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 – Photo Credit: Humphrey Bolton
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
Linacre Reservoirs – Photo Credit: Chris Morgan
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 – Photo Credit: Des Blenkinsopp
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 Towpath – Photo Credit: Mat Fascione
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 – Photo Credit: Chris Morgan
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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
High Peak Trail – Photo Credit: Andrew Hill
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 Stepping Stones – Photo Credit: AndyScott
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
Longdendale Trail – Photo Credit: Steve Fareham
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
Darley Dale – Photo Credit: Robert Eva
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
- Elvaston Castle Country Park Circular
- Linacre Reservoirs Loop
- Carsington Water Outer Loop
- Cromford Canal Towpath Walk (Cromford Wharf)
- Ashover Rock (The Fabrick) Loop (Alton Lane lay-by)
- High Peak Trail Section Walk (Middleton Top)
- Dovedale Stepping Stones Extended Loop
- Longdendale Trail from Torside Reservoir
- Darley Dale Riverside and Park Loop (Whitworth Park area)
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.
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.