Westbank

Settlement in Derbyshire Amber Va

England

Westbank

Belper North Mill & River Gardens Mills in Belper were constructed by Jedediah Strutt from 1776. The original North Mill was built in 1786 but the building was destroyed by fire in 1803. Now part of Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the new mill built in 1804 is a forerunner of the modern skyscraper. Another member of the Strutt family, George Herbert created the gardens in 1905. — Belper North Mill & River Gardens Credit: Garth Newton

Westbank is a small village located in the county of Derbyshire, England. Situated in the Amber Valley district, it lies approximately 3 miles south of the town of Belper. The village is nestled within picturesque countryside, offering residents and visitors a tranquil and scenic environment.

Despite its small size, Westbank boasts a close-knit community that takes pride in its rural heritage. The village is known for its charming cottages, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, adding to its quaint and traditional character. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with rolling hills and fields, providing a peaceful and idyllic setting.

While Westbank does not have its own amenities, it benefits from its close proximity to nearby towns and villages, such as Belper and Duffield, where residents can find a range of services, including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities. The village is well-connected, with good transport links via roads and public transportation, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

The area surrounding Westbank offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with several walking trails and nature reserves nearby. The Derwent Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, is within reach, offering stunning views and historic landmarks such as the famous Derwent Valley Mills.

Overall, Westbank is a charming rural village that provides a peaceful and scenic retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life, while still being within reach of essential amenities and attractions in the surrounding area.

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Westbank Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.037071/-1.4645744 or Grid Reference SK3649. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Belper North Mill & River Gardens

Mills in Belper were constructed by Jedediah Strutt from 1776. The original North Mill was built in 1786 but the building was destroyed by fire in 1803. Now part of Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the new mill built in 1804 is a forerunner of the modern skyscraper. Another member of the Strutt family, George Herbert created the gardens in 1905.

Garth Newton

Wyver Lane Nature Reserve

Important wetland reserve in landlocked Derbyshire. Link

A misty October day but hopefully gives a feel of the bird life here

dave challender

Fungi near Wyver Lane footpath

Earth Star (Geastrum triplex). The reserve is not just about birds.

dave challender

Hank winder in Belper North Mill Museum

I was expecting someone to have posted "main" pics for here and this to be a supplemental - I suppose I had better take a shot of the building proper later this week! Anyway still adding associated interiors of museum.

dave challender

Hosiery knitting exhibit in the museum

dave challender

Hosiery exhibits in North Mill Museum

Brettles hosiery on display - a local Belper company

dave challender

Kilburn Road, Openwoodgate

From this point the A609 descends into the Derwent Valley at Belper. The pub is the Seven Stars.

Stephen McKay

Over Lane, Openwoodgate

Looking towards Heage.

Stephen McKay

Morley Close, Openwoodgate

A small modern development of bungalows off Over Lane between Openwoodgate and Heage.

Stephen McKay

Park Lane, Heage

At the southern end of Heage, Park Lane becomes a 'road used as a public path' leading to Morley Park.

Stephen McKay

East Mill, Belper

Built 1912 but with a magnificent chimney from 1854. This was demolished in 1990 after suffering damage in a gale. The base is just visible. The engine house contained a turbine and is much smaller than you would expect. The site still uses water turbines on the Derwent to produce power for the grid.

Chris Allen