent and Mersey Canal?
The Trent and Mersey Canal is central to most hikes in Shardlow. You can experience it on the Shardlow Wharf – Chapel Farm Marina loop from Shardlow, a nearly 10 km route that extensively follows the historic towpaths, passing working marinas and old warehouses.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the trails?
The landscape is a unique mix of industrial heritage and natural beauty. Expect to see historic canal architecture like Shardlow Wharf, scenic towpaths with narrowboats, and the confluence of the River Trent and River Derwent. The routes also pass through open meadows and past nature reserves, offering opportunities for bird-watching.
Are there any walks that include a nature reserve?
Yes, you can easily incorporate a visit to a nature reserve. The Shardlow Wharf – St Chad's Lake loop from Shardlow is a popular 8.6 km moderate hike that takes you right past the well-regarded St Chad's Water Nature Reserve, known for its birdlife.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the area?
The komoot community rates the area highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the combination of peaceful waterside paths along the canals and rivers, the flat and accessible terrain, and the fascinating industrial history of Shardlow as Britain's most complete canal village.
Where is a good place to park for a walk in Shardlow?
While there isn't one central car park for all trails, you can often find on-street parking within the village of Shardlow. Many walkers start near the historic Shardlow Wharf. Some local pubs may also offer parking for patrons. For a guaranteed spot, nearby attractions like Orchid Wood are noted for having good parking facilities.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
While the area is mostly flat, you can find longer routes for a more challenging day out. The River Derwent – Chapel Farm Marina loop from Shardlow is a good option, covering over 14 km and combining sections of the River Derwent path with the canal towpath for a substantial walk.
What is the terrain like and do I need special footwear?
The terrain is generally flat, consisting of canal towpaths, riverside footpaths, and tracks across open fields. While mostly easy-going, paths can become muddy, especially after rain and in the meadows of the River Trent flood plain. Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes are recommended.
Are there any pubs or cafes along the walking routes?
Shardlow's history as a canal port means it has several historic pubs, many located directly on the waterside, such as the famous Clock Warehouse. These are perfect for a stop during or after your walk. It's best to check their opening times in advance.
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