7k Run Amber Valley: Scenic Loop Along the Nutbrook Canal

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.6km loop through Amber Valley offers a blissfully flat and fast experience, perfect for runners looking to find their rhythm without the interference of steep climbs. Starting at the popular Straws Bridge—fondly known by locals as 'Swan Lake'—the route takes you along the tranquil Nutbrook Canal before circling the scenic Woodside Nature Reserve. With 75% of the path paved and a negligible 24m of ascent, this course is an excellent choice for a tempo run or a steady recovery session on a mix of firm paths and well-maintained trails. You’ll enjoy wide-open views of the Derbyshire countryside and the peaceful water’s edge, making the kilometers fly by.

Steeped in industrial heritage, the Nutbrook Canal was once a vital artery for the local coal and iron industries, though today it serves as a thriving green corridor for wildlife and runners alike. As you loop through the Woodside Nature Reserve, you are running over the site of the former Woodside Colliery, a space that has been beautifully reclaimed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Keep an eye out for Highland cattle grazing in the meadows and various bird species hidden in the reed beds. It’s a remarkable example of how the Amber Valley has transitioned from its hardworking industrial roots into a premier destination for outdoor recreation and natural beauty.