DERBYSHIRE

DOVEDALE

Starting from The George, in Alstonefield (DE6 2FX), Dovedale is probably the most popular part of the Peak District and the five-mile route takes in the northern section of the valley. The walk includes the famous Stepping Stones and on the way back you will see Hall Dale. The George is open seven days a week for food and ale.

SOUTH HEAD AND JACOB’S LADDER

Starting and finishing at The Old Hall Inn, in Chinley (SK23 6EJ) the nine-mile walk includes a tough but rewarding climb to the high open moorland of South Head and north to the Kinder Plateau. The final stretch down Jacob’s Ladder and through wooded valleys leads to Edale and the start of the Pennine Way. The Old Hall Inn is open seven days a week and the pub also has rooms available for the more weary traveller.

UPPER DOVE VALLEY AND PILSBURY CASTLE

Up towards Buxton, the walk on the Staffordshire and Derbyshire border starts and ends at the charming 16th Century pub The Pack Horse Inn, in Crowdecote (SK17 0DB). Along the three-mile walk you will see the remains of Pilsbury castle, and the views of famous Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. The pub serves food but is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

CHATSWORTH

The Devonshire Arms, in Beeley, an 18th-century inn, is located on the Chatsworth estate and perfect place to explore the grounds of this beautiful stately home. The six-mile circuit of the estate will see walkers take in the views across the gardens (which were designed by Capability Brown) from the Elizabethan Hunting Tower. There is also Queen Mary’s Bower which has links to Mary Queen of Scots. The Devonshire arms is open seven days a week serving food and drink. There are rooms available for those who fancy a mini-break.

STONEY MIDDLETON TO COOMBS DALE

This walk is around 4.5 miles starting at The Moon Inn, in Stoney Middleton (S32 4TL). It will take you along Coombs Dale, returning through Stoney Middleton to complete the circuit which is classed as ‘moderate’. This lesser-known of the dales is packed with gruesome tales of highwaymen, ghosts and falling lovers. The Moon Inn is dog friendly and serves food.

THE LEWIS WILSON MEMORIAL WALK

The Royal Oak, in Ockbrook (DE72 3SE) is a hub and starting point for some fantastic walks in Derbyshire. This particular six-mile walk starts at the pub in Green Lane and takes around three and a half hours and takes you through farmland, woods and open country, and offers lovely views over the Derwent and Trent valleys. Although you can make this walk at any time of the year, the Royal Oak organises a special occasion on the first Sunday in June, in memory of Lewis Wilson. The pub is open for food and drink seven days a week.

LADYBOWER RESERVOIR AND DERWENT EDGE

This picturesque walk starts and finishes at Ladybower Inn, in Bamford (S33 0AX). The nine-mile walk isn’t for the fainthearted and the walk takes in both easy woodland walking and windy moorland ascents. The pub serves food and there are also rooms available on site.

FAIRBROOK CLOUGH STANAGE EDGE

Starting and finishing at the Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, in Hathersage (S32 1BZ) the six-mile walk takes in some of the most impressive views in the country – never mind just Derbyshire. Stanage is the largest and most impressive of the gritstone edges and the ascent from Hathersage along a grassy path is easy and offers some of the most fabulous views in the country. The pub offers food, drink and an overnight stay.

CAVE DALE, MAM TOR AND GREAT RIDGE

his is one of the most popular walks in the county. The eight-mile route starts and ends at the Cheshire Cheese Inn, in Hope (S33 6ZF) and combines the Cave Dale gorge, the open moorland of Limestone Way, the heights of Mam Tor and views from the Great Ridge over Edale and Castleton. The pub is open Tuesday to Sunday and it can also accommodate up to 10 people in its rooms. The walk starts and ends at the walkerfriendly inn, The Snake Pass Inn, in Bamford. Fairbrook Clough one is a five-mile walk and features a rocky climb to the Kinder Scout plateau and the Fairbrook waterfall. The inn not only serves ales and food, but also has rooms if you want to make a weekend of it.