Alfreton to South Wingfield
Explore the rich history of the Derbyshire landscape on this undulating 4-mile route. This trail connects ancient parish architecture with significant political history, offering walkers a chance to view the dramatic ruins of Wingfield Manor and discover the area's industrial evolution from former coal mines to protected nature reserves.
Belper to Kilburn
Step into the history of Belper, an agricultural settlement mentioned in the Domesday Book that transformed into a planned industrial community under the influence of the Strutt family in the 18th century. This scenic 7.2-mile route offers an invigorating mix of hilly countryside, historic landmarks, and tranquil nature reserves, perfect for walkers looking for a challenge with plenty of heritage to discover along the way.
Belper to Blackbrook
Discover the industrial legacy of the Strutt family on this scenic 7-mile loop. This walk explores the rolling farmland and countryside that once supported the mill workers of Belper, offering a unique blend of historical heritage and natural beauty. The route begins and ends near the cotton mills on the River Derwent, guiding you through a landscape shaped by one of the region's most influential industrial families.
Crich
Explore the heart of the Amber Valley on this challenging 7.5-mile circular route. Crich, a delightful historic village known for its rich lead and limestone mining history, serves as the starting point for this journey. This route is perfect for hikers seeking hilly terrain and sweeping panoramas, taking you past dramatic medieval ruins and iconic hilltop monuments that define the Derbyshire landscape.
Denby
Discover the countryside surrounding Denby, historically known as the “village of the Danes”. This undulating 2.8-mile route offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial past, traversing restored former opencast coal land that has been returned to nature. It is an ideal walk for those seeking a shorter excursion that combines peaceful scenery with rich local heritage.
Duffield
Discover the expansive beauty of the Derwent Valley on this 8-mile trek. Duffield, whose name traces back to the Anglo-Saxon "Duva feld" (meaning "wide land by the River Dove"), offers a walk rich in history and rolling landscape. This route is perfect for hikers looking for a substantial, undulating challenge that seamlessly blends deep medieval history with fascinating industrial heritage.
Heage
Experience a scenic journey through undulating countryside on this delightful 5-mile route. Named for its position on a "high edge" ridge, the walk offers a perfect blend of industrial heritage and natural tranquility. You will traverse sections of the historic Cromford Canal, enjoy sweeping views of local monuments, and visit England’s only working stone-towered, multi-sailed windmill.
Heanor
Discover the fascinating industrial legacy and natural beauty of Heanor on this expansive 7-mile circular walk. This route is a journey through time, traversing the paths of former railways and canal networks while exploring landscapes transformed by the area's coal-mining past into lush nature reserves and parkland.
Holbrook
Embark on a scenic, rolling countryside walk that links four distinct villages, offering sweeping panoramic views across the valley. This route provides a fascinating journey through time, featuring traces of historic industry and ancient settlements. Beginning and ending at The Spotted Cow in Holbrook, this walk is a perfect blend of natural beauty and local history.
Horsley to Horsley Woodhouse
Discover the charm of Derbyshire’s past on this 5-mile circular route. This scenic walk takes you through undulating farmland and peaceful woodland, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and fascinating local history. Starting at the Coach & Horses in Horsley, the trail invites you to step back in time as you encounter unique village landmarks and traces of Roman engineering.
Kirk Langley
Experience a gentle walk through the rolling fields on the edge of the Derbyshire Peaks. This route spans the Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, and South Derbyshire, tracing a portion of the historic Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk. Perfect for a half-day outing, this trail offers a tranquil escape through undulating hills and charming country lanes.
Langley Mill
Step into the industrial past of Langley Mill on this fascinating 4.8-mile trail. This route offers a unique perspective on the area's history, guiding you through serene canals and landscapes that have been thoughtfully restored from their former lives as coal workings. It is an ideal walk for those interested in industrial heritage, featuring a blend of surfaced paths and open countryside that is primarily flat with only a single moderate climb.
Lea, Dethick And Holloway
Experience a rich tapestry of history and nature on this challenging but rewarding circular route. This walk is a must for those who appreciate the intersection of natural beauty and profound local heritage, offering far-reaching views and a journey through sites associated with famous figures such as Sir Richard Arkwright, Florence Nightingale, and Alison Uttley.
Mackworth & Meynell Langley
Explore the historic charm of Mackworth village and the rolling countryside towards Meynell Langley on this captivating 5.25-mile walk. This route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and deep historical significance, skirting the famous Kedleston Estate. Walkers can immerse themselves in the area's wartime past, where the estate once served as a training area for new recruits and Kedleston Hall played a critical role as a communications station intercepting enemy messages for Bletchley Park.
Muggington
Discover the serene beauty of the Derbyshire countryside on this captivating 5-mile loop. This route offers a delightful blend of undulating pastoral farmland, tranquil wooded tracks, and significant local heritage, making it an ideal choice for walkers seeking a mix of nature and history.
Ripley
Discover a rich tapestry of industrial history and countryside serenity on this 5-mile circular walk. Ripley, an old market town, served as the home of the famous Butterley Company—the engineers behind the roof of London's St Pancras station and the world-renowned Falkirk Wheel. This route takes you through the very landscapes that fueled this industrial legacy, connecting ancient Roman paths with historic canal routes and sites of local revolution.
Shipley to Smalley
Explore the remarkable transformation of Shipley’s landscape on this scenic walk. Once part of the historic Miller-Mundy family estate, this area has evolved from its industrial coal-mining past into a thriving country park filled with woodlands, diverse wildlife, and historic intrigue.