If you’re looking for a great day out in the Peak District, then look no further than Matlock!
With its beautiful rolling hills, stunning views, and breathtaking countryside, Matlock offers some of the best walking experiences in the UK.
From the challenging High Tor peak to the tranquil Hall Leys Park, there’s something for every level of walker.
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more strenuous hike, here’s a list of some of the best walks in Matlock!
High Tor
High Tor is one of the most stunning walks in Matlock – you won’t believe your eyes! Located in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales, it offers sweeping views of the countryside.
This popular walk is a good one for all the family, with lots to explore. There are a number of routes to choose from, but the most popular is a 1.5-mile circular walk. This route takes you up to the top of High Tor, where you can take in the breathtaking views.
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush green fields, a picturesque stream, and a few old ruins. The views from the top of High Tor are simply stunning, and you can see for miles in all directions. You’ll also find plenty of wildlife, from grazing sheep to soaring birds of prey.
When you reach the summit, you can take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Derbyshire Dales. On your way back down, you’ll pass by a few old ruins, an old quarry, and a beautiful waterfall.
All in all, High Tor is an amazing walk that everyone should experience at least once.
Riber Castle
Perched atop a hill overlooking Matlock, Riber Castle is a stunning piece of local history. Built in the 16th century, the castle was once the home of the Earls of Rutland and was used to defend the area against the Roundheads during the English Civil War.
Even today, its ruins are an impressive sight, with the keep at its centre surrounded by a 19th-century garden, a large wall, and two turrets.
Riber Castle is a great place to explore, with incredible views of the Derwent Valley and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. The castle is free to visit, and the path up the hill is easy to follow, making it a great choice for a leisurely afternoon walk.
Visitors should also make sure to check out the nearby Riber Pavilion, which houses a café and exhibition space.
Hall Leys Park
Take a stroll through Hall Leys Park and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of Matlock.
Surrounded by lush, green grass, this picturesque park has plenty of trees, shrubs, and flower beds for you to enjoy.
A large pond with ducks and other waterfowl adds to the tranquil ambiance of the park.
In the warmer months, you can enjoy a picnic in the park, or take a leisurely walk along the paths.
If you’re looking to get some exercise, there are plenty of trails to explore, including a fitness trail with exercise equipment.
There’s also a play area for children, featuring swings, slides, and climbing frames.
Hall Leys Park is a great place to spend a day, with plenty of activities for everyone.
Darley Dale Circular Walk
Explore Darley Dale Circular Walk and discover stunning views of the Derwent Valley from its elevated peak. This 4-mile route is great for families and makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
The walk begins at Darley Bridge, a picturesque limestone bridge first built in 1725 and listed as a Grade II heritage structure. From here, the path meanders through rolling green fields with lovely views of the Derwent Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass by a variety of local wildlife, including birds, sheep, and cows.
The route culminates at the summit of Darley Dale Hill, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the valley below. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the landscape!
The route is easy to follow, and there are plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the scenery. When you’re done, you can enjoy a relaxing meal in one of the many nearby pubs.
Matlock to Bonsall Walk
Discover spectacular views of the Derwent Valley on the Matlock to Bonsall Walk – perfect for a leisurely day out with the family!
The walk starts at Matlock Station, and the route takes you along the Cromford Canal, past Cromford Meadows, and onto the High Peak Trail, before finishing at Bonsall Station.
Along the way, you’ll get to take in the stunning views of the Derwent Valley, with a variety of wildlife and natural scenery to admire.
The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, with plenty of benches and rest stops for when you need to take a break.
The total distance of the walk is around 8 miles, so it’s perfect for a longer day out.
You can also choose to shorten the walk by taking a detour onto the Bonsall Heritage Trail, which is a 1.2 mile loop.
With its easy access and stunning views, the Matlock to Bonsall Walk is the perfect way to spend a leisurely day outdoors with the family.
Matlock Riverside Walk
Meander along Matlock’s tranquil riverside and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature on the Matlock Riverside Walk!
