From ancient woodland walks to moorland paths and accessible trails, the National Trust has revealed its top winter walking trails to enjoy in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Wrap up warm and adventure into the countryside with walks through beautiful landscapes.
Blow away the cobwebs on a stroll along parkland paths and stretch your legs as you meander through historic gardens covered in sparkling frost. Winter landscapes reveal the hidden delights of nature. Look for pawprints on muddy and frosty paths, listen for crisp notes of bird song, and spot woodland residents foraging in the silhouettes of bare trees and hedgerows.
A winter walk at a National Trust place isn’t complete until you’ve visited the tearoom to warm up with a hot drink and sweet treat or thawed out with a delicious bowl of soup too. Grab your walking boots and wellies and enjoy the delights of the outdoors this season with these top National Trust’s winter walks near you:
The 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 one-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 parkland.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the parkland and stable yard. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for loan.
A countryside haven, Longshaw is a gateway to the Peak District, home to ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. Walking at Longshaw can be a stroll to the pond, an easy-to-follow waymarked walk or a serious hike. Stop in at the Welcome Building when you visit for advice on routes or to pick up a map. Seasonal trails and spotter sheets for families will also be available. After your walk, warm up in the Longshaw café, and enjoy spectacular moorland views through floor to ceiling windows.
Keeping your dog on a lead in the Peak District ensures that wildlife, livestock and other visitors are safe.
Step out into 800 acres of scenic parkland, with miles of walking trails to explore at Kedleston. Crisp, cold days and early sunsets – the winter landscape can be an inspiring place to step out into. Embark on the Lakeside Walk, enjoying far-reaching countryside views, discover the Fishing Pavilion and Robert Adam bridge and spot a whole host of waterfowl by the lake edge, including geese, swans, oyster catchers, herons and coots.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the parkland and gardens and in the restaurant
As well as a grand Baroque un-stately home with its peeling wallpaper and seemingly abandoned rooms, Calke Abbey has secret walled gardens and parkland, much of which is a National Nature Reserve. The park is a rich and varied landscape of grassland, ponds and wood pasture – one of the rarest habitats in Europe. The Tramway Trail is an accessible figure-of-eight route which follows the old horse-drawn tramway that linked Ticknall to Ashby, and it’s suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Wheelchair and tramper available to borrow.
Dogs are free to roam many areas of the parkland under close control, except in areas where there is livestock. They’re also welcome to enjoy the gardens, stableyards, restaurant, café, shop, and second-hand bookshop, provided they’re on a short lead.
Don the wellies for a wintry walk around Foremark and take in the calm views over the reservoir on a crisp winter’s day. At Staunton Harold you can stretch your legs whatever the weather, but you’ll need walking boots or wellies for some of the paths which can get very muddy at this time of year. Head over to Dimminsdale for a stroll through the nature reserve. If it’s cold enough, you may even see the pond starting to freeze over.
Dogs are welcome. Please keep on a short lead around visitor facilities, multi-use trails and livestock.