5 Best Dog Walks in Derbyshire: Dog-Friendly Walks & Routes

August 26, 2026

If you're looking for the best dog walks in Derbyshire, you're spoilt for choice. From peaceful woodland trails and reservoir walks to beautiful Peak District views, there are so many places to explore with your four-legged best friend.

As a dog-loving small business based near the Derbyshire countryside, there's not much I love more than a crisp morning, a cosy sweatshirt and a countryside walk – muddy paws included!

So, I've put together five of the best dog-friendly walks in Derbyshire to save for your next adventure.

Whether you're looking for an easy weekend stroll or somewhere to spend a whole morning exploring, hopefully you'll find a new favourite.

1. Chatsworth Estate

📍 Bakewell, Derbyshire

If you're searching for beautiful dog walks in Derbyshire, Chatsworth has to be up there.

The Chatsworth Estate is surrounded by gorgeous Peak District countryside, with walks taking you through parkland and offering beautiful views towards Chatsworth House.

It's particularly lovely in autumn when the landscape starts turning golden – think crunchy leaves, chilly mornings and very muddy paws!

There are different routes around the wider estate, so you can choose something to suit how far you and your dog fancy walking that day.

Best for: Beautiful scenery and autumn dog walks
Walk length: Various routes available
Terrain: Parkland and countryside paths
Dog friendly: Yes, although dogs should be kept under close control and you'll need to follow signs around livestock and wildlife.

Our tip: Take your camera. The views around the estate make a gorgeous backdrop for photos of your dog.

2. Dovedale & the Stepping Stones

📍 Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Dovedale is probably one of the most recognisable dog-friendly walks in the Peak District, famous for its limestone valley, River Dove and stepping stones.

One option is to begin at Ilam Park and follow the route towards Dovedale. The walk from Ilam Park to the stepping stones is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and is classed as moderate.

The route takes you through some gorgeous Derbyshire countryside before reaching the River Dove.

Best for: Riverside scenery and a shorter adventure
Walk length: Around 1.5 miles from Ilam Park to the stepping stones
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Fields, slopes and uneven paths – expect mud after wet weather
Parking: Available at Ilam Park and Dovedale
Facilities: Toilets and refreshments are available at Ilam Park.

Dogs are welcome, but leads are required around grazing animals and within Dovedale National Nature Reserve.

Dovedale can also become extremely busy during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, so an early start is worth considering.

Important: Access around the stepping stones can occasionally be affected by flooding, damage or temporary closures, so check the latest National Trust information before travelling.

3. Carsington Water

📍 Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

For a change from the hills and woodland, Carsington Water is a lovely place for a waterside dog walk.

With the reservoir surrounded by Derbyshire countryside, it's a great choice if you want somewhere you can spend a little longer exploring.

You don't necessarily have to walk the entire reservoir either – choosing a shorter section and turning back means it's easy to adapt your walk depending on how much time (or energy!) you have.

Best for: Waterside walks and longer weekend adventures
Walk length: Various options
Terrain: A mixture of paths and countryside
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome in appropriate areas, but keep an eye out for local signs and wildlife restrictions.

This is another one I'd save for autumn. A chilly reservoir walk followed by something warm to drink sounds pretty perfect to me!

4. Padley Gorge

📍 Near Grindleford, Derbyshire

If you're looking for one of the best autumn dog walks in Derbyshire, put Padley Gorge on your list.

The wooded valley is filled with twisting trees, rocks, streams and little paths to explore. When the leaves start changing colour in autumn, it's especially beautiful.

There isn't just one set walk here, which means you can enjoy a wander through the woodland or incorporate Padley Gorge into a longer Peak District route.

Best for: Woodland walks and autumn adventures
Walk length: Various routes available
Terrain: Woodland paths, rocks and uneven ground
Difficulty: Depends on the route you choose

After rain, parts of the gorge can become muddy and slippery, so walking shoes or boots are definitely preferable to your nice white trainers!

Our tip: If your dog loves sniffing, exploring and scrambling through woodland, they'll probably have a very good time here.

5. Monsal Trail

📍 Near Bakewell, Derbyshire

The Monsal Trail is a brilliant option if you're looking for an easier-to-follow dog walking route in Derbyshire.

The trail follows a former railway line through the Peak District and takes you past old stations, dramatic limestone scenery, viaducts and railway tunnels.

The full Monsal Trail stretches for around 8.5 miles, but there's absolutely no need to walk all of it.

One of the reasons it's such a good dog walk is that you can choose a starting point, walk for as long as you fancy and simply turn around when you're ready.

Hassop Station and Miller's Dale are two useful access points, with café and toilet facilities available at both.

Best for: Easy-to-follow walks and longer adventures
Full trail: Approximately 8.5 miles
Terrain: Mostly traffic-free former railway trail
Facilities: Cafés and toilets at Hassop Station and Miller's Dale
Dog friendly: Yes – dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a lead to respect other trail users.

Remember that you'll be sharing the trail with cyclists, walkers and other visitors, so keeping your dog close is particularly important when it's busy.

Which Is the Best Dog Walk in Derbyshire?

It really depends on what kind of walk you and your dog enjoy.

For woodland and autumn colours, I'd choose Padley Gorge.

For beautiful Peak District views, Chatsworth is hard to beat.

For a riverside adventure, try Dovedale.

For a waterside walk, head to Carsington Water.

And if you'd prefer an easy-to-follow trail where you can choose your own distance, the Monsal Trail is a brilliant option.

Whichever you choose, Derbyshire really is a lovely place to explore with a dog.

A Little Something for Your Next Dog Walk 🐾

At Pear Tree Stitch Studio, dogs are a pretty big part of what I do.

I take your favourite photograph of your pet and turn it into a beautiful embroidered line portrait – creating something completely personal to you.

And one of my favourite ways to wear them has to be on our personalised pet portrait sweatshirts.

You send me your favourite photograph, I turn it into an embroidery design, and your own dog is stitched onto your sweatshirt – ready to come along on all those chilly countryside walks with you.

Because apparently taking your dog on a walk isn't enough. We need to wear them too. 🤍

You can also discover our embroidered pet portrait frames, hoops and cushions, all individually created from your own photograph.

Before You Set Off

The Peak District is home to livestock and important wildlife, so always follow local signage and keep your dog under effective control.

Rules can vary between locations and at different times of year. Parking, paths and access can change too, particularly after poor weather, so it's always worth checking the latest information from the relevant location before travelling.

And, of course, don't forget the essentials: lead, water, poo bags, treats and something for those inevitable muddy paws!