This path is a circular one, taking you through a variety of picturesque landscapes, such as meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks.
Enjoy the peacefulness of a serene stroll and take in the sights of the Derwent Valley.
Along the way, you’ll be able to spot various wildlife, from ducks and swans to kingfishers and herons!
The walk is suitable for all levels of fitness, and the majority of the route is made up of flat, easy-to-navigate paths.
There are also benches dotted along the way, so you can take a break and admire the views from the riverside.
Many visitors also take advantage of the nearby attractions, such as the village of Matlock Bath and the heights of High Tor.
So what are you waiting for? Put on your walking boots and explore the wonders of the Matlock Riverside Walk!
Matlock to Matlock Bath Walk
Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Derwent Valley on the Matlock to Matlock Bath Walk! This magnificent route takes you through the stunning Derbyshire countryside, giving you the perfect opportunity to soak in the beauty of the landscape.
Along the way, you’ll pass many popular attractions including the Imperial Gardens and the Heights of Abraham. As you meander along the banks of the River Derwent, you’ll get the chance to view some of the stunning waterfalls and cascades nearby.
You’ll also have the opportunity to admire the grand architecture of the limestone buildings in Matlock Bath. This walk takes you through some of the most spectacular views that the Peak District has to offer, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this route.
Along the way, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to spot the local wildlife, so keep an eye out for red kites, badgers, and other creatures.
The Matlock to Matlock Bath Walk is a great way to experience the beauty of the Peak District, and you’ll be sure to come away with some unforgettable memories.
Masson Hill Walk
Explore Masson Hill and its surrounding area with a scenic walk! This stunning route takes you through the countryside of Derbyshire, giving you a chance to admire the lush greenery and wildlife in the area.
Starting at the Masson Hill car park, the route takes you through the peaceful woodland and along the riverside path, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The walk is one of the most popular in the area, as it’s suitable for all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to explore the area and get some fresh air.
Along the route, you’ll pass by ancient ruins, including the remains of a Roman fort. You’ll also take in the stunning views of Matlock from Masson Hill. There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including deer and a variety of birds, so make sure to bring your binoculars.
The walk can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on how much time you have to explore. No matter how long your walk is, you’re sure to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the woods.
Wirksworth Heritage Trail
Discover the unique history of Wirksworth with a winding heritage trail!
This 3-mile route takes you through the heart of the picturesque Derbyshire town, taking in its many attractions as you go.
Begin your journey at the Market Place and take in the impressive St Mary’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century.
From here, you can explore the old cobbled streets and admire the fine architecture.
The trail then passes close to the site of the former Wirksworth Railway Station and heads towards the popular riverside walk that follows the course of the River Ecclesbourne.
You can also take in the beauty of the Wirksworth Nature Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Derbyshire hills and valleys as you make your way around the heritage trail.
There are plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the scenery or to stop off at one of the many charming pubs and cafes for refreshment.
The Wirksworth Heritage Trail is the perfect way to discover the history of the town and its surrounding area.
Carsington Water Circular Walk
Embark on a scenic stroll around Carsington Water, the perfect way to enjoy the stunning views of Derbyshire’s countryside!
This 6.5 mile circular route is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Peak District National Park, taking in a variety of landscapes from riverside meadows, woodland, and open fields.
The route is well signposted, making it easy to follow.
It’s an ideal walk for all ages and abilities, and it makes for a great family outing.
Carsington Water offers a variety of activities for those seeking more than just a leisurely stroll.
Bird watching is popular, with over 25,000 birds spotted in the area, including ducks, geese, swans, grebes, herons, and waders.
The visitor centre is full of interesting exhibits and interactive displays, as well as offering refreshments and souvenirs.
So, why not spend a day exploring the area and taking in the stunning views of Derbyshire’s countryside?
Cromford Canal Walk
Take a journey through history and experience the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside with a walk along the Cromford Canal!
This two-mile walk starts at Cromford Wharf and takes you along the High Peak Trail, a disused railway line, to the top of the Cromford Canal before finishing at the Cromford Wharf Visitor Centre.
