6 Best Walks In Derbyshire
In need of a nature fix? Derbyshire’s spectacular landscapes encompass parts of the Peak District, the National Forest and the ridged Pennine mountain range, with its terrain ranging from craggy peaks, clifftops and plateaus to gloriously lush valleys and deep-cut gorges – so whether you’re searching for panoramic views, or simply want to wander through woodland, Derbyshire has a route for you to follow.
We’ve picked the county’s absolute best trails for you to choose from, ranging from short strolls to multi-day hikes. Here are six of the best family walks in Derbyshire; Pitchup also has detailed itineraries for all levels of walking in the Peak District National Park.
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Tideswell
It’s hard to pick just one route leading out from Tideswell. This historic village is set firmly in the centre of the White Peak’s most glorious scenery: from here, you’re poised to explore the Wye Valley’s deep gorges, the gently rolling Derbyshire Dales, and high gritstone escarpments overlooking lush valleys galore.
But if we had to, we’d suggest taking a stroll out through wildlife-rich Tideswell Dale, towards Litton Mill. From here, you’ll pass through Miller’s Dale, past Cressbrook Mill and back through winding woodland paths to Tideswell. It’s an easy five-and-a-half mile loop, leaving you plenty of time to stop and take in the scenery (we promise you’ll want to).
Derwent Valley
If you have time to spare, the Derwent Valley Heritage Way stretches 55 miles from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District National Park to Derwent Mouth. Along the way, the route takes in the scenic Derbyshire Dales, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, museums, canals, villages and towns.
If 55 miles sounds a bit too much like hard work, we recommend joining the trail at (or at some point after) Heatherdene. Finish up at Matlock or the spa town of Matlock Bath, home to everything from 19th-century mills to a theme park. Once there, get inspiration from Pitchup’s guide to the best things to do in Matlock.
Padley Gorge Waterfalls
There’s a lot more to Derbyshire than panoramic views and peaks. Starting at Grindleford Station (there’s a paid car park), this route takes you through woodland (skimming part of the Longshaw Estate), down into plunging Padley Gorge and along the Burbage Brook to a series of picture-perfect waterfalls. For maximum impact visit after rainfall, or in autumn when the ancient woodland which lines this deep valley turns copper and gold (although of course the scenery is pretty spectacular year-round). From April to late summer, keep your eyes peeled for pied flycatchers – Padley Gorge is the best place in the region to see these rare migratory birds. If you’d like to bag a few more waterfalls, have a look at more amazing waterfalls in Derbyshire.
Hathersage to Stanage Edge
Few places in the Peak District are as storied as Hathersage (where there is paid parking), with its strong links to Robin Hood and Charlotte Brontë (she modelled Thornfield Hall, Mr Rochester’s house in Jane Eyre, on the village’s North Lees Hall). You walk past North Lees on the scenic nine-mile round walk up to craggy Stanage Edge, a windswept rock formation that has clifftop views over to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor and the Derwent and Hope valleys. It was used as a filming location for Pride and Prejudice and has become something of a pilgrimage spot for Jane Austen fans. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, the route descends back down to Hathersage via Carhead Rocks.
Birchover and ancient sites
One glance at its worn-down mountain summits tells you that the Peak District is a millennia-old landscape. So how did ancient humans fit into it? From burial mounds to Bronze Age stone circles, the area around Birchover village (there’s some free parking in the Druid Inn car park) contains some of the Peak District’s best prehistoric sites. A 5.5-mile circular walk from Birchover takes you to the (possibly) 14th-century Hermit’s Cave and a stone crucifix, over Robin Hood’s Stride and its surrounding Bronze Age stone monuments, then to the mysterious carvings at Rowtor Rocks. Return along the edge of Bradley Rocks.
Chrome Hill
Chrome Hill isn’t quite as well known as other Derbyshire landmarks, which means you’re more likely to have its glorious views to yourself. It’s also known as ‘Dragon’s Back’ thanks to the sharp spiny plates which rise skyward like the back of a gigantic reptile.
The walking route begins at Earl Sterndale, then round Hitter Hill, over Parkhouse Hill, and up Chrome Hill’s vertiginous ridge. Following the lower slopes round in the direction you came from will take you back to the village. The full circular route is around five-and-a-half miles long.
Good to know: if you’d like to climb Kinder Scout, at 636m tall the highest point in Derbyshire, there are comprehensive instructions in Pitchup’s guide to hiking in the Peak District National Park.
Where to stay in Derbyshire
Fans of staying outdoors in the gorgeous Derbyshire countryside can save money on accommodation by booking anything from wallet-friendly campsites – especially helpful if you’re holidaying with the kids – to rather more luxurious options like glamping pods and spacious yurts. Prices on Pitchup start at around £15 per night.