Coronavirus
Most of our walks are currently available, although this may change at short notice if any local lockdowns are imposed in the areas concerned. In order to comply with the current regulations, we can only accept bookings from no more than five people on each walk, all of whom MUST be from the same household. All walks will maintain proper social distancing, and we ask that all customers provide their own face coverings and hand sanitiser. In order to maintain financial viability and cover all of our operating costs, we have regrettably been forced to temporarily increase the price of some walks. We are continuing to monitor the situation daily, and will update this information as required. Full details and latest news are available here.
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- Both full- and half-day walks available.
- Each walk led by an guide with over 30 years experience of leading guided walks in the area.
- Where possible, all walks are easily accessible by public transport.
- No specialist walking gear at all needed for most walks - just a good pair of boots.
- Small groups, so no crowding.
- Discounted rates for families and group bookings.
- Secure online payment via PayPal.
- Upgrade any walk to a private booking to get the exclusive services of your guide.
- All walks can also be booked privately on a date of your choosing via a Personal Walking Guide.
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Derbyshire Heritage Walks offers a wide range of different guided walks. Many walks features a detailed exploration of the history of the area, told in clear and simple terms by an expert on the subject.
Where possible, the start and end points of each walk are easily accessible by public transport, although a small number of walks do require your own transport, and all have car parking within easy walking distance of the start point.
If you would like the exclusive services of your guide, you can pay a small fee to upgrade any scheduled walk to a private booking, provided that nobody else has also booked onto that walk before you. This not only gives you the exclusive services of your guide, but also allows you to vary the start time of many walks to suit you, and even change the start and end points of some walks. All walks can also be booked privately on the date of your own choosing by booking a Personal Walking Guide - even if we already have a walk scheduled for that date (unless listed as "unavailable" or "unavailable for private bookings" on the Walking Calendar below).
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Headstone Viaduct, Monsal Dale |
Rails Through The Peaks 1 - The Monsal Trail
This walk is a gentle 9-mile stroll southwards along the Monsal Trail from Blackwell Mill to Bakewell. The route begins at Wyedale car park just outside Buxton and follows the Monsal Trail southward to its end at Bakewell Station. Along the way, it looks at the history of the line and the many small stations it passed through, plus the industries it supported. This walk is accessible by public transport from Derby, Sheffield and Buxton, and is suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.
| Distance: 9.3 miles. | Duration: 5 - 6 hours. | Price: £20.00. |
Dates available:
July 11th, 15th, 22nd. August 3rd, 12th, 22nd. September 2nd, 7th, 16th, 26th, 28th. October 5th, 12th, 21st, 26th, 31st. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to October 31st 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Lime Kilns near Miller's Dale Station |
Rails Through The Peaks 3 - Bakewell to Buxton
Our longest Monsal Trail walk, this is a 13-mile walk northwards along the Monsal Trail from Bakewell to Buxton. The route begins at the former Bakewell Station and follows the Monsal Trail northward to its end at Blackwell Mill. From Blackwell Mill, the route then follows the current railway line as closely as possible to a finishing point at the site of the former Midland Railway station in Buxton.
| Distance: 13.5 miles. | Duration: 6 - 7 hours. | Price: £30.00. |
Dates available:
July 8th. August 17th. September 12th, 23rd. October 10th, 23rd. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to October 31st 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Cressbrook Mill |
The Industries of Monsal and Miller's Dales
A scenic walk following the River Wye through Monsal and Miller's Dales. Along the way, stops are made to look at the now-lost industries of the valleys, including the former cotton mills at Cressbrook and Litton and the massive lime works of Miller's Dale. From Miller's Dale, the route continues through the picturesque Chee Dale to Blackwell Mill, and ascends to the hilltop village of Blackwell. From there, the route continues on to the finish point at The Waterloo Hotel public house on the A6 between Taddington and Buxton.
| Distance: 11 miles. | Duration: 6 hours. | Price: Private group rates. |
Dates available:
Currently only available as a private booking to October 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Prices for full-day walks include a £5.00 per person non-refundable deposit. As these are full-day walks with few facilities along the way, please make sure to bring everything you need for the day, including plenty to drink.
