With the closure of the Darley Abbey Mills pedestrian and cycle bridge for safety reasons, it is no longer possible to follow the Heritage Way route through Darley Abbey village.
Instead, it is necessary to follow a diversion using the east bank of the Derwent and to make use of Handyside Bridge (near to Chester Green) to pass over the river. The diversion route can be seen on the map.
From the north, follow the standard route until reaching Haslams Lane to the east of Darley Abbey Mills. At this point, do not take the westerly route through the Mills and over the (closed) bridge. Instead proceed directly south on Folly Road and then into Darley Fields park. Just before reaching the Darley Fields car park, changing rooms and toilets, take the right turn to reach the riverside and then proceed southwards alongside the river before reaching Handyside Bridge. Cross the bridge and use the steps immediately on the left to regain the normal route into Derby and onwards.
From the south, it is necessary to be vigilant to avoid traveling too far north on the west bank of the river and having to backtrack. It is necessary to cross the river at Handyside Bridge (an old railway bridge close to Chester Green). If you follow the normal Heritage Way route and reach the rowing clubs by the river then you’ve gone too far. After crossing Handyside Bridge follow the riverside northwards through Darley Fields before eventually reaching Folly Road. Proceed along Folly Road to Haslams Lane where you rejoin the normal route.
Unfortunately, the diversion means that walkers miss the attractions of Darley Abbey village including the Abbey Inn and Little Darleys pub. There are other cafes, restaurants and wine bars on the east bank of the river within Darley Abbey Mills and walkers may choose to make a short diversion westwards along Haslams Lane. These include:
- Lorentes
- The Lamp House
- La Burrata
- Darleys brasserie
- Derwent Emporium coffee shop
- Darley Abbey Wines
Derby City Council are investihttps://www.derby.gov.uk/news/2026/february/permanent-river-crossing-at-darley-abbey-moves-a-step-closer/gating the way forward for the pedestrian and cycle bridge but, as of early January 2026, there are no details of when access across the river at Darley Abbey will again be possible.
