Where limestone valleys and gritstone edges frame every walk — and the Peak District begins at your door.
Derbyshire is one of the most iconic walking counties in England — and a natural entry point to the Peak District National Park. With its mix of rolling dales, rocky ridgelines, ancient villages, and well-marked footpaths, it’s a dream for slow travellers and self-guided walkers alike.
From riverside strolls in Dovedale to hilltop hikes above Edale and Castleton, the county offers extraordinary variety. Whether you’re following old railway trails through tunnels and viaducts, climbing to panoramic viewpoints like Mam Tor, or walking between stone villages with real character, Derbyshire combines access, atmosphere, and adventure in perfect measure.
And with direct train connections from cities like Manchester and Sheffield, plus hundreds of accommodation options, it's as practical as it is beautiful.
These featured walks pass through or begin in Derbyshire — ideal for self-guided walking holidays.
Starting in Edale, the national trail climbs across Kinder Scout and into the Dark Peak — wild, open, and unforgettable.
A scenic, traffic-free walking and cycling route through the Wye Valley, following a former railway line through tunnels and across stunning viaducts.
A 46-mile trail from Castleton to Rocester, tracing limestone ridges, quiet dales, and ancient pathways through the heart of the White Peak.
Another converted railway path — ideal for easy walking or long day hikes through peaceful Derbyshire countryside.
Follow the River Dove through one of the Peak District’s most famous valleys — with stepping stones, limestone crags, and lush woodland.