Derbyshire offers some of the most varied walking landscapes in England, from the dramatic gritstone edges and open moorlands of the Peak District National Park to the limestone dales, river valleys and historic estates of the Derbyshire Dales. 

This comprehensive Cicerone guide to walking in Derbyshire brings together 60 circular walks across the county, exploring landscapes ranging from the rugged uplands of the Peak District to the gentler countryside of the south of the county. 

Routes range from 4 to 16km (3 to 10 miles) and are easy-to-moderate half-day or full-day walks, ideal for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers looking to discover new areas.

• 60 circular walks across Derbyshire and the Peak District, ranging from 4–16km (3–10 miles), with detailed route descriptions and Ordnance Survey mapping for confident navigation
• Walk through a wide variety of landscapes, including limestone dales, river valleys, gritstone edges, rolling farmland and open moorland across the county, accessible from popular accommodation bases like Glossop, Buxton, Bakewell and Matlock
• Discover historic landmarks and cultural highlights along the routes, including Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall, and the historic plague village of Eyam
• Each walk includes useful practical information such as terrain notes, refreshment stops, toilets and local facilities in Derbyshire's towns and villages to help you plan enjoyable day walks
• Small enough to slip into a pocket or backpack, it provides all the information you need without adding extra weight

From sweeping hilltop views and rugged moorland edges to peaceful riverside paths and picturesque villages, Derbyshire offers walkers a remarkable variety of landscapes to explore. With this Cicerone guidebook in hand, you can discover the county’s rich heritage and natural beauty one rewarding circular walk at a time.

Walking in Derbyshire - Quick Facts

Guidebook name: Walking in Derbyshire
Location: Derbyshire (including the Peak District National Park and Derbyshire Dales)
Number of walks: 60 circular walks across Derbyshire
Distance: 4–16 km (3–10 miles) per walk
Typical duration: Half-day or full-day walks, 1–6 hours depending on route
Terrain: Gritstone edges, limestone dales, moorland, river valleys, rolling farmland, villages and historic estates
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners, casual walkers and experienced hikers
Highlights: Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall, Eyam, Peak District moorlands, limestone valleys, Derbyshire market towns
Navigation: Step-by-step route instructions with 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps; reliable navigation for walkers of all experience levels
Facilities: Information on parking, public transport, cafés, pubs and local amenities provided for towns and villages, including Glossop, Buxton, Bakewell and Matlock
Guidebook format: Pocket-sized and lightweight, designed to carry easily on the trail
Best season: Year-round walking; spring to early autumn usually offers the best weather and wildlife viewing

Author Highlight

“Without doubt Derbyshire is one of the most picturesque counties in England, renowned for its varied scenic beauty ranging from wild sombre moorland in the north to sparkling rivers laced with delightful deep dales in the central area and gentle rolling countryside further south.” 

- Elaine Burkinshaw, author of Walking in Derbyshire 

Introduction

Geology

History

The shaping of present-day Derbyshire

Customs

How to use this guide

The Walks

  1  Creswell Crags 

  2  Arbor Low Stone Circle 

  3  Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt Edges 

  4  Edale and Mam Tor 

  5  Longshaw Estate and Carl Wark 

  6  Hope, Win Hill and the Navio Roman Fort 

  7  Roystone Grange 

  8  Castleton 

  9  Hartington and Pilsbury Castle 

  10  Dale Abbey and Locko Park 

  11  Chelmorton 

  12  Hartington and Beresford and Wolfscote Dales 

  13  Tideswell 

  14  Ashbourne 

  15  Bakewell and Ashford in the Water 

  16  Haddon Hall and Bakewell 

  17  Wingfield Manor and Crich 

  18  Longshaw Estate and Padley Chapel 

  19  Hardwick Hall 

  20  Bolsover Castle 

  21  Tissington 

  22  Eyam 

  23  Chatsworth House 

  24  Chatsworth House, Bakewell and Edensor 

  25  Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold Reservoir 

  26  Swarkestone 

  27  Shipley Country Park

  28  Kedleston Hall 

  29  Magpie Lead Mine 

  30  Wirksworth and Middleton Top Engine House 

  31  Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale 

  32  Winster, Elton and Robin Hood’s Stride 

  33  Carsington and Brassington 

  34  Cromford 

  35  Pinxton Wharf 

  36  Shardlow 

  37  Belper 

  38  Monsal Head, Litton and Cressbrook 

  39  Peak Forest Canal and Torrs Riverside Park 

  40  New Mills, Sett Valley Trail and Hayfield 

  41  Glossop 

  42  Three Shires Head and Flash 

  43  Birchen Edge 

  44  Pentrich 

  45  Elvaston Castle and Country Park 

  46  Melbourne Hall 

  47  Errwood Hall and Goyt Valley 

  48  Osmaston 

  49  Hathersage and River Derwent 

  50  Hathersage and Stanage Edge 

  51  Holloway and Dethick 

  52  Midland Railway Centre and Codnor Castle 

  53  Tissington and High Peak Trails 

  54  Caudwell’s Mill and Nine Ladies Stone Circle 

  55  Upper Longdendale Valley 

  56  Buxton and its Country Park 

  57  Matlock and Matlock Bath 

  58  Dovedale 

  59  Derwent Dams 

  60  Carsington Water 

Seasons

Year round

Centres

Glossop, Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock, Ripley, Ashbourne, Derby

Difficulty

Easy to moderate day or half-day walks (2.5 to 9.5 miles)

Must See

Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall, Eyam, Chatsworth House, New Mills, Buxton, Cromford, Goyt Valley, Dovedale

All the walks in this book are covered by the following OS Explorer 1:25,000 maps:

• OL1 The Peak District Dark Peak Area
• OL24 The Peak District White Peak Area
• 28 Sherwood Forest
• 245 The National Forest
• 259 Derby
• 260 Nottingham
• 269 Chesterfield & Alfreton

which are widely available in the local area and also from map shops and online.

January 2021

Walk 52

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