Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-derbyshire">DERBYSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-a-short-walk-with-whopping-views">For a short walk with whopping views</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/23/2024/12/SunsetInSnow-MamTor-NTimages-by-Annapurna-Mellor-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="woman walking at Sunset In Snow-MamTor " class="wp-image-11580" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/SunsetInSnow-MamTor-NTimages-by-Annapurna-Mellor-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/SunsetInSnow-MamTor-NTimages-by-Annapurna-Mellor-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/SunsetInSnow-MamTor-NTimages-by-Annapurna-Mellor-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/SunsetInSnow-MamTor-NTimages-by-Annapurna-Mellor-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunset in the snow at Mam Tor / NT Images by Annapurna Mellor</figcaption></figure>



<p>A walk that gives you a lot of bang for your buck, this short 20-minute hike up Peak District classic <a href="https://peakdistrictkids.co.uk/mam-tor-easy-route/">Mam Tor</a> means you get the big views in with minimal effort.  If you’re tight on time, have a band of toddlers in tow or it&#8217;s just freezing outside, the quickest route up (and a really easy win for photo-opp views) is to park at the NT car park and hotfoot it 20 minutes to the trig point at the top.&nbsp;Pitstop at<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.thegeorgecastleton.co.uk/">The George</a>, Castleton for post-hike pizzas and pints. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-walkers-and-wheels">For walkers and wheels</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/23/2024/12/Visit-Peak-District-Derbyshire_Cycling-on-the-Tissington-Trail-1024x683.jpg" alt="cyclist on the tissington trail" class="wp-image-11412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Visit-Peak-District-Derbyshire_Cycling-on-the-Tissington-Trail-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Visit-Peak-District-Derbyshire_Cycling-on-the-Tissington-Trail-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Visit-Peak-District-Derbyshire_Cycling-on-the-Tissington-Trail-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Visit-Peak-District-Derbyshire_Cycling-on-the-Tissington-Trail.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Visit Peak District &amp; Derbyshire</figcaption></figure>



<p>Don’t want to be left herding the stragglers? Sometimes it’s just easier to let the kids bring their wheels if you want them to keep up. The traffic-free <a href="https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/tissington-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tissington Trail</a> is perfect for both walkers and cyclists and has the added bonus of being fairly flat and bump-free (you can even hire a bike from either end at Ashbourne or Parsley Hay). Start and finish at the Ashbourne end and it’s a quick (and exciting) whizz through the lit tunnel to one of Muddy’s favourite post-walk pitstops, <a href="https://thelittleshedderbyshire.co.uk/">The Little Shed</a>, tucked away in a beaut of a building a stone’s throw from Sainsbury’s. The super-scoffable scones are a must-try.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-a-bracing-full-day-blow-out">For a bracing full day blow out</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kinder-Scout-NT-Rob-Coleman.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kinder-Scout-NT-Rob-Coleman.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kinder-Scout-NT-Rob-Coleman-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kinder-Scout-NT-Rob-Coleman-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kinder-Scout-NT-Rob-Coleman-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / National Trust by Rob Coleman</figcaption></figure>



<p>If it&#8217;s brilliant and bracing and you&#8217;ve got the bulk of the day to play with then you simply can&#8217;t beat this jewel in the crown of Peak District walks. The <a href="https://peakdistrictkids.co.uk/kinder-scout-from-edale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kinder Scout walk from Edale</a> is a classic if you&#8217;re feeling up for a properly wild walk. There are lots of different routes to the 636m peak, but Muddy loves the circular route starting with the climb up Grindsbrook Clough. From here you walk along the stunning Kinder Plateau passing Pym Chair before joining the Pennine Way and back down into Edale via Jacob’s Ladder to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.the-old-nags-head.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Nags Head</a>. You&#8217;ll have earnt your spot by the open fire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-but-doable">Dramatic but doable</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/23/2024/12/Chrome-Hill-rob-bates-kpXwjzSUUfc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11584" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Chrome-Hill-rob-bates-kpXwjzSUUfc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Chrome-Hill-rob-bates-kpXwjzSUUfc-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Chrome-Hill-rob-bates-kpXwjzSUUfc-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Chrome-Hill-rob-bates-kpXwjzSUUfc-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by Rob Bates</figcaption></figure>



<p>One of my all-time favourite walks anywhere, this one is brilliant for reluctant teens and kids used to walking. Yes, it&#8217;s got a bit of steep uphill and a small stretch of dizzying ridge, but it&#8217;s the drama of the dragon-like hills that really make it. We stomp along at pace and do it in a couple of hours but taking it at a more leisurely pace you can spend longer. Start in <a href="https://peakdistrictwalks.net/chrome-hill-parkhouse-hill-walk-scramble/">Hollinsclough</a> and head up Hollinsclough Rake road so that you get the spectacular walk down the dragon&#8217;s spine. There&#8217;s a challenging scramble up Parkhouse Hill at the end for daring teens and a fab honesty shop to warm up in as you head back to the village too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-little-climbers">For little climbers</h2>



<p>Easy to reach views, a satisfying trig point and plenty of big boulders to clamber over, this 2.5km circular walk is a great one to do with kids. Park at the <a href="http://robinhoodbaslow.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood pub</a>, walk up the road, past a house, until you see a footpath sign that leads you to <a href="https://www.robinhoodbaslow.co.uk/baslow-walks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birchen Edge</a>. If the kids (or you) fancy, you can climb up the rocks to Nelson’s Monument on the hilltop, or carry along the footpath for an easier route to the top and the fabulous views. Follow the footpath along the top of <a href="https://www.robinhoodbaslow.co.uk/baslow-walks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birchen Edge </a>to get back to the Robin Hood, watching out for the steep bit at the end, which might be a bit tricky if you have little ones to carry.</p>



