This Matlock to Darley Dale walk is a flat walk alongside the River Derwent that ends at Whitworth Park, a really lovely park in Darley Dale. There’s a cafe here to grab a coffee, and benches for a rest, before you set off home.
It’s a good walk to do if you prefer flat walks, rather than hills and it’s great for a Sunday family stroll. This route isn’t a circular walk, however, you could make it one by heading back to Matlock via Oker and Snitterton.
Of course, you can do this walk the opposite way round too, if you live in Darley Dale.
Distance: 6ish miles there and back
Time: 2.5 hours
Parking: You could park at Sainsbury’s car park in Matlock for this as you get three hours there for free. Alternatively, park on street somewhere just outside of the town centre and walk in.
Despite having lived in Matlock for almost all of our lives, my boyfriend and I only discovered this walk recently. We were told that some otters had been spotted in the River Derwent and so we decided to go and take a look.
Unfortunately we didn’t manage to spot an otter along the way but we did see a water vole and two birds of prey, so it wasn’t a lost cause!
The route
This is an easy route to follow – we didn’t plan it beforehand. Start at the crossing opposite the train station entrance in Matlock. There is an opening behind the lights which follows a path down to the river.
From here, you simply follow the river along for a couple of miles. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and wildlife!
There are lots of places where you can get down closer to the river if you wish and it’s really quiet down here so it makes for a pretty relaxing walk.
When the river takes a right hand bend, follow the waymarked signs for the footpath across a couple of fields. Over the fields you’ll get some great views of Riber Castle.
Also there were some lovely sheep in here with horns so make sure you keep your dog on a lead as you go through here.
Soon you will come out on a lane which has allotments and some farmhouses on it. At the end of this lane, turn left and you will pass the Square and Compass pub on the corner of Station Road.
This is a great place to grab a pint!
Walk past the pub and keep following the road round until you get to the park entrance on your left. Spend some time exploring Whitworth Park and grab coffee and a cake from the cafe here.
Unfortunately the cafe in the park is not dog-friendly. However, there’s another cafe, just across the main A6 road called Joni’s which welcomes dogs.
A great way to replenish your strength ready to head back home the way you came!
More walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District
If you enjoyed this walk, why not check out my list of other walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District? There are plenty to pop on your list!
Walks in Chesterfield
If you’re local to Chesterfield then I’ve also got a blog post featuring some of the best walks in Chesterfield. Perfect if you’d like to stay local!
2 Responses
Great post, Samantha. With you mentioning that you’re from around Matlock I had to check your blog, of course. We had been told about the otters, too, but didn’t manage to spot them.
I’ve not seen anyone post any pictures of them yet so I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for them!