County walk: Alport Heights

This classic countryside walk, packed with outstanding views, is guaranteed to put a spring in your step and mud on your boots!

- Sally Mosley

ROUTE

1 Having seven masts adorned by satellite dishes and receivers, Alport Heights at 1,034 feet above sea level is a distinctive landmark from miles around. The nine-acre site was acquired by the National Trust in 1930, their first scenic acquisition in Derbyshire. It is believed that a Roman settlement was sited at Alport Heights, while during World War II a small building here provided a look-out for enemy planes.

Exit the car park and turn right. Continue ahead at the crossroads on the road signposted Breamfield and Wirksworth.

2 At the junction with Knob Lane go through a stile opposite, following the footpath sign. Cross the field and then continue past the front of Chequer Meadow, a characterful country cottage, emerging onto a narrow lane. Continue ahead across fields to the left of Colebrook Farm then uphill through a small area of woodland, emerging onto Wirksworth Road with a reward of far-reaching views ahead. Sweeping left to right you can see Bonsall Moor, Masson Hill, Matlock Moor, Holloway and then the distinctive Crich Stand. See also the tiny spire of Crich Church peeping up over the horizon like an arrow pointing to the heavens.

3 Turn right and follow the road taking care around blind bends, until you arrive at The Bear Inn which reputedly dates back to 1528. The property was purchased by the Hurt family in 1690 when it became an alehouse known as The Olde Brown Bear Inn. By 1764 this had been shortened to The Bear Inn when the premises became popular with coaches, and travellers on the nearby turnpike road in need of rest and replenishment. The names and dates of all innkeepers and owners from 1735–2008 are listed in the entrance hall of The Bear.