Location
Situated on the banks of the River Derwent just a mile north of Derby city centre, Darley Park is the perfect place in which to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
What is now the site of beautiful parkland was once the home to one of the country's most important monasteries: a house of Augustinian Canons established in 1137.
Donated to the people of the city by local mill owners the Evans family in June 1931, it now features a number of delightful gardens and wildlife areas. As well as being the home of the annual Hairy Helmet Relay, the park also plays host to one of the country's largest free concerts and firework displays every September. It is easily accessible from both the A6 and the A38.
"What a fantastic event, so many teams, so much fun and so cheap a race! Same again next year will be fine. Derwent runners have runners and their families in mind and it was all brill."
Alison Booth
Directions: Darley Abbey is situated to the east of the A6 (Duffield Road) between Derby City Centre to the south, and Allestree then Duffield to the north. Head for the Abbey pub in Darley Abbey, postcode DE22 1DX.
Parking: There is a free council car park in the little road opposite the Abbey pub, although there are not many spaces. There is also a free car park at one of the western entrances to the Park at the end of Darley Park Drive. There other free car parks at the south eastern end of the park on City Road, opposite the end of Chester Green Road, and where it meets Old Chester Road.
Race HQ: Darley Abbey Cricket Club, Darley Abbey (one minute walk into the park from the Abbey pub).
Starting point: The race starts and finishes in front of Darley Park Cricket Club pavillion.
