Derbyshire Walks

Markeaton Walks & Route Maps

Markeaton walk, Derbyshire
Markeaton · Photo: Garth Newton

Just outside the city of Derby, Markeaton Park offers the starting point for these walks, blending family-friendly parkland with peaceful countryside beyond.

The shortest options stay within the park itself, following easy paths around the lake and open green spaces, perfect for a relaxed outing.

The longer of the walks head out into the surrounding fields and bridleways, passing the remains of Mackworth Castle and All Saints Church Mackworth, with gentle hills and wide views back towards Derby.

With a mix of solid paths and more uneven countryside tracks, plus a few road crossings to take care on, these walks offer something for everyone - from an easy park stroll to a longer rural ramble.

Download the Derbyshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Markeaton Walk 1

Walk distance
1¼ miles
Time
30 mins
Route type
Circular

This first route is a short family-friendly stroll on solid paths around the lake at Markeaton Park which is a 207 acre park on the outskirts of Derby.

The Park is a popular destination that offers walking, cycling, picnics, pitch and putt, rowing boats, fishing, tennis, playgrounds, Skyline High Ropes, paddling pool, donkey rides, a light railway and crazy golf.

There is also a lake to enjoy and a lovely orangerie cafe for refreshments.

Markeaton Walk 1 No ratings yet Be the first - rate this walk in the Derbyshire Walks App

Walk information

Markeaton Walk 2

Walk distance
2½ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

This second route option is basically an extension of the first walk and this fully explores the depths of the lovely Markeaton Park.

Its a perfect walk for all the family with easy solid paths, a pretty lake, play areas, crazy golf, a cafe and of course lots of pretty parkland.

Markeaton Walk 2 5.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating · 1 review

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating5.0

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly5.0 / 5
Path condition5.0 / 5
Buggy friendly3.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly2.0 / 5
Toilet facilities2.0 / 5
Pub or café1.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockNo livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Derbyshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Gravel paths in some parts so be wary if you have a buggy, the path takes you up steps but you can go around with a buggy and rejoin. We also took a detour closer along the lake and there are some beautiful views there.

Walk information

Markeaton Walk 3

Walk distance
4 miles
Time
2 hours
Route type
Circular

Markeaton Park is a lovely place to take time wandering around as you'll discover from the first two walks.

At peak times it can be busy, so this pleasant walk is an ideal alternative to stretch your legs and get away from the crowds as it heads out into the peaceful countryside to the northwest of the park. It is particularly lovely in Spring and Summer when you have wild flowers and birds singing.

The walk is fairly easy going so is ideal for all of the family (but not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs).

It will take you around lovely countryside walking on parkland, field paths, quiet country lanes and bridleways. On route you will past the remains of Mackworth Castle and All Saints Church.

There is a small hill to climb towards the beginning of the walk but after that it is flat or downhill all the way. There are some stiles and you will have to cross a busy road so great care will be needed. Walking boots are necessary as the ground is uneven in places and may be muddy.

Refreshments are available at Bryers Heritage Farm Tea Rooms near the entrance to Markeaton Park.

Markeaton Walk 3 4.3 Ratings and reviews 3 ratings · 2 reviews

Based on 3 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.3

A very popular walk

Dog friendly4.3 / 5
Path condition3.7 / 5
Buggy friendly2.7 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.7 / 5
Toilet facilities3.0 / 5
Pub or café2.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesA few stiles on route
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Derbyshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Lovely walk on mixed terrain. Short hill after the 1st mile. Lovely little garden centre at the end.

Walker review

Great views over the fields and good variety along the route.

Navigate the walks

Derbyshire Walks App

Follow the Markeaton walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

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Derbyshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 250 Derbyshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Markeaton Walk 1, a 1.25 mile circular walk in Derbyshire