9 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, and its terrain ranges from tall hill peaks, clifftops and plateaus to gloriously lush valleys and deep-cut gorges – so whether you’re searching for sweeping panoramic views, or simply want to wander through woodland, Derbyshire has a route for you to take. 

We’ve picked the county’s absolute best trails for you to choose from, ranging from short strolls to multi-day hikes. Here are the nine best walks in Derbyshire.

Kinder Scout

At 636m tall, Kinder Scout’s High Peak is the highest point in the Peak District. It’s also one of the most immediately recognisable, thanks to unique rock formations atop its highest slopes. 

The circular walk from Edale to the top of Kinder Scout takes around four to five hours, and it’s the Dark Peak’s most challenging route. You’ll pass Crowden Tower, cross a stretch of peaty moorland, and walk along part of the Pennine Way before heading back down to Edale via craggy Jacob’s Ladder. Highlights include Kinder Downfall, a plummeting waterfall that can freeze dramatically in winter.

Mam Tor

The hike up to Mam Tor is very doable for even novice walkers: from the Mam Tor car park, it shouldn’t take you longer than one or two hours. But it comes with a big pay-off – when you get to the top, you’ll have one of the best views anywhere in the Peak District. 

See even more sights by starting your walk in Castleton. You’ll pass by Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff – if time allows, we recommend visiting at least one of these dramatic show caverns. Head up to Mam Tor to soak up its sweeping skies and valley views, before descending along Lose Hill Pike, and back down to Castleton via Hope village and riverside paths.

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).

Monsal Dale

Monsal Dale is neighbour to Tideswell, but don’t just lump the two together: the Monsal Trail walk (around two and a half hours long) is worth highlighting in its own right. The walk takes you over a dramatic 19th-century viaduct, over the White Peak, through woodland and under the shadow of Fin Cop’s Iron Age hill-fort. Keep an eye out for black rabbits on the high land, and kingfishers by the thundering weir towards the end of the route.

Want more than a weir? Take a look at our guide to the best waterfalls in Derbyshire.

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. Get inspired with our guide to the best things to do in Matlock.

Padley Gorge

There’s a lot more to Derbyshire than panoramic views and peaks. Starting at Grindleford Station, this route takes you through woodland (skimming part of the Longshaw Estate) and down into plunging Padley Gorge. For maximum impact visit in autumn, when the ancient woodland which lines either side of this deep valley turns copper and gold (although 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.

Hathersage

Few places in the Peak District are as storied as Hathersage, a village with links to Robin Hood and Charlotte Brontë (who modelled Thornfield Hall, Mr Rochester’s house in Jane Eyre, on Hathersage’s North Lees Hall).

There are tons of scenic walks in the countryside around Hathersage: explore them after you’ve done the climb up to craggy Stanage Edge. This windswept natural rock formation stretches for 6km and has clifftop views over to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Derwent Valley and Hope Valley. It was used as a filming location for Pride and Prejudice: if you’d like photos where you look as dramatic as Kiera Knightley, bring your camera. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, the route descends back down to Hathersage via Carhead Rocks.

Birchover

One glance at its worn-down mountains tells you that the Peak District is an ancient landscape. So how did ancient humans fit into it? From burial mounds to Bronze Age stone circles, the area around Birchover village contains some of the Peak District’s best ancient sites. 

This three-hour walk takes you past the medieval (likely 14th-century) Hermit’s Cave, over Robin Hood’s Stride and its surrounding Bronze Age stone monuments, then to prehistoric rock carvings in Birchover village. Return along the edge of Bradley Rocks.

Chrome Hill

Chrome Hill isn’t quite as well known as other Derbyshire landmarks – which just 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.

Looking for more activities? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Derbyshire. Or explore our ultimate guide to camping in Central England.