Derbyshire is a brilliant county for dog walking, offering a mix of rolling countryside, wooded valleys, reservoirs and high moorland. Whether you are after a gentle leg-stretcher close to a village or a longer hike that feels properly wild, there is plenty here to keep adventurous dogs and their owners happy.
This guide rounds up a selection of dog friendly walks in and across Derbyshire, with distances and difficulties to suit all needs and abilities. Expect quiet trails, rewarding views and routes that feel like a proper escape into the outdoors.
Elvaston Castle Country Park Circular
Elvaston Castle Country Park is a great option for an easy, flexible dog walk in southern Derbyshire. The route takes you through a mix of mature woodland, open parkland and landscaped estate grounds, with well-maintained paths throughout.
It is ideal if you want a relaxed outing with plenty of sniffing opportunities and minimal climbing. There are quieter loops away from the main paths where dogs can stretch their legs, and the flat terrain makes this a reliable choice in all seasons.
Distance: ~3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland, parkland
Off-lead potential: Good in quieter areas
Parking: Elvaston Castle Country Park car park
Linacre Reservoirs Walk
The Linacre Reservoirs sit just outside Chesterfield and offer a peaceful, waterside walk that feels far more remote than its location suggests. The route links three reservoirs via woodland paths, with gentle gradients and plenty of shade.
This is a lovely option for dogs that enjoy calmer environments and steady terrain. The circular nature of the walk makes it easy to tailor the distance, and the woodland sections are particularly good on warmer days.
Distance: ~2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Reservoir paths, woodland
Off-lead potential: Moderate, watch for cyclists
Parking: Linacre Reservoirs car park
Carsington Water Outer Loop
Carsington Water offers one of the longest and most varied dog-friendly walks in the county. The outer loop follows the reservoir edge, combining wide gravel paths with open views across the water and surrounding hills.
While the full loop is a commitment, it can be broken into shorter sections if needed. It suits active dogs that enjoy distance and varied scenery, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views along the way.
Distance: ~8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Gravel paths, open countryside
Off-lead potential: Limited, popular with cyclists
Parking: Carsington Water main car park
Cromford Canal Towpath Walk
Cromford Canal is a gentler option, perfect for slower-paced walks or dogs recovering from longer hikes. The towpath follows the historic canal through quiet countryside, with calm water and flat ground throughout.
It is especially good in autumn when the surrounding trees turn, and the steady terrain makes it accessible year round. Keep an eye out for narrow sections and passing walkers, but overall it is a relaxed and scenic route.
Distance: ~3 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Canal towpath
Off-lead potential: Limited
Parking: Cromford Wharf car park
Ashover Rock Loop
Ashover Rock sits on the eastern edge of the Peak District area and offers a rewarding circular walk with excellent views. The route combines woodland paths, open fields and rocky outcrops, with enough elevation to feel adventurous without being overwhelming.
Dogs that enjoy varied terrain will love this one. The higher sections can be breezy, making it a good choice in warmer months, while the woodland provides shelter when the weather turns.
Distance: ~4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland, rocky paths, fields
Off-lead potential: Good away from livestock
Parking: Ashover village car park
High Peak Trail Section Walk
The High Peak Trail follows a former railway line through some of Derbyshire’s quieter countryside. With long, steady gradients and wide tracks, it is ideal for covering distance without tackling steep climbs.
This walk suits dogs that enjoy long outings at a consistent pace. You can choose a short out-and-back or link sections together for a bigger day out, making it very adaptable.
Distance: 3 to 6 miles (flexible)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Limestone trail, open countryside
Off-lead potential: Moderate
Parking: Middleton Top car park
Dovedale Stepping Stones Extended Loop
Dovedale is well known, but taking an extended loop beyond the main valley paths makes for a far more rewarding dog walk. This route climbs away from the river to quieter limestone hills before dropping back into the valley.
It is a great mix of scenery, but can be busy near the stepping stones, especially at weekends. Early starts or midweek walks are best if you want a calmer experience.
Distance: ~5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Valley paths, limestone hills
Off-lead potential: Limited near livestock
Parking: Dovedale car park
Longdendale Trail Walk
Running along the Derbyshire border, the Longdendale Trail offers big skies, reservoir views and a sense of real space. The path is wide and well surfaced, making it suitable for longer walks without technical difficulty.
It is particularly good for energetic dogs that need distance rather than scrambling terrain. Weather can change quickly here, so it is worth checking conditions before setting out.
Distance: ~6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Reservoir paths, open moorland
Off-lead potential: Moderate
Parking: Torside Reservoir car park
Darley Dale to Matlock Riverside
This riverside walk follows the River Derwent between Darley Dale and Matlock, combining waterside paths with woodland sections. It is a lovely low-level route with plenty to interest dogs along the way.
The path is well used but long enough to avoid feeling crowded, and the gentle gradients make it suitable for most abilities. A good option if you want scenery without committing to hills.
Distance: ~4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Riverside paths, woodland
Off-lead potential: Limited
Parking: Darley Dale riverside car park
Tips for Walking Dogs in Derbyshire
- Many routes pass through grazing land, so leads are essential around livestock
- Weather can change quickly on higher ground, even in summer
- Carry water on longer or more exposed walks, especially around reservoirs and moorland
- Stick to marked paths where possible to protect wildlife and farmland
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Derbyshire
Explore these walks using our handy map below. Click on the pins to uncover more information about each walk and get directions to the nearest car park.
