Wigwell Aqueduct / Annoying Path Closure

I went down to my Dad's memorial seat down by the river Derwent (near Wigwell Aqueduct) on Sunday. It's a simple gritstone slab, tucked unobtrusively under a tree facing onto an energetic stretch of the river where he used to love casting a fly in pursuit of his beloved grayling. I like how the bench is away from any paths, and blends into the landscape. It reminds me of the interesting little details Dad would draw my attention to on walks in the surrounding woods.

While down there I took the shots below (the memorial seat is seen in shot 1, although it's not a great picture!

I also took a little video using the Sigma 10-20 and Tamron 90mm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfT1Hdqe81g

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3.


My little walk was spoiled somewhat by discovering that a path which I have walked since my childhood has been blocked by the adjacent land owner

The path (between Lea Bridge and Cromford Canal) follows the course of an 'extinct' arm of the canal known as the Nightingale Arm, and is a sort of cobbled trackway leading to the main road opposite John Smedley's factories.

Unfortunately there is no 'green dotted line' on the OS maps indicating a right of way, but the route has certainly been used since the canal's existence, and is (was?) a very popular path to the canal. There are even signs along it (just behind the obstruction) which the council had put up, with instructions for walkers.

The path has been closed off with a locked automatic gate, liberally decorated with spikes and 'Warning! CCTV!' notices. Then a 100yard section is securely fenced either side.

If anyone has had a similar experience, I'd be interested to know whether you managed to get the path re-opened and recognised as a public right of way. It is certainly included in many walking books and even some walk descriptions I could find online.

4.


5. The far end of the fenced section. Note the sign, presumably put up by the council, obviously predating the landowner's decision to block the footpath!


6. Standing in the gateway in shot 5, looking back to the locked gate in shot 4.




Naturally, I will certainly not be dissuaded from walking down there, CCTV or not!

Actually, almost as distressing as the path closure is the decision they have taken to plant bloody Leylandii along the pathside - totally out of character with the lovely deciduous woodland all around. Philistines.

Some friends of mine in Bishop's Stortford recently encountered a similar situation, but after a few letters back and forth to the council they managed to get it declared a right of way. I'm hazy on the precise details, but it involved gathering evidence that the footpath had been in use by the general public for a number of years (I think it was 12). The evidence was simply letters written by people stating that they have used the path since blahblah date. I'd assume your local council would be happy to guide you through the process.

Pentaxophile, you need to check with your local council (Worcester District Council?). Almost all local authorities have a footpaths officer who is required to walk every footpath in their area and to check for obstructions. The officer should know whether or not it is a right of way, or if a right has been established by usage over a period of time.
I liked the video, BTW, and the seat looks very happy tucked away next to the river.
Any grayling left?

I should have mentioned that this is actually in Derbyshire, where I was dragged up.

Alun - I'm sure there are plenty of Grayling left, and they are probably feeling much safer since Dad went to the giant keep net in the sky....

What a lovely spot to have to remember your father.

I would find out which local council is responsible for the area and write to them about it. Maybe get in touch with some walkers/ramblers websites too to suggest they protest as well. A letter to the local rag may help.