<p>The family-owned <a href="https://www.robinhoodbaslow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood pub</a> is equally family-friendly and has a great selection of cakes to refuel, as well as hot meals and drinks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-re-feeling-fragile">If you&#8217;re feeling fragile</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / National Trust by Chris Lacey</figcaption></figure>



<p>Got grandparents and grandchildren in tow? Try this gentle, pretty walk through the grounds of the National Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kedleston-hall/kedleston---long-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kedleston Hall</a>. Although dubbed &#8216;the long walk&#8217;, it&#8217;s an easy 5km which is done in less than an hour.  Pop into the lovely <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kedleston-hall/eating-and-shopping-at-kedleston-hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Kitchen</a> café for a quick warm-up (the soups are excellent) when you&#8217;re done. You&#8217;ve got until 3.30pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-a-walk-with-adventure-play">For a walk with adventure play</h2>



<p>With its rolling hills, lakes and ponds and kids&#8217; adventure playground near the car park, I love <a href="https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/site-elements/documents/pdf/leisure/countryside/countryside-sites/country-parks/shipley/shipley-country-park-map.pdf">Shipley Park </a>for a bracing family walk (with the promise of a quick play at the end if the kids keep up!). If you stick to the well-made paths and tracks you can tailor the route to the distance you need and can even take a pushchair. Warm up in the visitor centre afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nottinghamshire">NOTTINGHAMSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-re-with-a-big-gang">If you&#8217;re with a big gang</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/23/2023/10/Clumber-autmn-NT-Andrew-Butler.jpg" alt="clumber park autumn" class="wp-image-6370" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Clumber-autmn-NT-Andrew-Butler.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Clumber-autmn-NT-Andrew-Butler-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Clumber-autmn-NT-Andrew-Butler-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Clumber-autmn-NT-Andrew-Butler-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NT Images by Andrew Butler</figcaption></figure>



<p>You can’t beat <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clumber Park</a> for winter walk opps. With more than 3,800 acres to explore and 120 different types of tree, the National Trust site has routes to suit everyone (it’s also a great place for bikes if there are too many moans about putting one foot in front of the other). &nbsp;Once you&#8217;re done, jump in the car for the 10 minute drive to <a href="https://www.welbeckfarmshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harley Café and Welbeck Farm Shop</a>. Even if the popular café is full, you&#8217;ll be more than happy with some gorgeous goodies from the farm shop to warm up with. Yum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-an-urban-walk-in-the-countryside">For an urban walk in the countryside</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/23/2022/12/Wollaton-Hall-by-Chris-Denning.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2692" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Wollaton-Hall-by-Chris-Denning.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Wollaton-Hall-by-Chris-Denning-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Wollaton-Hall-by-Chris-Denning-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Wollaton-Hall-by-Chris-Denning-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / <a href="https://www.chrisdenningphotography.com/new-page-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Denning</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>A firm favourite among Notts walkers, <a href="https://wollatonhall.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wollaton Park</a> is perfect for a beautiful winter walk in historic grounds and it&#8217;s so close to the city. Spot the native deer, stop off with littlies for a play on the adventure playground and then head over to one of the two cafés to warm up. Gates close at 4.30pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-a-forest-stomp">For a forest stomp</h2>



<p>For the quintessential Sherwood Forest experience, take one of the trails that passes the iconic Major Oak. Glorious in autumn as its 28m canopy turns from yellow to orange, you’ll also pass some of the Major Oak’s ancient neighbours (with&nbsp;Robin’s famous hiding place being a 15-20 minute walk from the visitor centre). Kick back with a cuppa and cake afterwards from the <a href="https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/at-the-visitor-centre/the-cafe/">Sherwood Forest Café</a> – the views are stunning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-nature-lovers">For nature lovers</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/23/2024/12/Attenborough-in-winter-Nottswt-cpt-Trevor-Wigham-11-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11428" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Attenborough-in-winter-Nottswt-cpt-Trevor-Wigham-11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Attenborough-in-winter-Nottswt-cpt-Trevor-Wigham-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Attenborough-in-winter-Nottswt-cpt-Trevor-Wigham-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Attenborough-in-winter-Nottswt-cpt-Trevor-Wigham-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Notts Wildlife Trust by Trevor Wigham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Kingfishers, otters, sandmartins – it’s all here at <a href="https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/attenborough" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attenborough Nature Reserve</a>&nbsp;. The <a href="https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/media/5006/attenborough-nature-reserve-map.jpg">Kingfisher Trail</a> is a lovely couple of hours’ stroll around the perimeter of the nature reserve and takes you past bird hides, through willow woodlands and a good chance of spotting &nbsp;all three species of British woodpecker. The nature reserve caf is a great spot to warm up with a cuppa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-when-the-weather-turns">For when the weather turns</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/23/2024/12/Idle-Valley-Neatholme-scrape-sunrise-Notts-WT-credit-Agnes-Kiemel-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11431" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Idle-Valley-Neatholme-scrape-sunrise-Notts-WT-credit-Agnes-Kiemel-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Idle-Valley-Neatholme-scrape-sunrise-Notts-WT-credit-Agnes-Kiemel-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Idle-Valley-Neatholme-scrape-sunrise-Notts-WT-credit-Agnes-Kiemel-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/12/Idle-Valley-Neatholme-scrape-sunrise-Notts-WT-credit-Agnes-Kiemel.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Idle Valley Neatholme scrape sunrise, by Agnes Kiemel, Notts WT</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nature reserves are are great option for winter walks in iffy weather and <a href="https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/idle-valley">Idle Valley</a> is one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands. There are four lovely walking&nbsp;routes that meander through the network of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub. The visitor centre, shop and café offer a great pitstop too.</p>


Wild winter walks to blow the cobwebs away

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