Circular walk to Darley Bridge 4.5km (1 hour)
There are some beautiful walks around Darley Dale from Darley House. This circular walk goes across the fields, where the River Derwent meanders, to the Square and Compass pub at Darley Bridge. The majority of the return journey is on the White Peak Loop (WPL) beside the Peak Rail steam railway line. There are some short stretches on roads.
Distance 4.5km, approximate walking time of 1 hour.
Above: View across the fields opposite Darley House in the direction of Darley Bridge.
Walk Around Darley Dale 1: Route Guidance
1. Turn left as you leave Darley House and carefully cross Dale Road South.
2. Shortly, you will come to a marked footpath with a wide gate on your right. Take this dry-stone wall-lined track downhill and under the steam railway line. Take in the views across the fields and wander over to the banks of the River Derwent.
3. Next, take the gate shown above, on your right and walk parallel to the railway line through three fields. After a narrow opening in the stone wall, at the end of the third field, follow the path through the woods. This runs between the Derwent and the railway track (raised at this stage) on your right.
4. Cross a narrow wooden bridge (above) and then keep right and walk beside the river on your right.
5. After a stile, head diagonally across the next field and through a narrow opening in the wall. Then turn right and continue past Flatts Farm. This will bring you out by the Square and Compass pub at Darley Bridge where you can stop for a break.
The Square and Compass pub at Darley Bridge on the route of Walk 1 of our Walks Around Darley Dale
6. Then turn right on the B5057 (not a busy road and with pavement), away from the bridge, past the Darley Bridge Campsite and Cricket Ground. There are lovely views back across the dale with Riber Castle in the distance to your right.
7. Next, turn right on Old Road and look for access to the White Peak Loop (WPL) that runs alongside the steam railway. It is on your right before the bridge. Follow the WPL to the point where you came underneath the steam railway line from the footpath at the beginning. It’s easy to overshoot so look out for the wall-lined track on the left that you came down.
8. Now, take the stile and steps on the right, pass under the bridge and back up the same track to the main road and Darley House.
The White Peak Loop (cycle and walking track) by the steam railway track
Interesting facts:
- The railway line from Matlock to Buxton opened in 1863 and was closed in 1968 by Barbara Castle.
- 4.9 miles of the track are now run by Peak Rail Steam Railway enthusiasts. Trains run most weekends and everyday during school holidays.
- The White Peak Loop (WPL), for walkers and cyclists, currently covers an incredible 42 miles through stunning and diverse scenery of Derbyshire and the Peak District.
- The DFS sofa store, which is just over the bridge on Old Road, was the first DFS store ever opened in the UK.
Looking for Somewhere to Stay?
If you would like to stay at Darley House (sleeps 10 – 14) in Darley Dale you can make an enquiry on our Booking Page.