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Miller's Dale Station |
Rails Through The Peaks 2 - Miller's Dale to Bakewell
At 6.4 miles in length, our most popular half-day walk is a slightly shortened version of our full Monsal Trail walk, which can be done in a long afternoon. Starting at Miller's Dale Station, it misses out the first two and a half miles of the full walk through Chee Dale. Besides the reduced distance, this walk has the added advantage of step-free access onto the Trail at Miller's Dale and off it at Bakewell, making it fully suitable for wheelchair users.
| Distance: 6.4 miles. | Duration: 3 - 4 hours. | Price: £15.00. |
Dates available:
July 4th, 6th, 13th, 20th. August 5th, 9th, 10th, 19th, 31st. September 5th, 14th, 23rd, 30th. October 5th, 14th, 18th, 26th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to December 20th 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Greyhound Pond, Cromford |
Cromford - Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
A relaxed two-mile stroll around the historic mill village of Cromford, considered by many to be the true birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Along the way, the walk looks at the early pre-industrial history of the area, and the effects that the arrival of Richard Arkwright and his mill had on the village. The walk ends at the gates of Cromford Mill itself, where it is usually possible to join one of the Arkwright Society's own tours of the Mill, or simply wander around the Mill on your own.
| Distance: 2 miles. | Duration: 2 hours. | Price: £6.00. |
Dates available:
July 5th, 18th. August 15th, 31st. September 6th, 19th. October 17th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to December 20th 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Leawood Pumphouse |
The Cromford Canal
This is an end-to-end walk of the surviving western section of the Cromford Canal, looking at the history of the canal and the industries it once served. The walk begins at Cromford Wharf, which served the huge cotton mills of Richard Arkwright, and visits High Peak Junction and the nearby Leawood Pumphouse. From there, the walk includes the junction with the Nightingale Arm of the canal and Whatstandwell, finally ending where the line of the canal is broken by modern construction at Ambergate.
| Distance: 5.25 miles. | Duration: 3 hours. | Price: £6.00. |
Dates available:
July 5th, 18th. August 15th, 31st. September 6th, 19th. October 17th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to November 30th 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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The "Cromford Double" - Save 25% when you book both the Cromford Village and Cromford Canal walks on the same day! See here for details (link opens in new window).
July 5th, 18th. August 15th, 31st. September 6th, 19th. October 17th. November onwards, dates TBC.
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The East Mill and Horseshoe Weir, Belper |
Belper's Lost Industries
This circular walk around Belper looks at the various lost industries of the world's first cotton mill town. It begins with the cotton mills built by the Strutt family at the very beginning of the Industrial Revolution, with a slight diversion to include the picturesque weir on the river, followed by a look at the houses the family built for their workers. From there, the walk looks at the nail-making industry that pre-dated the arrival of the cotton mills, plus the other industries which once provided employment for the town, including hosiery, confectionery, chemicals and engineering.
| Distance: 2.8 miles. | Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours. | Price: £5.00 |
Dates available:
July 2nd, 12th, 7th, 12th, 16th, 21st. August 6th, 11th, 20th, 23rd. September 1st, 6th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 24th, 29th. October 4th, 8th, 13th, 18th, 22nd, 27th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to December 20th 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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A Cromwell Tank |
Belper's Wartime Secret.................................As seen on ITV News
As seen on ITV News and featured on BBC Radio Derby, this circular walk looks at Belper's little-known wartime secrets. During the Second World War, Belper played a key role in the Allied victory. However, as those "in the know" never really talked about what they were doing, many people today have no idea of just how important a place it was. Even many of those living in the town at the time have no idea of what was happening right under their noses. This walk tells the story of the secret wartime work that took place in Belper and visits the sites involved.
| Distance: 3.5 miles. | Duration: 2.5 hours. | Price: £5.00 |
Dates available:
July 5th, 9th, 14th, 23rd. August 4th, 9th, 13th, 18th. September 3rd, 8th, 13th, 17th, 22nd. October 1st, 6th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 29th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to December 20th 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Prices for half-day walks include a small non-refundable deposit. As these are short half-day walks, you won't need much in the way of walking equipment apart from stout footwear and waterproofs. It is however advisable to also bring something to drink, especially if the weather is hot.
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Rural RamblesTM
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Our Rural Rambles are the latest addition to our range of walks. Although still having something of a history theme to them, they follow a more rural route than our other walks, so get you out into the beautiful Peak District countryside a lot more.
