Erewash Valley Trail

The Erewash Valley Trail is 46.35 km long with about 304 m of total elevation gain, so it is a long but relatively gentle multi-day route. Strong walkers could cover it in a long day, but most people split it into 2 days to keep the pace easy and leave time for canal-side sections, towns, and heritage stops such as Bennerley Viaduct and Langley Mill.

The Erewash Valley Trail is rated easy, and the numbers support that: 46.35 km of distance but only 304 m of climbing overall. Much of the route follows low-level valley ground, canal towpaths, and traffic-free paths between places such as Long Eaton, Sandiacre, Ilkeston, and Langley Mill, so it is generally manageable for beginners with enough stamina for the mileage.

The Erewash Valley Trail is commonly described as a circular route in the Erewash Valley, with Langley Mill used as a start and finish point on many route descriptions. The southern part of the trail also reaches Sawley and Trent Lock, and the route passes through Long Eaton, Sandiacre, and Ilkeston before returning north toward Langley Mill.

Yes. The Erewash Valley Trail passes through built-up parts of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire border area, and Ilkeston is used as a rail-access point for car-free walks on the route. Langley Mill and Long Eaton are also key towns on the corridor, making it one of the more practical long walks in Derbyshire for hikers using public transport rather than driving.

The Erewash Valley Trail combines waterside walking with industrial heritage. Notable landmarks along or near the route include the Erewash Canal, Trent Lock near Sawley, Bennerley Viaduct near Ilkeston, and the canal junction area at Langley Mill where the Erewash Canal meets the Cromford Canal. The trail also links towns including Long Eaton, Sandiacre, and Ilkeston.

The Erewash Valley Trail is mostly flat to gently undulating rather than hilly. Over 46.35 km, the total ascent is only 304 m, which is low for a route of this length. That makes it a good option for hikers who want a longer distance walk without sustained climbs or steep mountain terrain.

Spring through early fall is usually the best time to walk the Erewash Valley Trail, when towpaths and riverside sections are generally drier and daylight is longer for a 46.35 km route. Parts of the Erewash Valley include floodplain meadows and wetland habitat, so prolonged rain in winter can leave some low-lying stretches muddier or slower going.