Derbyshire walk: Repton, River Trent and Newton Solney

On the trail of Roald Dahl at Repton

Between 1930 and 1934 Roald Dahl boarded at Repton School. In his autobiography Boy, Dahl talks about his years there.

During that time, Cadbury had a blind testing facility at Repton – what lucky school children! It was possibly the inspiration for Dahl’s much-loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

It’s not difficult to imagine Dahl taking the opportunity to walk along the River Trent at weekends.

This is a gentle four-mile walk through historic Repton to the banks of the Trent, then on to the village of Newton Solney, returning to Repton over undulating fields and country lanes.

Starting from the small long-term carpark on Burton Road (opposite New Court Gallery), head down to the roundabout with its ‘Mercia Cross’ (a stone monument minus its cross).

It’s thought the original monument dates back to AD 653 when Northumbrian missionaries visited Repton, then the capital of the Ango-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia.

Dahl’s school was built on the site of a priory, the gateway, barn, walls and lodge dating back to the 13th century.

Next to it is St Wystan’s Church, a gate adjoining the school. Dahl, no doubt, attended services there.

Passing the church, continue along Willington Road as it twists and turns, taking a left to follow a path alongside Repton School Science Priory (built long after Dahl’s time there).

Follow Jeramiah Walk, crossing a stile to a wide corridor of field. Eventually you’ll hit another stile that drops down to the River Trent.

Cut across the loop of the river, keeping left of two small bodies of water and head for the striking pipeline – an arched bridge.

Just beyond it, cross the narrow wooden bridge spanning a channel of water, then follow the bank of the river to Newton Solney, a lovely section of walk beside tranquil water.

Head up Trent Lane to Main Street. The attractive village offers two possibilities for a pint or a meal – the wood-panelled Brickmakers Arms (with a reputation for decent real ales) or the Unicorn Inn (known for its Sunday lunches).

Just before the Unicorn Inn, turn right up Newton Lane. Take care walking the narrow country road as there’s no pavement.

When you reach a fingerpost on your left, climb the stile and follow the edge of the field until you reach a farm track.

Along the way, enjoy expansive views over the Trent Valley. Leave the farm track behind and climb through the field in front of you, crossing another stile.

Follow a farm track, keeping straight on where the lane bends left, to climb into a field. The path passes an open-sided wrought-iron barn.

On reaching Chestnut Way, cross the road and follow the alleyway between houses to Mitre Drive. Cross over again to continue down another alleyway, keeping left to meet Burton Road.

You’ll emerge at the Red Lion. Head for A. Moss Butchers next door with some of the best pies in Derbyshire, and a great selection of fillings.