As these walks are of a more "cross country" nature, you will need more in the way of good quality walking gear such as boots, waterproofs etc, but most of the walks are still suitable for those of all abilities. Unfortunately, the more rugged terrain does, however, mean that the majority are not suitable for those of restricted mobility.
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View along the "Great Ridge" from Mam Tor
(© Rachel Docherty) |
Rural Ramble 1: Edale to Castleton Circular
This classic Peak District circular walk is our most popular walk and follows a route recently voted one of Britain's favourite walks. It begins and ends in the village of Edale, just a couple of minutes walk from the railway station. From there, it climbs up onto the "Great Ridge" between the Vale of Edale and the Hope Valley, following the footpath along the ridge to Lose Hill before dropping down into the village of Castleton. It then follows the famous closed road to the ancient hill fort of Mam Tor, before dropping back down to the finish in Edale.
| Distance: 9.5 miles. | Duration: 5 to 6 hours. | Price: £15.00 |
Dates available:
July 1st, 12th, 15th, 20th, 25th. August 8th, 12th, 17th, 23rd. September 5th, 9th, 16th, 20th, 21st. October 4th, 7th, 14th, 19th, 24th, 28th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to November 23rd 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Horseshoe Dale |
Rural Ramble 2: Three Dales Circular
This circular walk is best done in the spring or early summer, and begins and ends at the popular bookshop at Brierlow Bar. From there, it drops down through two sheltered and peaceful Dales noted by some for their abundance of wild flowers every spring. Leaving the Dales, it ascends to the hilltop village of Chelmorton, said to be the highest village in Derbyshire, with its network of Medieval farm fields. It then returns to the start point via yet another Dale noted for its display of spring wild flowers.
| Distance: 6.5 miles. | Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours. | Price: £15.00 |
Dates available:
July - Private bookings only. August - Private bookings only. September - Private bookings only. October - Private bookings only. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to November 23rd 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Five Wells Chambered Tomb |
Rural Ramble 3: Three Villages and Five Wells
This circular walk begins and ends in the quiet village of Taddington. From there it climbs the hills above the village, which provide fine views of the surrounding countryside, on the way to the nearby village of Flagg and the haunted Flagg Hall. It then passes through the highest village in Derbyshire, Chelmorton, with its well-preserved Medieval fields, before stopping off at the Neolithic tomb at Five Wells on the way back to Taddington.
| Distance: 6 miles. | Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. | Price: £15.00 |
Dates available:
July 1st, 13th. August 3rd, 19th. September 13th. October 25th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to November 23rd 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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Chelmorton and Chelmorton Low |
Rural Ramble 4: Miller's Dale to Chelmorton Circular
This circular walk begins and ends at the site of the former Miller's Dale Station. Having followed the Monsal Trail to a tranquil trackway beside the River Wye, it then ascends peaceful rocky Dales noted for their wild flowers. Leaving the Dales, it crosses the fields to the hilltop village of Chelmorton with its well-preserved network of Medieval fields and the looming hill of Chelmorton Low. On the way back to Miller's Dale, it also stops off at the Neolithic tomb at Five Wells, which gives spectacular views across the Wye Valley to the hills beyond.
| Distance: 9.5 miles. | Duration: 4.5 to 6 hours. | Price: £20.00 |
Dates available:
July 6th. August 5th. September 7th, 21st. October 7th, 19th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to November 23rd 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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The Sheepwash Bridge and River Wye,
Ashford-in-the-Water |
Rural Ramble 5: Ashford-in-the-Water to Bakewell via Magpie Mine and Lathkill Dale
This popular circular walk normally begins in the pretty village of Ashford-in-the-Water and ends in the nearby town of Bakewell. However, to reduce the need to use public transport, it has temporarily been extended to both start and end in Bakewell. Along the way, it visits the ruins of Magpie Mine, the last lead mine to have worked in Derbyshire, and the village of Over Haddon, home to a surprising connection with a very famous fictional secret agent. It also follows the River Lathkill through the tranquil Lathkill Dale before heading over the fields and hills to the entrance to Haddon Hall, and onwards to the finish in the centre of Bakewell.
| Distance: 11 miles. | Duration: 4 to 5 hours. | Price: £20.00 |
Dates available:
July 22nd. August 10th. September 9th, 28th. October 12th, 28th. November onwards, dates TBC.
Private bookings also available now for dates to November 23rd 2020.
