The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Horsley
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17,481
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12
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Family friendly hiking trails around Horsley explore a landscape characterized by rolling hills, agricultural land, and serene woodlands. The region features gentle river valleys and open countryside, providing accessible routes with moderate elevation changes. These trails offer a mix of natural beauty and rural charm, ideal for family outings.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Horsley
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Brackley Gate Woods – Horsley Carr Woodlands loop from Horsley, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 22 minutes to complete, leading through serene woodlands and open countryside.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is St. Anthony's Well, Coxbench – Brackley Gate Woods loop from Horsley, an easy 3.3 miles (5.3 km) path offering views of the local agricultural landscapes and quiet paths.
- Local hikers also love the Coxbench Wood – Coxbench Village loop from Horsley, a 2.3 miles (3.6 km) trail leading through peaceful woodlands and past charming villages, often completed in about 1 hour 1 minute.
- Hiking around Horsley is defined by rolling hills, agricultural landscapes, and tranquil woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, with many routes suitable for families.
- The routes in Horsley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 2,800 reviews. More than 16,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Horsley's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.5
(6)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
7.83km
02:09
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Horsley has three main focal points: the village green at the West side of the village, the crossroads of The Dovecote, French Lane and Church Street, and the junction of Church Street, Lady Lea Road and Smalley Mill Road (known locally as "the triangle"). Each of these points boasts a fountain, donated to the village in 1864 by Reverend Sitwell. The fountains were named Sophia, Rosamund and Blanche after the Sitwell family's daughters. The Sitwells of Horsley, Derbyshire, were related to the Sitwell family of Leamington Hastings, Warwickshire, where they had inherited the lordship of the manor on marrying a Wheler family heiress.
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Horsley has three main focal points: the village green at the West side of the village, the crossroads of The Dovecote, French Lane and Church Street, and the junction of Church Street, Lady Lea Road and Smalley Mill Road (known locally as "the triangle"). Each of these points boasts a fountain, donated to the village in 1864 by Reverend Sitwell. The fountains were named Sophia, Rosamund and Blanche after the Sitwell family's daughters. The Sitwells of Horsley, Derbyshire, were related to the Sitwell family of Leamington Hastings, Warwickshire, where they had inherited the lordship of the manor on marrying a Wheler family heiress.
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The church dates from the 14th century. It was restored between 1858 and 1860 by the contractor Kerry and Allen of Smalley. It re-opened on 11 September 1860.
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A fantastic spot for dog walking and exploring, though it can get a bit busy with mountain bikers on weekends. The woods border Breadsall Priory golf course, with a footpath leading out to the road.
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The granite obelisk and plinth stands on a sandstone base originally erected in memory of two men who lost their lives in the South African Campaign. Additional granite plaques have been added around the obelisk to commemorate subsequent conflicts. There is also a cast metal plaque on wooden backboard, with raised lettering, to commemorate the work of Mrs Winifred Wassell. The memorial is in a conservation area and was listed at Grade II in 2000 following an application by War Memorials Trust at the request of the Parish Council.
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The Spotted Calf cafe has now closed (late 2023) but the Spotted Cow pub remains open.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Horsley?
There are 13 family-friendly hiking trails around Horsley, with 9 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for outings with children. The remaining 4 are moderate, offering a bit more challenge for active families.
Are there any circular family walks in Horsley?
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Horsley are circular, which is ideal for walks with children. For example, the Brackley Gate Woods – Horsley Carr Woodlands loop from Horsley is an easy 4.9 km circular route, perfect for a family adventure.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Horsley?
The family-friendly trails around Horsley generally feature serene countryside with rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. You'll find paths through woodlands like Brackley Gate Woods and Horsley Carr Woodlands, with moderate elevation changes that are manageable for most families. The area is known for its scenic backdrop rather than rugged, challenging terrain.
Are the family-friendly trails around Horsley suitable for prams?
While many trails are easy, suitability for prams can vary. Generally, routes through woodlands and agricultural land might have uneven surfaces. For the most pram-friendly options, look for trails that specifically mention paved or well-maintained gravel paths. Always check the route details on komoot for specific surface information before heading out.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to look out for on family hikes?
Around Horsley, you can explore beautiful natural areas and local landmarks. Consider a walk that takes you past Brackley Gate Woods, known for its tranquil atmosphere. You might also find routes near local reservoirs or nature reserves, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Can we bring our dog on family hikes in Horsley?
Many of the trails in the Horsley area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a family outing with your canine companion. Always keep dogs under control, especially when passing through agricultural land or near livestock, and check for any specific local restrictions or lead requirements on individual route descriptions.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Horsley?
Horsley offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing wildflowers and autumn showcasing vibrant foliage. Summer is also great, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter walks can be charming, but paths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is essential.
Are there any easy routes that pass by interesting points like St. Anthony's Well?
Yes, there are easy routes that incorporate local points of interest. For instance, the St. Anthony's Well, Coxbench – Brackley Gate Woods loop from Horsley is an easy 5.2 km hike that allows you to explore the area and discover St. Anthony's Well.
Where can we find parking for family hikes in the Horsley area?
Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many routes start from villages or near public spaces where parking might be available. It's always recommended to check the starting point of your chosen komoot tour for specific parking information, as some routes may have dedicated car parks or roadside parking options.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Horsley?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Horsley, with an average score of 4.55 out of 5 stars from over 2,800 ratings. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the overall peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular choice for family outings.
Are there any lakes or reservoirs accessible on family-friendly routes?
While the immediate guide focuses on woodland and village loops, the wider Horsley area is close to several beautiful water features. You might find routes that offer views of or access to places like Mapperley Reservoir or Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, which are great for family exploration.
Is there a family-friendly hike that includes a village or church?
Absolutely! The St. Clement's Church, Horsley – Kilburn War Memorial loop from Horsley is an easy 4.7 km route that takes you past St. Clement's Church and towards the Kilburn War Memorial, offering a mix of natural beauty and local history for the family.
How long do the family-friendly trails typically take to complete?
The family-friendly trails around Horsley vary in length and duration, but many easy routes are designed to be completed within 1 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace, perfect for families with young children. For example, the Coxbench Wood – Coxbench Village loop from Horsley is an easy 3.6 km trail that takes just over an hour.
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