Winter walking adventures at Kedleston

As 2019 comes to an end, and we welcome 2020, why not choose a walk in the parkland and take in the far reaching witner views with friends and family?

You can choose your own walk, or go on a suggested route.

Short Walk

This walk is a 1.7 mile circuit which usually takes about 45 - 60 minutes. Amble along the first part of the Adam-inspired circuit walk to take in some of the parks finest views. This route also takes you past the recently restored Hermitage.

Although a portion of the route crosses back across the parkland an alternative for those with wheelchairs or pushchairs is to visit the hermitage and then return back down the same path.

You'll spot balancing logs along the way, as well as benches sited to give you a rest with a wonderful quiet view.

Long Walk

A longer route with a mixture of habitats along the way. Please be aware that the lakeside section of the path is not surfaced so we still recommend sturdy footwear, especially after wet weather.

This walk is a 3.2 mile circuit which usually takes about 90 minutes. It is one of the best examples of an 18th-century circuit walk in the country, You'll be able to retrace the footsteps of Kedleston's aristocratic visitors of the past and stop at the viewpoints that 18th-century visitors would have admired the Hall. Don't worry there's benches along the route to take a rest and enjoy the views.

Lakeside Walk

This walk is about 2 miles and usually takes about 60 minutes. It takes you across the lovely grade I listed Adam bridge and follows the edge of the Upper Lake. Admire the cascades and the neoclassical style Fishing Pavilion perched on the lake's edge. Winter is a brilliant time to walk along the lake, be sure to bring your binoculars as this is when birdlife if at its best here at Kedleston. We know of over 40 species of bird that call Kedleston's lake home in winter, see how many you can spot.

Wilderness Walk

Explore the estates wilderness and find veteran oak trees in the parkland beyond the lake on this easy walk. You can find some of the county's oldest trees here, some are up to 1000 years old. You'll find this area of the estate more wild and rugged in comparison to other areas, with fallen trees, close copses and long grass. This is all intentional as a key conservation area of the parkland it provides habitats for all manner of animals from birds to woodland invertebrates.

See if you can find all of our wooden animal sculptures hidden along the route and also search our wilderness podcasts for more information about the animals you can find here and our management methods.

Don't forget, the shop and restaurant are open daily with a wide range of food and drink. Find a bargain in the shop sale and browse the selection of outdoor plants for your own garden.

A dog friendly visit

We welcome four pawed family members but we do ask that they are kept on a lead at all times. Sheep and Dexter cows graze in the park and are easily spooked which can be dangerous. Keeping your dog on a lead minimises stress to the animals that call the parkland their home. There are bins provided for dog waste at intervals on the walk circuits and we do ask that everyone clears up after their pets. Dog waste can be very dangerous for agricultural animals, spreading disease and in some cases abortion of calves. In the interest of both your safety and the interest of our Dexters we ask that you adhere to our requests.

Sadly dogs are not permitted in our restaurant but we'll happily provide take away options or outdoor seating. We also have a small building which used to be the game larder which offers an indoor alternative. Pick up a map in visitor reception for more details our just ask one of our visitor welcome team.