[1] From Malin Bridge Tram Stop, continue along Loxley New Road and turn left. Enter Stannington Road and cross at the pedestrian crossing. Bear right on the bridleway signed easy going trail and continue along the Rivelin past Mousehole Forge (A).
Mousehole Forge dates from 1628, from before the industrial revolution and is one of the few surviving water-powered forges in the country. It was famous for producing anvils that were exported all over the world. The works also produced vices and various other engineering tools. Part of the site is a grade two listed building although much of the old machinery is open to the elements. It closed around 1933 and one of the buildings converted to a private house. From the 1930s to the 1950s a woodworking business, the Malin Bridge Construction Company, occupied one of the other buildings.
Cross the bridge and the zebra crossing and turn right into Walkley Bank Plantation. A steady climb brings you to a road. Cross over into the walkway opposite and turn right along the road. This bends right to a crossroads. Go straight on up the cobbled Thrush Street, cross at the end and take the second road right. After 100 yards turn left up the walkway beyond number 161.
[2] Cross the road and join the track opposite, ascending into Bolehill Recreational Area (B). When it levels, continue past the BMX track and turn left in 40 yards. The final ascent is up a long flight of stone steps. Continue on the tarmac path and branch to the right past a litter bin. Take the narrower right fork for exceptional views along the Rivelin Valley and over Stannington to the moors beyond. Lead mined in Derbyshire was brought by packhorse to hills like this, as the wind provided a strong enough draught to smelt the ore. Keep straight on beyond the broken tarmac on the natural path and turn right along the tarmac. Go straight on at the end along the one way street and continue to the far end of Bole Hill Lane. Pass through the barrier, bear right at the standing stone into the field and follow the wall on your left. Pass through the gateway and continue alongside the fence. Bear left through the stable yard and turn right on the signed bridleway.
[3] Cross the road to the lane opposite. After just over 100 yards is a dual bridleway and footpath sign. Take the footpath down the steps and turn left at the cross-path on the wider bridleway. Turn right at the next junction to a stile in the wall and turn left at the fence. Follow this to a stile and continue a short distance beside a raised bank before descending to a road. Cross over, turn right to enter the Rivelin Valley (C) and follow the left-hand the riverside path. There is an information panel at the site of the former Holme Head Wheel, one of many mills lining the Rivelin during the late 1700s and through the 19th century. Cross the bridge beyond the stepping stones and turn right along the left bank, passing the Jason Thomson chair sculpture in the river. Enter the road and take the path on the right between hedges, leading into Rivelin Park by the café and toilets. Continue alongside the river to the road (Holly Bush inn to your left.)
[4] Cross to the bridleway almost opposite, which leads to some easy stepping stones. Continue by the river, cross the wooden bridge and turn left at the stone bridge to retrace your steps back to Malin Bridge.