From National Trust recommendations to suggestions from our very own readers, here are some dog-friendly walks that are sure to put a spring in the step of your four-legged friends.
Calke Abbey Estate Walk
Known as the ‘un-stately’ home, Calke Abbey is quite unlike anywhere else.
Set within the open south Derbyshire landscape, on the banks of the Staunton Harold reservoir, this country estate of 600 acres (243ha) is a property where dereliction is part of the appeal.
With its aging paintwork and weedy courtyards, little restoration work has been undertaken here, leaving Calke frozen in time since the 20th century when so many grand country houses fell into neglect and disrepair.
This walk loops the estate to the north of the abbey, passing the peaceful Mere Pond and Calke Park National Nature Reserve, ambling through Serpentine Wood and visiting Calke Explore, before crossing open parkland to finish.
THINGS TO SEE
There’s lots to see on the Calke estate, including the Old Man of Calke – a 1,200-year-old oak tree; red and fallow deer in their restored enclosure; the Tramway Trail – an enjoyable exploration by bike or on foot; and the pleasure grounds and flower garden, with its unique auricula theatre.
DOG-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Dogs are welcome across the parkland at Calke Abbey, where you’ll find miles of woodland walks, open countryside and lots of ponds.
You can also bring dogs to the stableyard, gardens, restaurant, shop and secondhand bookshop, provided they’re on a short lead.
Dogs can be off-lead in many areas of the estate, as long as they’re under close control.
There’s a handy dog-walking guide with details on where your dog can run free at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey/visiting-calke-abbey-with-your-dog.
PAWS FOR THOUGHT
Assistance dogs only in the house and church. Please keep dogs on leads in the main visitor areas, nature reserve and around grazing animals.
OTHER WALKIES NEARBY
Calke is something of a meeting point for several long-distance walking trails, including the Cross Britain Way, the National Forest Way and the Ivanhoe Way.
Along with other footpaths, these can be linked up to create enjoyable circular walking routes – or follow the Cross Britain Way as it skirts Staunton Harold reservoir for a scenic waterside walk.
HOW TO GET THERE
Car Entrance is on the A514 at Ticknall, between Swadlincote and Melbourne. Satnav: DE73 7JF OS map Explorer 245 Start/finish Calke Abbey car park, DE73 7LE grid ref: SK366228.
DIRECTIONS
Start/finish: Calke Abbey car park
1. Follow the blue trail down the stepped path to the Mere Pond. Turn right and follow the edge of the pond until you can turn left and cross. Go through a pedestrian gate.
2. Under-control dogs are welcome to run off lead in the next section, providing they can come back upon first recall and remain in their owner's sight at all times. Follow the clear trail in front of you up the hill, with the deer park on your right, to a path junction at the northern edge of the woodland.
3. Turn left and follow the path along the edge of Serpentine Wood, passing through a pedestrian gate about half-way along. Continue to follow the path as it curves to the left until you reach a clearing. Leave the blue trail here, turning right down a stone track walking downhill until you reach a path junction with the National Forest Way and the red trail.
4. Turn right, following the red trail to a pedestrian gate and go through. Turn left and cross the main vehicular driveway here, watching out for oncoming cars. Head uphill with the driveway on your right, heading for a pedestrian gate in the trees on your left and on to the Tramway Trail.
5. Turn left and follow the Tramway Trail with the woods to your left and fields on the right. Make sure your dog is on a lead as you walk past Calke Explore on the left and continue to a path junction. It’s fine to be off-lead again now.
6. Follow the red trail left, walking through Poker’s Leys and out into the parkland. Follow the well-made winding trail to a crossroads with the driveway on your left. Go through a pedestrian gate and turn immediately right, following the track for a short distance to a fork in the trail.
7. Bear left onto the grass red trail and follow it across the parkland. Follow the red trail uphill continuing straight ahead with the woodland and old deer shelter on your left until you reach the driveway with St Giles Church in front of you.
8. Please put your dog back on its lead to finish off the walk. Turn left and follow the red trail and driveway back to the start.
The Calke Abbey Estate Walk is just one of 100 comprehensive dog walks featured in a new book - Great British Walkies - Britain’s 100 best dog walks, by Jen and Sim Benson and supported by the National Trust, including the Trust’s ‘pawprint rating’ system for dog-friendly places.
These country routes are custom-made for you and your four-legged friend and includes 14 routes in the Midlands.
