The best walks and hikes around Derby

There are over 30 curated hiking routes to explore around Derby. These range from easy parkland strolls to more demanding treks, with the majority being easy or moderate, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The trails around Derby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of accessible urban greenways, peaceful riverside paths, and the beautiful scenery within the region's many country parks.

Yes, there are many easy walks perfect for beginners or a relaxed day out. A great option is the Racebrook Tract — Orange, a gentle 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail. You can also explore the well-maintained paths at local favorites like Allestree Park, which offers calm, enjoyable tracks around a lake.

For a more strenuous hike, the Peak District National Park is easily accessible from Derby and offers dramatic landscapes and challenging ascents. Closer to the city, you can head to Black Rocks, a highly-regarded spot where a steep climb is rewarded with superb views across the Derwent Valley.

The area around Derby is great for family outings. Calke Abbey is a popular choice, offering vast parkland with varied, easy-going trails suitable for all ages. Another excellent option is Elvaston Castle Country Park, with over 300 acres of woodlands and gardens to explore on level paths.

Many trails and parks around Derby are dog-friendly. Calke Abbey is a particular favorite among dog walkers, with extensive grounds to explore. Carvers Rocks is another great spot for a walk with your dog. Always check local signage for specific rules, especially regarding leads in nature reserves or near livestock.

Yes, circular walks are very common in the area, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many routes through country parks like Calke Abbey and Allestree Park are loops. For a shorter circular route, consider the 1.7-mile Turkey Hill Preserve loop — Orange.

Reaching the Peak District is straightforward. The Hope Valley Line train service runs directly from Derby to popular hiking hubs like Hathersage, Bamford, and Edale, which are starting points for many classic Peak District walks.

For fantastic panoramic views, a hike to the top of Black Rocks near Cromford is highly recommended. The short, steep climb leads to a gritstone outcrop with superb vistas. For gentler scenery, the paths along the River Derwent and through the Derwent Valley offer beautiful and tranquil riverside views.

Many country parks and nature reserves in Derbyshire offer parking, though some may charge a fee, particularly National Trust sites. Places like Black Rocks have a car park at the base of the trail. It's always a good idea to bring change for parking meters, just in case.

Besides the main trails, locals enjoy a variety of spots for walking:

• Black Rocks: A popular choice for its rewarding, superb views after a short, steep climb.
• Calke Abbey: An expansive and highly-rated estate with numerous walking routes through historic parkland.
• Allestree Park: A calm and lovely park with enjoyable, easy tracks around a central pond.
• Great Northern Greenway: A beautiful and scenic path that's great for a longer, relatively flat walk or cycle.