Osmaston - Shirley - Longford - Rodsley - Osmaston

Paul John Bridgett

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Walking is perhaps not a popular pastime in this area, though there are many paths and areas of interest. Some of the route follows paths created to mark the millennium, though not well-walked since, these being the Centenary Way and the Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk. On last walking, some clearing work had been carried out and they are much easier to follow.

Start in the manor-house model village of Osmaston; the manor itself was dismantled and exported during the 1960s. The estate and park is privately owned and there is no public access. The village is perhaps best known for its polo ground and the mill passed on the route.

Local farmers do not always respect the line of paths and often over-plant them with crops. Most of the paths used on this walk are clear and easily found, though a lane along the Centenary Way often becomes overgrown with nettles and uncut hedges. If wanting to follow other paths, you may find a wall of closely planted maize at head height blocking your progress.

The pub used on this walk is the Ostrich Inn on the edge of Longford. They offer a good choice of food at reasonable prices, also a good range of beers. Outside there are several bench tables intended for eating purchased food outdoors during fine weather; the tables are numbered and you will be asked for a table number when ordering food if eating outside.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Play Area, Pub, Stately Home, Wildlife, Woodland

27/02/2008 - Andrew Maidstone

Walked 27/2/09 - all ok

18/09/2006 - Paul John Bridgett

This seems quite strange, all of the paths used on this route are rights of way, there are no concessionary paths included. The path behind the Saracens head is often overgrown as stated, but it is a right of way. They should not have been prevented from following this path.

09/09/2006 - Julian Watson

Excellent walk, well described until we got to Shirley, opposite the Saracens Head where we were told that we could not go down the described footpath. Took the road instead & the walk ended up at 14 miles!!