Ladybower Dam, Bamford Edge and Great Tor

Derbyshire, England

Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve Loop from Over Haddon

Derbyshire, England

Win hill, wooler knoll, Hagg side, Longley bank and Lady Crook Hill Loop

Derbyshire, England

Carsington Water Loop

Derbyshire, England

Blackwell and Chee Dale Stepping Stones Loop

Derbyshire, England

Higher Shelf Stones and Bleaklow Head Walk

Derbyshire, England

Ladybower Reservoir Loop

Derbyshire, England

Elvaston Castle Country Park and Local Nature Reserve Walk

Derbyshire, England

Kinder Low and Kinder Scout Walk

Derbyshire, England

Carvers Rocks Loop

Derbyshire, England

Best wildlife hikes in Derbyshire

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Derbyshire.

Most popular hikes

Medium

Ladybower Dam, Bamford Edge and Great Tor

Derbyshire, England · star 4.9 (9) · 5.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 30 min

Easy

Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve Loop from Over Haddon

Derbyshire, England · star 4.3 (3) · 12.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 57 min

Medium

Win hill, wooler knoll, Hagg side, Longley bank and Lady Crook Hill Loop

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (4) · 14.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 45 min

Easy

Carsington Water Loop

Derbyshire, England · star 4.7 (10) · 12.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 44 min

Easy

Blackwell and Chee Dale Stepping Stones Loop

Derbyshire, England · star 4.6 (7) · 6.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

Easy

Higher Shelf Stones and Bleaklow Head Walk

Derbyshire, England · star 4.8 (9) · 8.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 55 min

Easy

Ladybower Reservoir Loop

Derbyshire, England · star 4.8 (12) · 9.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 13 min

Easy

Elvaston Castle Country Park and Local Nature Reserve Walk

Derbyshire, England · star 4.7 (6) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 11 min

Medium

Kinder Low and Kinder Scout Walk

Derbyshire, England · star 4.5 (6) · 12.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 27 min

Easy

Carvers Rocks Loop

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (2) · 4.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 6 min

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Reviews for wildlife hikes in Derbyshire

Ladybower Dam, Bamford Edge and Great Tor

BackpackerMountainlover93 · reviewed about 1 month ago

star star star star star

One of the best scenes’ it’s worth it

Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve Loop from Over Haddon

BluffChaser96 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Win hill, wooler knoll, Hagg side, Longley bank and Lady Crook Hill Loop

jaytee · reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

Carsington Water Loop

Steve T · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Blackwell and Chee Dale Stepping Stones Loop

Karl · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Nice walk through the valley. Lots of up and downs. Two lots of stepping stones made it interesting.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Derbyshire

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

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In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape.

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

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In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

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Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

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In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

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England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

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While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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