The walk starts from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District National Park via Chatsworth, the scenery around the Derbyshire Dales, and through the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

It follows the Riverside Path through Derby and continues onwards to the historic inland port of Shardlow.

[2][3] Places on the route and highlights on or near the trail:[4] Train stations: Bamford, Hathersage, Rowsley South, Darley Dale, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Cromford, Whatstandwell, Ambergate, Belper, Duffield, Derby.

The route is covered by 4 OS Explorer maps:[6] Connected paths: Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk, Centenary Way (Derbyshire), High Peak Trail, Midshires Way.

[2] The official guide book is 'The Derwent Valley Heritage Way' published by Bannister Publications, 2ed, 2014.