Derbyshire’s Peak District, the oldest national park in the country, is great for walking in at any time of the year. Nothing beats a Boxing Day walk – except perhaps a Christmas Day walk – when you walk off the excesses of the festive season but without it being too arduous.
The Peak District is not too far away for most people to have a drive out and then stroll as far and as fast as you wish and hopefully the weather will be kind and not too slippery under foot – but make sure you wrap up warm and have good walking boots in any case.
Make sure you plan your route to end before darkness fall and make sure you have a first aid kit just in case. A map and a compass could be useful, especially as phones soon lose their charge in the cold. It’s worth taking a warm drink and some food to keep energy levels up and turn back if people seem to have had enough – especially the elderly and very young.
Here are our suggestions for some delightful walks:
Lathkill Dale
Looking down on Lathkill Dale
(Image: Derby Telegraph)
Tucked away just a few miles from the bustling town of Bakewell, Lathkill Dale is a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors to the Peak District. It’s one of the most picturesque dales within the national park, where the River Lathkill gracefully meanders through.
Embarking on a four-mile circular walk through this dale reveals hidden brooks and a sequence of tumbling waterfalls. While these falls may dwindle to a mere trickle in the heat of summer, the variable spring, autumn and winter weather ensures a spectacle of lively rapids.
A particularly enchanting segment of the dale lies near Over Haddon, where crystal-clear waters emerge from swallet holes to form deep, transparent pools that locals refer to as the Blue Waters. The spot’s moniker stems from the water’s purity, clarity, and rich mineral content.
Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge is a superb hiking location
(Image: Getty Images)
Padley Gorge area is a lovely lower level walk through woodlands that everyone can enjoy. The bonus is that in cooler, windy or rainy weather you do have some shelter from the trees and they also make for a stunning backdrop for your Christmas Day photos!
You can begin your Padley Gorge walk from a few places, Grindleford has a small parking area or alternatively, begin your walk from the Longshaw Estate and walk down to the gorge to explore.
Stanton Moor
Some of the heather covered hills next to the Corkscrew Stone on Stanton Moor
(Image: Derbyshire Live)
Among the attractions on Stanton Moor is the Nine Ladies Stone Circle – small early Bronze Age stone circle, traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on a Sunday. It is also one of the most popular spots in Derbyshire to spend the summer solstice with lots of visitors flocking to the historic site each year.
The entire moor surrounding the landmark makes for a great adventure with hidden ruins dotted around, enshrouded by thick bracken. Walking up to the stone circle can be quite a hike so bring appropriate footwear.
Stanton Moor is found between Matlock and Bakewell and the area has been described as the perfect example of “nature’s playground”. There is roadside parking here but spaces are limited.
Hardwick Estate
Hardwick Hall is one of the National Trust sites in Derbyshire open on Boxing Day
(Image: Image: Maura Teager)
The National Trust’s Hardwick Estate surrounding the magnificent hall, covers around 2,500 acres of parkland and includes a variety of habitats from woodland and wetland to farmland. Miles of walking routes explore the parkland, with woodland, ponds and far-reaching countryside views to enjoy along the way.
For those looking for a short stroll, the 1-mile gentle walk is perfect, and for those looking to explore further, the six-mile wider estate walk takes in the further reaches of the park is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm on Boxing Day. More information and times click here
Eyam and Stoney Middleton
Eyam is well known as the ‘Plague Village’
(Image: PA)
Eyam is renowned for its role in the 1665 plague. Check out the plague cottages and lovely little church in Eyam, both Eyam and Stoney Middleton are steeped in history
With plenty of pubs and cafes on the route for, this is good one with plenty of stops as its a little more difficult that other. You’ll pass through pretty meadows as well some paths. Take care along the track leading to the quarry as heavy lorries are known to pass through during the week. Start at Eyam and for more information click here.