Ilam Park to Wetton circular walk
This scenic walk begins at the historic Ilam Hall and Park and takes in both the River Manifold and River Hamps. On the way, you'll encounter stunning views of limestone rock formations.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Ilam Park stableyard
Step 1
Leave the stableyard and walk towards the car park. Go through the large black metal gate into the parkland. Continue across the parkland and then down a stone track towards the River Manifold. Cross over the metal bridge and head towards a squeeze stile to the left of a solitary tree. Then bear right towards another squeeze stile. Continue across several fields until you reach the road. Turn left and walk uphill and around to the right, following the road to Throwley.
Step 2
At Throwley continue to the left through the farmyard. Soon after the Calton road sign there is a wooden sign and gate on the right. Pass through two gates and head slightly right up the hill towards a gate to the right of some trees. Go through the gate and ahead over the brow of the hill. Continue down to pick up a track. A barn will come into view. Continue on the track, through a gate, passing the barn and over a stile beside another gate. On reaching Beeston Tor Farm, the track joins the Manifold Trail. Continue left; the trail passes over the River Hamps and through a caravan site, with the River Manifold on your right. At a junction of lanes, with Weags Bridge on your right, continue straight ahead along the Manifold Trail, until you reach a footbridge on your right.
Step 3
Cross the footbridge and follow the main paved path upwards, then take the signed right path. After admiring the views of the limestone rock formations here, go back to the main path and continue uphill. Pass through two gates, keeping the field wall on your right. Just before the end of the field, climb the stile onto a track and turn left. Continue on the track until reaching the road. Turn right and after a few metres bear left into Wetton village. On reaching the Wetton Village Hall turn right to follow the path through the churchyard. When you reach the road, turn right, passing the Royal Oak pub. Continue until reaching the junction. Please be respectful of the local communities here and leave no trace of your visit.
Step 4
Turn right, signed to Grindon. After a few metres turn left onto a footpath. Aim for the solitary tree and stone barn on the horizon to the right. There is a stile just over the brow of the hill to the right of the tree. Pass through several fields to reach the stile. Keep the dry-stone wall on your right and head downhill to cross the lane and then continue south joining a path beside the escarpment. On reaching the Castern Wood Nature Reserve sign, leave the path using the gate on your left. Bear right through old mine workings towards a wooden fingerpost sign. Continue south across the field heading for a field gate. In the next field the footpath merges with a green farm track. Continue on the green track until you reach a lane behind Castern Hall.
Step 5
Turn right onto the lane, signed to Ilam. Continue on the lane downhill passing Castern Hall. Once over a cattle grid, you'll pass River Lodge on your right. Immediately after the lodge turn right off the lane. Continue along the footpath through several gates and into Ilam Park. Continue on the path keeping the River Manifold on your right. You will pass the Battle Stone on your left and then walk under large lime trees (Paradise Walk) with a stone wall on the right. As the path reaches the riverside, look out for the boil holes on the left of the path under the rock face. This is where water from the River Hamps and River Manifold emerge after flowing underground. Take the sloping path on the left to walk up to the Italian Garden and stableyard, where you started your walk.
End point
Ilam Park stableyard
Trail map
More near here
Ilam Park to Dovedale Stepping Stones trail
Explore the White Peak with a walk from Ilam Park to the stepping stones at Dovedale.
Manifold Valley walk
A 10-mile walk around the River Manifold valley that takes in Thor's Cave, and other distinct landscape features in Dovedale and Ilam Park.
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