The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Barlborough
4.5
(1058)
8,994
hikers
450
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Barlborough traverse a diverse landscape of rolling countryside, woodlands, and greenways. The area features reclaimed industrial sites transformed into parks and natural spaces, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. Hiking routes often follow waterways like the River Rother and River Doe Lea, as well as former railway lines. This network offers a range of paths suitable for different fitness levels and interests.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Barlborough
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Quarry Dam Fishing Ponds – High Wood loop from Barlborough, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 23 minutes to complete. This easy route circles fishing ponds and passes through local woodland.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Park Hall, Spinkhill – Quarry Dam Fishing Ponds loop from Clowne, a moderate 5.8 miles (9.4 km) path. This route follows public footpaths through fields and past historic buildings.
- Local hikers also love the Nethermoor Lake – Buzzard Wood Downhill Trail loop from Killamarsh, a 7.3 miles (11.8 km) trail leading through woodlands and past a lake, often completed in about 3 hours 13 minutes.
- Hiking around Barlborough is defined by rolling countryside, woodlands, and greenways along former railway lines. The network offers options for different ability levels, from short, family-friendly strolls to more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Barlborough are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 950 reviews. More than 8,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Barlborough's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.3
(8)
29
hikers
5.15km
01:23
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
6.95km
01:50
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
9.40km
02:31
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.04km
01:04
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The station was opened without ceremony on 1 November 1888. The line was single track between Seymour Junction and Elmton and Creswell. Accordingly, the station had a single, curving platform and typical Midland Railway country station building very similar to those at Bolsover Castle and Glapwell. Remarkably, the station survived into the 21st Century, being demolished in 2000. On 4 July 1938 the station was renamed "Clown and Barlborough", then renamed again by British Railways on 18 June 1951, this time by adding a "e" to become "Clowne and Barlborough". The trackbed is now a greenway with the platform of Clowne and Barlborough as well as Clowne South Station visible. The station site forms a greenway between Staveley and Creswell via Clowne.
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The station was opened by the Lancashire, Derbyshire and East Coast Railway on its Beighton Branch in March 1897 as "Clown". It was closed to regular timetabled passenger traffic in September 1939 although Summer Weekend excursions continued until 1964. The line was closed completely in 1967. The station was close to the Clowne and Barlborough station of the Midland Railway, which was about 40 yards to the north on a parallel track.
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Barlborough's church, dedicated to St. James the Greater, dates back to the 12th century, with its oldest surviving parts being the Norman pillars and arcade from the period 1160-1170. The church has undergone multiple alterations over the centuries, with significant renovations in 1754, 1899, and later.
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It’s run by the Ashgate Hospice, the staff are very friendly, and they do nice scones, and toasted tea cakes etc 👍👍
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Park Hall in Spinkhill, Barlborough Parish, has a rich history: The original hall was built by the Coyney family of Westone during the Norman period (1066–1154). Parker family ownership The Parker family, who started as foresters in Sherwood Forest, purchased the estate during the reign of Charles I (1625–1649). Pole family ownership The Pole family, who were prominent in the local area's church politics and history, owned the property in 1656. The poet, Lord George Gordon Byron, and his cousin visited Park Hall on many occasions until his death in 1824. The Beatles stayed overnight at the Park Hall Residential Country Club in 1964 after a show at Sheffield City Hall. They landed on the lawn in front of the building by helicopter.
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Picturesque fishing ponds with clear deep water, situated on the edge of High Woods.
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Fantastic coffee shop in the middle of Clowne (next to Domino’s), open until 3pm daily. Reasonably priced, great coffee & food and the cakes looked glorious but we were just too full after a fish finger buttie!
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De Rodes Arms pub. This is quite large with a car park ro the right side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Barlborough?
Barlborough offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 230 easy routes and more than 200 moderate options, ensuring there's something for every family's ability and interest.
What makes Barlborough a good destination for family hikes?
Barlborough is ideal for family hikes due to its diverse landscape of rolling countryside, woodlands, and greenways. Many trails utilize former railway lines, offering accessible and relatively flat paths. The area also features numerous parks and natural spaces like Barlborough Country Park and Poolsbrook Country Park, perfect for outdoor exploration with children.
Are there many easy, short walks suitable for families with young children or toddlers?
Yes, Barlborough has many easy and short walks perfect for families with young children. Trails often follow flat greenways or paths through local parks. A great example is the Quarry Dam Fishing Ponds – High Wood loop from Barlborough, which is an easy, relatively short walk around fishing ponds and through woodland.
Can we find circular routes suitable for families in Barlborough?
Absolutely! Many family-friendly trails in Barlborough are circular, making them convenient for day trips. The Quarry Dam Fishing Ponds – High Wood loop from Barlborough is a popular easy circular option. Another moderate circular route is the Park Hall, Spinkhill – Quarry Dam Fishing Ponds loop from Clowne.
Are there any trails that feature water or lakes?
Yes, several family-friendly trails in the Barlborough area incorporate water features. You can explore paths along the River Rother and River Doe Lea, or enjoy walks around the Quarry Dam Fishing Ponds. Nearby, Poolsbrook Country Park also boasts a lake, and the Chesterfield Canal offers flat towpaths rich in wildlife.
What kind of natural attractions can we explore on these family hikes?
The Barlborough area is rich in natural attractions. You can discover unique geological formations like Dead Man's Hole, or explore the fascinating Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, which includes ancient caves like Robin Hood's Cave and Church Hole Cave. Whitwell Wood also offers beautiful woodland scenery.
Are the family-friendly trails around Barlborough dog-friendly?
Many of the trails around Barlborough are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and country parks. It's always a good idea to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when passing through farmland or areas with livestock, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Is parking readily available for family hiking routes?
Parking is generally available at popular starting points for family hikes, especially at country parks like Barlborough Country Park and Poolsbrook Country Park. Many village starting points also offer street parking or small car parks. We recommend checking specific route details for parking information.
Can we access family-friendly trails using public transport?
While many routes are best accessed by car, some trails, particularly those utilizing greenways and canal paths, can be reached via public transport. The Chesterfield Canal, for instance, has accessible points near villages served by local bus routes. For specific routes, it's best to check local bus schedules and route starting points.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Barlborough?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Barlborough, with an average score of 4.45 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the variety of landscapes, from river meadows to reclaimed industrial sites transformed into green spaces, making them perfect for family outings.
Are there any moderate family hikes for slightly older children or more active families?
Yes, for families looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are moderate routes available. The Nethermoor Lake – Buzzard Wood Downhill Trail loop from Killamarsh is a good option, offering a longer distance and more elevation gain while still being manageable for active families.
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