Whether you want a ‘stretch your legs stroll’ or something more hardcore there is something for everybody.
I’ve made sure that each of the walks below have variations to suit your mood and level of ability.
Further information regarding the walks can be found on
Osmaston and Shirley Park
Osmaston and Shirley Park is a 7.6 kilometre loop trail, also the option of a shorter walk. It features a Mill Pond, plenty of wood and parkland and is rated as moderate. There is a pub to stop off for tipples en-route.
Carsington Water
A 20 minute drive from here, Carsington Water is a 12.7 kilometre loop trail that features a lake, play area and refreshment hub. It is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options, not just walking but cycling, water sports and nature trips.
Dovedale
This is a fab walk. It has lots of different features to it and transitions from the famous Stepping Stones to wooden bridges and caves. Plenty of scenic options for picnic
stop-offs, a particular favourite being over at Milldale.
More Dovedale-Off-Piste Alternatives…
For those feeling a little more adventurous visit Lover’s Leap and the Dove Hole Walk which is an 11.1 kilometre out and back trail.
Rated as difficult, there is the White Peak and Dovedale Circular which is 20.1 kilometres maximum. It takes you through beautiful villages in the Peak including Fenny Bentley and Parwich.
Tissington Trail
Tissington Trail follows the route of the old Buxton to Ashbourne railway (opened in 1899, closed in 1967) so remember it isn’t a loop walk. It’s an easy ride so great for bikes and children as it is mainly flat.
Several access points, all roughly a 20 minute drive from here but it is possible to enter off the Leisure Centre Carpark in Ashbourne town down the tunnel.
Thorpe, Ilam and Cheshire Wood
All great routes to do individually, Thorpe, Ilam, and Cheshire Wood is a 22.4 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Ashbourne. It features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.stop-offs, a particular favourite being over at Milldale.
Ilam Hall
Ilam Hall Circular Walk is a 7.9 kilometre loop trail located again, near to Ashbourne outside Thorpe, that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
Thorpe Cloud
Although it is only a 2.9 kilometre loop located in Dovedale it is not for the faint-hearted but features rewarding views and is good for all skill levels (so long as they don’t mind a steep climb.
Kedleston Hall Wilderness Circular
Kedleston Hall Wilderness Circular is a 4.7 kilometre loop trail located near Derby and is good for all skill levels. The Parkland trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. It has great views of the lake and woodland. Kedleston also has a golf course.
Further a-field
(Pun intended)
Chatsworth Aquaduct Circular
Chatsworth Aquaduct Circular is approximately 45 minutes car drive away near Beeley and Bakewell (another great day out!). It is a 7.4 kilometre loop trail. It features a waterfall and is rated as moderate – child-friendly too!
Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is a 15.6 kilometre point-to-point trail located near Buxton, Derbyshire. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line and through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales – just under an hours drive from here.
