Autumn walks at Calke Abbey

Mere Pond during the autumn at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

With over 600 acres of parkland to explore, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy a peaceful walk at Calke Abbey. Pick up a park map and follow one of our marked trails, or come along to a guided walk to see stunning, autumn highlights around the estate. Find out more about our autumnal walks below…

Discover the world of deadwood

Have you ever wondered why Calke’s deadwood is so important? Join a ranger on Thurs 5 Oct for a two-hour estate walk, exploring the habitats, creepy crawlies and fungi that live in deadwood, and discover why deadwood is an important part of the conservation work we do at Calke.

Meet at the Ticket Office at 2pm, and don’t forget your walking boots! This is a free guided walk, but normal admission charges will apply.

Ancient trees along the pink walk at Calke Abbey
Ancient trees at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Ancient trees along the pink walk at Calke Abbey

What lies beneath the landscape?

Ever wondered what all those lumps and bumps in the landscape are? Find out what lies beneath your feet on Thurs 2 Nov on this fascinating walk with one of our rangers.

Meet at the Ticket Office at 2pm for this two-hour walk, and make sure to remember your sturdy footwear for those lumpy landscapes! This is a free walk, but normal admission charges will apply.

Experience rutting season up close

Autumn sees some spectacular behaviour in the deer park, as rutting season begins. We have an exciting opportunity to join our countryside manager inside the deer enclosure, where you’ll learn more about Calke’s herd of red and fallow deer, and the work we do to protect them. Warm up with a coffee and a cookie afterwards.

Calke Abbey is home to Red and Fallow Deer
Calke Abbey, Midlands, deer during rutting season
Calke Abbey is home to Red and Fallow Deer

Deer park walks will take place on Sat 11 and Sun 12 Nov, starting at 2pm from the Ticket Office. Tickets are £3.50 per person (including snack) and booking in advance is essential. Call 01332 863822 to book.  

Follow your feet this autumn…

…or pick up a park map to find the most popular walking route around the estate. There are lots of beautiful spaces to explore, from woodland to wetlands, with plenty of hidden paths to discover.

We also have lots of downloadable walks on our website – find our seasonal favourites here:

Red deer stag | National Trust Calke Abbey | Derbyshire

Autumn walks in the park 

Walk beneath a canopy of rich autumn colour, listen out for birdsong in the trees and stretch your legs in over 600 acres of inspiring parkland.

Take a walk

By taking the time to reconnect with nature on one of our walks, you’re helping us to continue the vital work we do to preserve and protect Calke’s historic parkland. Thank you.