Walks from Belper

Superb views over open country. Footpaths through ancient deer park, farm tracks, a tarmaced lane and bridleway across fields and river-bank path. Passes through the historic settlements of Bargate and Holbrook and follows the Midshires Way for part of the route. Extensive woodland.

Warnings: The right of way cuts straight through the front yards of a row of cottages — this is the right of way.

Walk details: Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership (local insights).

Hilly countryside with several steep climbs. Alport Heights — a 314 m peak five miles away — is visible from the route on clear days. Route passes Holbrook.

Warnings: Several steep climbs.

Walk details: Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership (local insights).

Similar walk: Visit Amber Valley (PDF).

Hilly countryside with steep climbs.

Walk details: Visit Amber Valley (PDF).

Footpaths, wooded valley paths, fields, stiles and tracks and a ridgeline route. Extensive woodland.

Warnings: Knee-trapper stiles; two steady climbs make this a more demanding route.

Walk details: Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership (local insights).

Good views, lots of interest; the weir at Darley Abbey is spectacular. A straightforward, well-walked route through the Derwent valley, mostly following field and riverside paths with some pavement and quiet village-road sections. Varied countryside with steps, stiles and some mud and plus a short stretch on roads without pavements or verges. The flood-plain section near the A38 can be affected after severe weather. Mainly follows the Derwent Valley Heritage Way through the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Well served by buses for bail-out at intermediate points (Duffield, Little Eaton).

Lunch: Refreshment options at Makeney, Duffield, Little Eaton and Darley Abbey, with a pub at each of Makeney and Duffield, and shops, a cafe and a pub at Little Eaton.

Warnings: About 900m is on roads without pavements or verges, though these are mostly quiet village roads. Steps and stiles throughout; some mud. Long grass encroaches in places, so tick precautions are worth taking. The section between the A38 and Darley Abbey is on a flood plain and can be affected after severe weather.

Walk details: Slow Ways.