Pick up a free walks map on arrival featuring four recommended walking routes, or just pick your own route across the 800 acres of parkland. There are benches and interesting views along each route, as well as bins for dog waste. Sheep and cows graze parts of the parkland so please keep your distance to minimise them as they graze.
Wilderness walk - 2.6 miles
The north side of the lake, known as the wilderness, is the most natural part of the parkland. With a mixture of woods and pasture, it is home to some of the oldest veteran trees in Derbyshire. You'll get great views of the Robert Adam bridge and the island, where numerous birds nest. As you walk through the wooded areas look out for the bird nesting boxes. The route includes uneven ground and passes through the grazing cattle.
Long and short walks - 3.2 miles/1.7miles
The long and short walks form part of Robert Adam's pleasure ground and were designed for the entertainment of ladies, with a winding path dotted with temples and follies. You'll see the hermitage, as well as views of the south front of the hall on both of these routes.
We've placed benches at the best spots for a sit down to take in the views across the parkland, and also across the rolling Derbyshire countryside, so why not take a moment to pause on your walk, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings?
Whatever season you visit, the walk routes offer a changing mix of far reaching views, wildflowers and natural seasonal highlights. Don't forget to keep dogs on leads on these walks - this helps to protect the ground nesting birds, the displays of wildflowers and fungi, and the sheep with their lambs.
Lakeside walk - 2 miles
Walk along the edge of the lake and see a whole host of waterfowl including geese, swans, oyster catchers, herons and coots. You might even spot a hare in the grassland too. This walk is farirly flat but across some uneven ground. There is a wooden footbridge and several gates along the route, as well as dog waste bins and benches. Sheep and cows graze along the entire route so please dont forget to keep dogs on leads. This route offers great views of the hall, weirs, fishing pavilion and Robert Adam bridge, all popular photo opportunities.
