Chesterfield Trails
By car, on foot and by bike
If you would like to explore the Peak District’s Historic Border Country why not follow one of our circular trails? Take the car for a scenic drive, or leave the car behind and go by bike or on foot – the choice is yours.
All trails start from Chesterfield town centre and, when you download the trail, a map is included.
Abobe Acrobat is needed to view the Trail documents
Trail 13 – Bike, Birdsong, Wildlife and Water
A scenic cycling trail of 11 miles (18 kilometers)
Discover the connection with Mary Queen of Scots and find out what a ‘bodger’ really is. Who lends his SMILE to a bench and what lies under the middle car park? Find the answers on this tour from Chesterfield to Linacre Reservoirs.
Trail 14 – Hidden Villages
A scenic driving tour of 15 miles (24 kilometers)
A pleasant tour south of Chesterfield on quiet country roads around pretty Derbyshire villages. See where the Roundheads and Royalists had a punch up! Imagine long lost soldiers returning from Agincourt. See where Florence Nightingale’s family members are buried and where George Stephenson developed even more railways.
Trail 15 – Hustle and Bustle to Birds and Bluebells
A walking trail of 6 miles (9 kilometers)
Take this wonderful wildlife walk along the restored Chesterfield Canal where you go from the noise and bustle of industry to a haven of peace and tranquility. See the Visitor Centre at Tapton Lock and walk on wonderful towpath mosaics. Enjoy canal art by local children and count how many different birds you spot along the walk. Take the trail in spring and a carpet of bluebells will spread out before you!
Trail 16 – Rags, Riches and Renaissance Halls
Take in historic sites on this scenic driving tour of 30 miles (48 kilometers)
Two driving routes in one, the first heading out to the east and the second going west of Chesterfield, both taking you to the stunning historic houses in the area. You can do the two routes in one day if you limit the time you spend at each location but give yourself more time and do the drive over two days.
See an impressive functioning water-powered mill with a massive 17 foot iron waterwheel. Marvel at the magnificence of Hardwick Hall and learn about Bess of Hardwick and her many marriages which made her one of the wealthiest women in the world! Be bowled over by Bolsover Castle and visit the ‘Palace of the Peak’, Chatsworth, where Joseph Paxton redesigned the gardens.
