Derbyshire Walks
Set on the edge of Derby, Allestree Park is the city’s largest open space and the setting for these walks, offering a wonderful mix of woodland, parkland and lakeside scenery.
Both routes wander through Big Wood beneath silver birch, oak and Scots pine, especially colourful in spring when bluebells appear, before looping across open grassland and around the park’s tranquil lake, home to coots and moorhens.
The longer of the walks stretches a little further into surrounding countryside and past local landmarks including Quarndon and St Alkmund's Church, Derby, with a few gentle hills and short roadside sections along the way.
Whether you’re after a relaxed family stroll or a slightly longer leg-stretch, these walks showcase the varied landscapes of Allestree Park beautifully.
Download the Derbyshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
This is a lovely and varied family-friendly stroll around Allestree Park which is the largest open space in Derby.
You'll enjoy lots of different landscapes on this adventure with walking through woodland, roaming across pretty parkland and a visit to Allestree Park lake.
Based on 5 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Derbyshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
A lovely walk! The woodland bit was very boggy but the rest was fine and very enjoyable. Despite the spring sunshine quiet too.
Lovely short and easy walk. I walked it clockwise, loved the woodland for the first part of the walk, then out into open fields and down to a pretty lake.
Nice easy walk and very dog friendly. Could get very muddy especially in wooded areas.
Walk information
This second walk option is a pleasurable walk for all the family. The route travels along footpaths through delightful parkland, countryside and woodland.
Your adventure starts in Big Wood where you will see Silver Birch, English Oak and the lovely Scots Pine with bluebells in the Spring and other woodland flowers in Summer. You will then skirt around Allstree Park and walk alongside the lake (home to waterbirds such as Coot and Moorhens, plus fish and insects). On route you can also visit both Quarndon Church and St Alkmund's Church.
There are a couple of hills to climb but nothing too strenuous. There is also some walking on minor roads (with pavements most of the way). Suitable footwear is advised.
Based on 3 user ratings
A well-liked walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Derbyshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Would definitely recommend doing this walk in summer/dry weather. It was quite muddy which made it hard work and not as enjoyable. Quite a few stiles and gates. There were a few fields with sheep to walk through. Mix of terrains throughout. It was overgrown in places, so definitely need to wear legging/trousers. A few hills to get your heart pumping! There are a couple of pubs on route, in Duffield and Quarndon, which are worth a visit.
Really enjoyable walk, some paths were overgrown but passable. Overall a really good walk
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Explore the area
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