From the car park, walk a few yards north, crossing the stiles, which guide you over pasture to the unenclosed road.

Turn right (cattle grid) and cross Ilam Bridge to enter Ilam. At the entrance to Ilam Hall go left, and follow the drive to Dove House. Turn left here, by the gates, and follow the path to Ilam church. Ilam church underwent massive restoration in the 19th century; but evidence of early occupation, in the form of two Saxon crosses, can be seen in the churchyard.

From Ilam church, descend the steps to attain the 'Paradise Walk' near St.Bertram's Bridge. Bertram - or Bertelin - was the son of the ninth king of Anglian Mercia, but he renounced his throne after losing his wife and child to a pack of wolves. The tragedy led him to become a hermit and preacher of Christianity; canonisation was his belated reward for his successful conversion of numerous pagan Britons. One mile north-east of Ilam, by Bunster Hill, lies the site of St.Bertram's well; the scene of many miracle cures (allegedly). The 'Paradise Walk' is clearly defined; follow this through the Manifold meadows. Look out for the Battle Cross: pass this to attain a footbridge.

The River Manifold is noted for its habit of disappearing during dry spells; the river sinks into its bed at Wettonmill, to reappear in the Boil Role below Ilam Hall. The River Hamps, tributary of the Manifold, performs a similar trick at Waterfall, re-emerging across the meadow after a subterranean journey beneath Musden Low. From the footbridge, your next objective is Musden Grange: a short cut is possible here: simply cross the bridge; instead, walk alongside the looping river to River Lodge and a road. Follow the road to Rushley Bridge, which you cross. Ascend the Rushley Farm track then bear left to reach Musden Grange.

With the farm buildings to your left, stay with the track until it bears right; at this point you go left, by an ascending wall. Cross the hedge via an obvious gap above the enclosed trees. Ascend the pasture to attain a gate at the head of a small valley.

Ascend alongside a wall to a stile crossing more pasture. Cross the stile ahead, by a barn, to enter the farmstead of Upper Musden.

From Upper Musden go left over the stile to enter more pasture, which you cross to reach a gate; the path (or bridleway) is now followed with Hinkley Wood below to your left.

After going through a series of gates the minor road is reached; turn left and continue along this for about 150 yards then go left to a stile; cross the pasture, descending to the car park and your starting point.