There are many superb walks and specially designed trails throughout the area. These range from walks in and around the historical villages and hamlets to treks over rolling hills, through wooded valleys or alongside reivers, streams and reservoirs. The more adventurous rambler will delight in the more demanding routes across the wild and rugged moorlands leading to the heart of the peak district.
A large collection of books and maps can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre, Chesterfield, tel 01246 207777.
England's first National Park offers 525 square miles of contrasting and breathtaking countryside and 5,000 miles of public footpaths. Choose to discover the White Peak - a limestone landscape criss-crossed with mile upon mile of drystone wall cut into spectacular dales; or the Dark Peak with its high peat and heather covered moorland edged with abrupt millstone-grit crags.
Sited one mile north of Killamarsh on the A618. The park is open daily providing facilities for watersports, fishing, horse riding and casual countryside activities. At the centre of the park, based around the historic Bedgreave Mill, is a visitor centre, cage and craft centre.
Telephone 0114 247 1452.
Moss Valley
This area to the west of Eckington, once known for its sickle and scythe industry, is today a sanctuary for wildlife. The Bridge Inn at Ford is a popular starting point for a pleasant stroll along the banks of the the River Moss with still a chance to see remains of the industrial past.
Five Pits Trail
The trail links five former Derbyshire colliery sites and provides seven and a half miles of traffic-free routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It winds across rolling countryside, offering pleasant picnic areas and splendid views. For further information contact the Countryside Centre at Clay Cross on 01246 866960 or Derbyshire County Council Countryside Section on 01629 580000
Grassmoor Country Park
Four miles South East of Chesterfield, the park is accessed from Birkin Lane, Grassmoor. Open daily for fishing, horse riding and walking.
Linacre Reservoir and Nature Trails
Three small reservoirs are set in an attractive wooded valley, with lakeside walks and nature trails. A picnic area is located near the bottom reservoir with toilets and car park close by.
Ogston Reservoir
Sited at Wooley Moor, four miles east of Matlock on the B5014. The valley was flooded in 1958 to create a reservoir covering over 200 acres. There are fine views over the reservoir from the picnic areas, which include tables, toilets and car parks. There are many leisure facilities including club sailing, windsurfing, trout fishing and two observation hides for local birdwatchers. Almost 200 different species of birds have been recorded at Ogston.
Chesterfield Canal and the Cukoo Way
Contructed in the 1770s, the canal ran from Chesterfield to the River Trent. Today only the length from Worksop to West Stockwith is fully navigable, but a section from Tapton Lock, near Chesterfield, is open and boat trips are organised during the summer months at weekends and on Bank Holiday Mondays. It is possible to walk the whole length of the towpath, known as the Cuckoo way, but walkers should first seek detailed guidance by telephoning 01246 274077.
Return to North East Derbyshire homepage.
This page provided as a service to the community by Jon Rouse.
