The best walks and hikes around North East Derbyshire

Explore the Linacre Park & 3 Reservoirs loop, an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike with a gentle 195 feet (59 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 23 minutes. You will wander through ancient woodlands, where majestic oaks and beeches stand tall, and in spring, vibrant bluebells carpet the forest floor. The well-maintained paths, a mix of gravel, crushed stone, and red shale, lead you around three historic reservoirs, offering calming open water views.

This popular route is generally accessible, with some sections around the middle reservoir suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Be aware that the trail can get muddy after rain, and while the boardwalk around the Upper Reservoir has been replaced with a stone causeway, care is still advised, especially if you are with young children. You will find picnic areas and public toilets available, and sometimes an ice cream van during summer months.

The reservoirs, originally built between 1855 and 1904 to supply water to Chesterfield, are now managed as a thriving habitat for wildlife. Keep an eye out for nuthatches, kingfishers, and mandarin ducks, especially in the Upper Reservoir, which is a designated nature reserve where dogs must be kept on leads. Adding a unique touch to your walk, you will also discover intricately carved wooden sculptures and totem poles, depicting figures like the Green Man and an owl, hidden along the way.

The Linacre Reservoir loop offers an easy and picturesque hiking experience near Cutthorpe. This easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) hike, with a gentle 192 feet (58 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. You will wind around three historic reservoirs, enjoying a blend of waterside paths and ancient woodland trails. The terrain is mostly flat, consisting of unpaved sections, gravel, and some asphalt, making it accessible for many. Look out for the distinctive boardwalk section that crosses over the water around the Upper Reservoir, offering unique views.

While much of the trail is accessible, including some parts for wheelchairs and pushchairs, be aware that the upper reservoir section can be less so. Some areas may become muddy, especially in wetter seasons, so appropriate footwear is advisable. Spring is particularly charming, with the woodland floor often carpeted with bluebells, and seasonal Daffodil and Snowdrop Trails adding to the beauty. As an easy hike, you can enjoy this route at a relaxed pace, making it suitable for a leisurely outing.

The area is a haven for wildlife, attracting birdwatchers with opportunities to spot various waterfowl, woodland birds like nuthatches, jays, and woodpeckers, and even kingfishers or mandarin ducks. As you hike, you will discover interesting wood carvings and sculptures subtly integrated into the woodland environment, including a tree tower and an owl house, adding a whimsical touch. The three reservoirs themselves hold historical significance, having been built between 1855 and 1904 to supply water to Chesterfield. This blend of natural beauty, artistic surprises, and historical context makes the Linacre Reservoir loop a distinctive local gem.

This easy 4.1-mile (6.5 km) loop offers scenic views of Chesterfield, the River Hipper, and Holymoorside Dam through varied woodland and far

Hike the moderate 4.8-mile Ogston Reservoir loop, enjoying serene water views, diverse landscapes, and panoramic vistas of the Derbyshire co

Enjoy an easy 4.0-mile hike through Rother Valley Country Park, featuring lakes, a nature reserve, and regenerated landscapes.