Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Looking for a shady spot to cool off in Notts &amp; Derbyshire? We&#8217;ve got you. Head for one of these dreamy riverside strolls near cooling waterfalls and then quench your thirst at the perfect pitstop. You&#8217;re welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-padley-gorge-grindleford">Padley Gorge, Grindleford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher.jpg" alt="Padley Gorge in Derbyshire" class="wp-image-4781" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NT Images, by David Goacher</figcaption></figure>



<p>Padley Gorge is a dreamy spot to head for in a heatwave. Cool, shady strolls under the trees along the river, tumbling woodland waterfalls, and plenty of spots to dip a toe in the water. Magical.</p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst</strong>: Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://the-maynard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Maynard</a> is just down the road in Grindleford and is unbeatable on a hot day. A massive, beautiful beer garden, with loads of shady options and a stunner of a view.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millennium-walkway-amp-the-river-goyt-new-mills">Millennium Walkway &amp; the River Goyt, New Mills</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/06/New-Mills-MW-view-1024x683.jpg" alt="new mills millennium walkway derbyshire" class="wp-image-18258" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/06/New-Mills-MW-view-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/06/New-Mills-MW-view-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/06/New-Mills-MW-view-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/06/New-Mills-MW-view.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Dramatic at any time of year and deliciously dreamy under the shady tree canopy on a sweltering day, this walk meanders along the River Goyt and passes multiple waterfalls. You&#8217;ll start on the spectacular aerial <a href="https://visitnewmills.co.uk/places-to-visit/millennium-walkway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Millennium Walkway</a>, meandering along the gorge, past cascading waterfalls and rugged cliffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow the Midshires Way to discover Mousley Bottom nature reserve, before continuing along the leafy, shaded riverside path past more waterfalls and the cooling river.</p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst: </strong>Head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Onthebridgecafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the Bridge</a> café in New Mills afterwards and pull up a shady seat outside with a view of the gorge below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kinder-downfall-dark-peak">Kinder Downfall, Dark Peak</h2>



<p>As one of Derbyshire’s most famous waterfalls, Kinder Downfall is a huge 30m drop that often hits the headlines when winds can turn the water into a steam cloud which can be spotted from miles around. No danger of that right now, but a quick warning about the route to this one &#8211; it’s a stomp! So maybe bookmark it for once the heatwave has passed. </p>



<p>There’s no car access so your closest car park is at Hayfield. There are a few routes but the most popular is the circular loop that takes around four to six hours. Starting at the car park, head along Kinder Road with the river to your right. Cross the footbridge, turn left and follow the banks of the river through the woodland. Cross a second footbridge and head up the steep cobbled path to the Kinder Reservoir. At the top of the reservoir, there&#8217;s the stunning William Clough with a series of mini waterfalls along the stream. Walk up the Clough to the edge of Kinder Plateau – and consider this a drinks break! Head along the main pathway at the edge of the plateau and you’ll spot the rocks that define the waterfall. After at least 50 snaps, head via the Kinder Low trig point and you’re on the descent past Edale Rocks. You should be able to see the bridleway back down to Hayfield from this point.</p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst: </strong>Gorgeous gastropub <a href="https://www.thepackhorsehayfield.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Packhorse</a> at Hayfield is the place to head for. Either duck inside the stone pub to cool off, or seek shade on the sun terrace beneath the parasols.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lumsdale-falls-matlock"><a href="https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/visit/the-wider-area/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lumsdale Falls</a>, Matlock</h2>



<p>The Lumsdale Valley is a picturesque spot with just a touch of <em>Where The Wild Things Are</em>. It’s also a site of historic importance as some of the mills date back to the early 1600s so you can get little imaginations running wild with this walk. </p>



<p>Park up near Highfields School (Upper School Site) and follow the signposts. Your first landmark is a tranquil lake to your left, which is fed by a Bentley Brook that you can dip your toes in on a hot day. Carry on past the cottages and you’ll meet the Upper Pond that feeds the falls. Even on a grey day, this is a lovely spot, and you’ll catch the initial man-made waterfall just below. The path through the ruins has a particular romance about it so make sure you linger and shelter from the sun under the dappled trees. The big waterfall is en route through the mills so you won’t miss it. </p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst:</strong> After you’ve explored the falls, carry on down the road and you’ll find the <a href="https://bentleybrook.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley Brook microbrewery</a> for a quick gin pitstop. Well deserved of course. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seven-falls-tintwistle">Seven Falls, Tintwistle</h2>



<p>This is known locally as ‘the secret waterfall’ for a reason. But if you’ve got some time and a bit of patience, it’s well worth a visit. Make sure you pack your swimming cozzie for a bit of wild swimming too. Here’s a rough guide to get you there.<br>Right on the western edge of the Peaks, your nearest parking spot is Crossgates Lane near the Arnfield Reservoir (or you could pay to park in the field by Arnfield Fly Fishery Cafe &amp; Restaurant). Wander until you reach the junction, then turn left up Arnfield Lane. Continue until you get to the Gamekeeper’s Cottage then peel off to your right and head over a gate. Walk in a straight line and you should come to a few stiles before you hit a pile of stones (or a small cairn). The path should be clearer now on your left-hand side. Head up alongside Arnfield Brook until you reach the falls. It’s about a three-mile round walk in total. </p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst:</strong> Pitstop at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Arnfieldfisheriescafe/?locale=en_GB">Arnfield Fly Fishery Cafe &amp; Thai Restaurant</a>. Thai food, boat trips, and ice cream are an odd mix but, trust us, it works.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-newstead-abbey-waterfall-newstead">Newstead Abbey Waterfall, Newstead</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Newstead-Abbey-Ravenshead-1024x683.jpg" alt="newstead abbey pictured from the air" class="wp-image-14012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Newstead-Abbey-Ravenshead-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Newstead-Abbey-Ravenshead-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Newstead-Abbey-Ravenshead-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Newstead-Abbey-Ravenshead.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>This is one of the easier walks due to its location within the historic grounds of Newstead Abbey (recently featured in the hit drama, Sherwood). Newstead has over 800 years of history and is the former home of Lord Byron (swoon) so as you’d expect, there are acres of grounds to explore. The waterfall is located where the River Leen feeds the Garden Lake. There’s a great viewing platform above <em>and</em> a space where you can get behind it for some fun photos. Glorious on a hot summer’s day! Entry to the grounds costs £10.</p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst: </strong>Make a beeline for the lovely tea room and cool off with a cuppa and cake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lambley-dumbles-lambley">Lambley Dumbles, Lambley</h2>



<p>There are a couple of waterfalls for you around the Dumbles, which is only eight miles from Nottingham. It’s a spot that often gets overlooked so it’s blissfully quiet, and great for dog walks so drag your four-legged friends along. Starting in Lambley village, walk through the playing fields until you reach a gate and the signposted path. This will take you on the main circular route through the ancient wooded valley while straddling the stream. Follow any signage to Top Dumble and if you stick to the stream, you’ll eventually come across the Top Dumble waterfall. Lovely! </p>



<p><strong>Quench your thirst: </strong><a href="https://woodlarkinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Woodlark Inn</a> in Lambley has a fab, shady beer garden that&#8217;s the perfect place to stop and sip.</p>



<p><strong>IN THE MOOD FOR MORE</strong>?</p>



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Cool off! 7 stunning waterfall walks near you

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