Along the way, you’ll be able to take in some of the area’s unique natural beauty, including a stunning view of the Derwent Valley.
The canal itself is a great place to spot wildlife, with ducks, geese, and moorhens making regular appearances.
The walk also takes you through the historic Cromford Mill, one of the world’s first factories and now a World Heritage Site.
It’s worth taking a few minutes to explore the mill and learn about its fascinating history.
For those looking for a more active experience, the walk can be combined with a hike up to the top of nearby High Tor, where you can take in spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Cromford Canal Walk is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Bakewell Circular Walk
Explore the picturesque countryside of Derbyshire on the Bakewell Circular Walk, a three-mile route featuring some of the region’s most stunning views.
This walk starts in the town of Bakewell, the gateway to the Peak District and home to the famous Bakewell tart. It takes you past the River Wye, through riverside meadows, and along the banks of the River Derwent.
The route is primarily flat and easy to follow, allowing even the most inexperienced of walkers to enjoy the scenery without difficulty.
The main highlight of this walk is the stunning views of Derwent Valley and its villages. Along the way, you’ll pass through the villages of Baslow, Curbar, and Froggatt Edge. Each of these villages offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
There is also plenty of wildlife to spot, including birds, rabbits, and deer. As you wander along the banks of the rivers, you’ll spot fish and waterfowl.
With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, the Bakewell Circular Walk is a must-do for anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic stroll in the Derbyshire countryside.
Longstone Moor Walk
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Derbyshire’s Longstone Moor Walk with a four-mile trek across rolling hills and lush green meadows. This gentle walk takes you on a journey through history, with views of ancient stone circles and Bronze Age burial mounds.
There’s plenty of wildlife to spot along the way, including foxes, rabbits, and a variety of birds. The walk itself is fairly easy with a few gentle hills, and is suitable for most fitness levels.
The route takes you around the edge of Longstone Moor, with views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass the remains of the old Derwent Valley railway and take in the charming village of Longstone, with its traditional pubs and stone cottages.
You’ll also pass the ancient stone circles and burial mounds of the Bronze Age, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The four-mile route ends with a rewarding view of Matlock town at the end of the walk.
The Longstone Moor Walk is a great way to experience the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside.
Middleton Top Walk
Stroll around Middleton Top and experience the stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside! This walk is suitable for all levels of hikers, from casual walkers to serious hikers.
The walk starts at the Middleton Top Visitor Centre car park and leads you along the High Peak Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass through woodland, open fields, pastures, and more.
The views from the top of Middleton Top are spectacular. You can see for miles, and the views of the Derbyshire countryside are breathtaking.
The walk is 5.6 miles long and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. It’s recommended that you bring some snacks and water with you, as well as comfortable walking shoes.
There is also a tea room at the visitor centre should you need to take a break.
So, why not take some time to explore Middleton Top and experience the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside?
Ilam Park and Dovedale Walk
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Ilam Park and Dovedale on a leisurely walk! This scenic walk takes you through lush green meadows, rolling hills, and ancient woods.
Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the breathtaking limestone scenery of Dovedale, with its steep-sided river valley and the dramatic rock pinnacles around Thorpe Cloud.
You’ll also get to explore the grounds of Ilam Park, a picturesque estate with stunning views of the River Manifold and surrounding hills.
The walk itself is fairly easy, with mostly flat paths and few inclines, so it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s also full of interesting wildlife, with plenty of birds and mammals, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
As you make your way along the walk, you’ll be able to take moments to appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings. The walk is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in nature.
Conclusion
After exploring some of the best walks in Matlock, I can safely say that this is one of the most beautiful places to take a hike or a leisurely stroll.
From the historical sites at High Tor and Riber Castle to the natural wonders of Hall Leys Park and Longstone Moor, there’s something for everyone.
It’s a great way to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy the stunning views of Derbyshire.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or just a pleasant walk in the countryside, there’s a route for you in Matlock.
So come and explore the best of Derbyshire’s countryside!