Ranging from two to six miles, they cover the whole of the UK and take in some of our most beautiful woods, coast, rolling hills and fields, not to mention fascinating and inspiring historic sites.
For more information, visit shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/national-trust-great-british-walkies.
More locations which are a dog walker’s dream…
Derbyshire Life’s dedicated walking group on Facebook now has over a quarter of a million members – all of whom are passionate about getting out and about across Derbyshire and the wider Peak District.
The following locations are all places which have been tried and tested and recommended by dog walkers on the group.
Carsington Water
Take your pick of shorter and longer distance routes - Stone Island Trail (one mile); Dam Trail (three miles); Reservoir Trail (7.5 miles) - all of which are perfect for dogs. There are plenty of activities and refreshments available at the visitor centre too, with ample on-site parking (charge).
‘At this site you're welcome to walk your furry friend,’ confirm Severn Trent, which runs the site. ‘Due to the nature and wildlife on site you will need to keep your dog on a lead at all times.’
High Peak Trail
Stretching for 17.5 miles from High Peak Junction at Cromford (a great place to take on some refreshments) to Dowlow near Buxton, this wonderfully scenic stretch is a dog walker’s paradise given it is both traffic-free and livestock-free.
It’s also a predominantly flat and easy walk – whichever section you get on at - making it a great option regardless of yours and your four-legged companion’s energy levels!
For 'paw-some' views from the instantly recognisable Headstone Viaduct at Monsal Dale, head to the Monsal Trail near Bakewell.
Coton in the Elms
A real favourite among dog walkers, Coton Wood sits in the heart of the National Forest and stretches close to 10km with an interesting mix of terrain and wildlife.
Planted on former farmland by the Woodland Trust 30 years ago, the area has since thrived and is popular with locals given its beauty and array of natural wonders and gifts.
It also benefits from on-site parking (DE12 8EP) and can be a platform for numerous other great dog walking options in the area.
Markeaton Park
Derby’s most visited park, Markeaton Park, close to the city centre, offers open spaces and scenery galore despite being on the city centre’s doorstep.
This makes Markeaton Park absolutely idea for urban dog owners, while those travelling from further afield can make use of the designated parking, which is found just off Markeaton Island on the A38 (DE22 4NH).
Your dog(s) will love the green open spaces, woodland and paths and there’s plenty of opportunities to grab a drink and a bite to eat.
Longdendale Trail
Found in the spectacular Upper Longdendale Valley close to Glossop, this 6.5-mile trail (although it can be lengthened significantly should you wish) runs alongside the former Woodhead railway which once connected Manchester and Sheffield. It forms part of the longer Trans Pennine Trail.
As with many trails of its kind, the Longdendale Trail is generally flat and, from a dog walker’s perspective, benefits from no cattle or sheep which can be problematic for reactive dogs.
There are various places to eat and drink close to the trail, many of which are dog friendly.
The Sett Valley
The Sett Valley Trail is a traffic-free 2.5-mile stretch linking the High Peak towns of New Mills and Hayfield.
This wonderful green corridor is in itself not challenging, however it does provide a tantalising gateway to the Peak District’s highest peak – Kinder Scout.
If you or your canine companion are not able to negotiate the steep inclines, surrounding yourselves in the wonder of the Sett Valley is a great way to still feel intimately a part of this dramatic area of the Peak.
There’s plenty of stop off points too for a sit down and/or to partake in some refreshment.
Fernilee Reservoir
Fernilee Reservoir, just over four miles north-west of Buxton, is renowned for being a dog walking hotspot, with various walking routes, a rich, scenic landscape and amazing woodlands.
There are routes here to suit all fitness levels and there’s so much for dogs to explore. Bins here do tend to be at a premium, so don’t forget your plastic bags!
Certain routes may bring you into the vicinity of farms, where dogs will be required to be on leads, but on the whole this is an extremely dog-friendly and popular location.
Monsal Trail
Starting out at the dog-friendly Hassop Station Café (parking available – DE45 1NW), fuel up and get set for a traffic-free jaunt through spectacular limestone dales and iconic Peak District views.
The trail in its entirety is 8.5 miles in length, ranging from Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell.
Expect plenty of dog-friendly places to take on refreshments along the route but remember to keep your furry friend on a lead for the safety of others, as it can get quite busy. Adjacent fields may also contain livestock.
