Derbyshire Portway

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Summary: The Derbyshire Portway is an ancient prehistoric trackway which can be traced from Mam Tor in the north of Derbyshire to the Hemlock Stone on the edge of Nottingham. Along the route are a fascinating variety of prehistoric and historic sites, including hermitages, hillforts, tumuli, carved crosses, churches and standing stones. It is believed to date from the Bronze Age and in regular use until the late middle ages, the Portway has been followed by travellers for thousands of years as a link between the Trent valley, the Peak District and beyond. The journey of about forty five miles can be walked as a whole or in stages, and includes Dale, Morley, Coxbench, Holbrook, Milford, Wirksworth, Alport, Ashford and Wardlow. Much of the route is now quiet lanes or footpaths, which take the walker through some of Derbyshire’s most delightful scenery, from the lush Derwent valley to the moors of the Dark Peak.