Clay Cross Heritage Trail
Clay Cross is on a high ridge which forms the watershed between the south-flowing river Amber and the northward river Rother. The walk, for which at least one and half hours should be allowed, starts at the round tower emerging from the pavement on Market Street.
Eddlestow Lot
Two miles north west of Matlock off the A632 to Chesterfield, Eddlestow Lot occupies the site of three former quarries.
Five Pits Trail
Linking five former colliery sites, the Five Pits Trail now offers a landscape of plantations, lakes, meadows and ponds. Follow the route of the original railway on one of the circular trails starting from 2.5 miles or one of the linear trails up to 7.5 miles, as it winds across gently rolling countryside, offering splendid views and pleasant picnic areas. There are car parks and designated picnic areas situated along the trail, with the trail entrances considered to be accessible for people with limited mobility.
For further information contact Clay Cross Countryside Centre. Tel: 01246 866960 or Derbyshire County Council Countryside Section. Tel: 01629 580000.
Ford Pond
The site situated in the Moss Valley is adjacent to the Bridge Inn, Ford, off the B6056 or B6054 on the road between Ridgeway and Marsh Lane. Facilities include fishing pond, picnic tables, car park and walks along the side of the River Moss.
Grassmoor Country Park
Four miles south east of Chesterfield off the B6038, the park is accessed from Birkin Lane, Grassmoor and forms part of the Five Pits Trail. Open daily for fishing, horse riding, cycling and walking. There are picnic tables and a car park.
Linacre and Cordwell Valleys
The three reservoirs at Linacre are set in an attractive wooded valley and offer the perfect start and finishing point for a walk through the beautiful Linacre and Cordwell Valleys. The gently rolling hills and wooded glades to the north-west of Chesterfield provide the backdrop for circular or linear walks, which can pass by an old manor house, 15th Century Hall, a pinfold and 'Bluster Castle'. There are picnic tables and a car park.
Ogston Reservoir
Four miles east of Matlock on the B6014. Views over the reservoir. Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets, car parking, club sailing, trout fishing and game fishing during the season.
Moss Valley
This area to the west of Eckington, once known for its sickle and scythe industry, is today a sanctuary for wildlife. The Bridge Inn at Ford is a popular starting point for a pleasant stroll along the banks of the River Moss with still a chance to see remains of its industrial past. ‘A Walk on the Wildside’ with good starting points at Ridgeway Craft Centre and Ford are two circular walks of varying duration taking in all aspects of the Moss Valley.
Trans Pennine Trail
This coast-to-coast walk across England links down through Rother Valley Country Park to Chesterfield and follows the towpath of the Chesterfield Canal for most of its 11 mile length. However, a number of access points allow you to adapt the trail to take as long or as short a walk as you like. You can even follow it by bike if you prefer. Look out for blue signposts and Trans Pennine Trail waymarkers to keep you on the right path.
Walking Guides on North East Derbyshire:
Heritage Clay Cross Trail
The Five Pits Trail
Killamarsh and Rother Valley Country Park
Old Eckington Explored
Derbyshire County Council's Countryside webpages, also contains some useful information on getting out and about in the county and the various walks and trails that are available locally.