For full details, or to book this walk, please click here.
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The price of each walk includes a small non-refundable deposit. As these walks are across more open and exposed terrain, you will need a little more in the way of equipment than you would for our other walks. At the bare minimum, you will need some good walking boots, waterproofs and a small rucksack, plus warm clothing where appropriate. We also recommend that you bring plenty of water and something to eat, as there is little chance to buy either along the way.
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Private Bookings
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If you would like the exclusive services of your guide, you can upgrade any scheduled walk listed above to a private booking. You can also make a private booking for any of our walks listed above on days other than those on which they are scheduled by booking a Personal Walking Guide. A Personal Walking Guide also gives you access to a range of exclusive walks not available via our normal schedule.
For many walks, you can choose what time you would like to start the walk. This allows you to start at a time that is most convenient to you. For some walks, you can also choose an alternative start and end point for your walk.
While the normal maximum group size for a scheduled walk is 8 people (6 for the Cromford Canal walks), a private booking allows you to increase the maximum group size for most walks to between 20 and 30 people. As private bookings are charged at a flat fee per group, rather than per person, this can work out much cheaper per person than a normal scheduled walk. At £100.00 for a full-day booking for up to 10 people, this is at least £30.00 cheaper than our closest competitor, and less that 30% of what some other companies charge for a similar service!
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The Advantages Of A Private Booking:
- You choose the date and start time, so you can walk when it is most convenient for you.
- Walk at your own pace, so no racing to keep up with others or waiting for them to catch up.
- Get the exclusive services of your guide, who can tailor the content of the walk to your own requirements (within reason).
- Get access to a range of exclusive walks not available via our normal walks schedule.
- Private bookings can accommodate larger group sizes of up to 20 or 30 people on many of our walks.
- Discounted rates for larger groups available on many of our walks.
- Other discounts may be available for bookings made through recognised organisations.
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How To Make A Private Booking
If you would like to upgrade a scheduled walk to a private booking, please e-mail us to check that this is possible. Please note that if we have already received any other bookings for the walk in question, we will not be able to convert this walk into a private booking. If it is possible to convert the walk into a private booking, we will notify you and send through details of how to pay for your private booking.
How To Book A Personal Walking Guide
If you would like to book a Personal Walking Guide, please see here for how to make your booking, and here for the exclusive walks such a booking gives you access to.
Customised Walk Bookings
We are also able to create customised walks, either based on our existing walks above, or following completely new routes covering areas our existing walks do not visit. Details of how to book a customised walk can be found here.
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Special Offers
Save 5% When You Book 3 Or More Walks At The Same Time
If you book three or more walks at the same time, either normal scheduled walks, upgrading a scheduled walk to a private booking, or booking a private walk on a date of your own choosing, we can offer a 5% discount on the cost of each walk booking.
Save 10% On Private Walks Booked Via Registered Charities, Trade Unions or NUS
If you are making a private walk booking for a group of 11 or more, you can save 10% on the total cost if you are booking for a registered charity or a trade union branch (including NUS). This saving can be on top of the multiple walk booking discount, so you can save up to an incredible 15% on the cost of your bookings.
The "Cromford Double" - Save 25% On Combined Cromford Village And Canal Walks
From March 2016 onwards, save £3.00 per person when you book a morning walk around Cromford Village followed by an afternoon walk along the Cromford Canal. That's a saving of 25% compared to the cost of booking both separately.
For details of our special offers, please click
here.
(Link opens in new window.)
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Payment
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You can book and pay for all of our scheduled walks quickly and easily online from the individual walk pages on this website. You can also pay for private bookings online too - e-mail us your booking request and we'll e-mail you back with the payment instuctions.
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We use PayPal to handle all online payments. This means that we never see your card details, so you can be assured of the security of your booking transaction. Even if you don't have a PayPal account, you can still pay via a credit or debit card and be assured that your card details are kept safe.
Don't like PayPal? No problem - By prior arrangement, you can also pay in advance by cheque or bank transfer, or even on the day by cash. Please contact us by e-mail prior to booking if you wish to use an alternative payment method and we will send you all of the details you need.
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You can also book and pay for any of our walks using one of our gift vouchers. Information on how to purchase gift vouchers can be found here, and details of how to redeem a gift voucher to pay for a walk booking can be found here.
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Walking Calendar
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