This is a great lower-level walk for when you want greenery, river air and an easy pace without heading into higher ground. Starting near the Whitworth Centre, you can build a loop using riverside paths and parkland trails, with plenty of options to extend if your dog is full of beans.
It is well suited to steady walks, recovery days, and dogs that enjoy water and woodland edges. Expect other walkers, especially at weekends, so a lead is useful for the busiest stretches.
Distance: ~3 to 4 miles (depending on loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Riverside paths, parkland trails
Off-lead potential: Limited in busier sections
Parking: Public car park by the Whitworth Centre
Torside is a brilliant base for a big-sky reservoir walk, with long, steady paths and a wilder feel than many Derbyshire waterside routes. It is a strong choice when you want distance, fresh air and that open-country feeling.
The weather can turn quickly, and it is exposed in places, so layer up outside summer. The path itself is straightforward, making it a good option for energetic dogs that just want to keep moving.
Distance: ~6 miles (out and back, flexible)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Reservoir paths, open moorland edges
Off-lead potential: Moderate (lead near wildlife and other users)
Parking: Torside car park
Dovedale is all about limestone scenery and classic valley views, but the best dog walk here is the one that climbs away from the busiest riverside stretch and loops back via higher ground. You still get the famous valley feel, but with more space and a sense of journey.
The paths can be rocky and uneven, and it can be busy near the river on weekends. Go early for a calmer experience, and keep a lead handy if you pass livestock or crowded pinch points.
Distance: ~5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Valley paths, limestone trails, some climbs
Off-lead potential: Limited near livestock and busy sections
Parking: Pay and display car park
The High Peak Trail is ideal for racking up miles without steep climbs, following a former railway line across open Derbyshire uplands. The path is wide, steady and easy to follow, which makes it great for longer walks at a consistent pace.
It is also a strong all-season option because the surface holds up well, even when the surrounding fields are wet. Expect cyclists and families at busier times, so off-lead time depends on your dog’s focus.
Distance: 3 to 6 miles (choose your out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Wide trail, compacted surfaces
Off-lead potential: Moderate (watch for bikes)
Parking: Middleton Top visitor centre car park
Ashover Rock is a proper viewpoint walk on open heathland, with big skies and panoramic views when the weather plays along. The terrain feels wilder than you might expect for the area, and it is a great choice when you want a shorter hike that still feels like an adventure.
The ground can be uneven in places, with rough paths and exposed sections. It suits confident dogs who enjoy roaming, but you will want good recall, especially if there are other walkers around.
Distance: ~3 to 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Heathland, rough footpaths
Off-lead potential: Good on open sections if recall is solid
Parking: Roadside lay-by parking
Cromford Canal is a calmer, low-level walk with a steady towpath that works well for gentle outings and dogs that prefer flatter terrain. The scenery is classic Derwent Valley, with quiet water, tree-lined sections and plenty of stopping points.
It is easy to tailor the distance by turning back whenever suits you, and it pairs well with a café stop around Cromford Wharf. After heavy rain, some towpath sections can be soft underfoot.
Distance: ~3 miles out and back (flexible)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Canal towpath, riverside edges
Off-lead potential: Limited (narrow path, other walkers)
Parking: Cromford Wharf pay and display car park
Carsington Water is made for long, satisfying walks with open views and a choice of routes that can be stitched together into anything from a short wander to a full reservoir circuit. The main paths are wide and well maintained, with plenty of space even on popular days.
The full outer loop is a proper day out for energetic dogs, with steady terrain rather than steep climbs. It is also a good option in mixed weather, because most of the route stays on solid gravel tracks.
Distance: ~8 miles (full loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Gravel tracks, open waterside trails
Off-lead potential: Limited (popular with cyclists and families)
Parking: Main visitor centre car park
Linacre Reservoirs offers a peaceful, easy loop through woodland and around a chain of reservoirs just outside Chesterfield. The paths are straightforward and feel surprisingly tucked away, even when the car park is busy.
It is a strong pick for steady-paced walks, warm days (lots of shade), and dogs that enjoy water views. Some sections can be narrow or muddy after rain, so footwear matters in winter.
Distance: ~2.5 to 4 miles (depending on loops)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland trails, reservoir paths
Off-lead potential: Limited, lead often required on site
Parking: Pay and display car park
Elvaston Castle Country Park is a reliable, year round dog walk in southern Derbyshire, with a mix of flat woodland trails, open parkland and quiet meadow paths. It is an easy place to build a short loop or keep wandering for longer without worrying about navigation.
Expect well-surfaced paths and plenty of space for sniffing and exploring. It is ideal for relaxed leg-stretchers, rainy-day walks (when you still want solid footing), and dogs that love woodland scents.
Distance: ~3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland, parkland paths
Off-lead potential: Good in quieter areas (use a lead near other dogs and wildlife)
Parking: Main pay and display car park
Find even more dog friendly adventures across the UK using our Wildpack Map, a specially curated list of points of interest to explore with your dog.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks in the Peak District
- Dog friendly campsites in the Peak District
- Dog friendly walks in the Yorkshire Dales
- Dog friendly walks in Staffordshire
- Dog friendly walks in Nottinghamshire
Final Thoughts
Derbyshire offers an excellent balance of accessible countryside and more adventurous terrain, making it a standout county for dog walkers. With a bit of planning and the right route for your dog’s ability, you can enjoy everything from peaceful woodland strolls to long, rewarding hikes.