These amazing dog walks all start and end with a pub!
How's that for a slice of fried gold?
George AllenJournalist
If you're looking for a slightly boozy walk through the Derbyshire countryside, you could do worse than these suggestions. (Image: Getty)
Sign up for the latest What's On news in our weekly bulletin
A new book promises dog-walking routes through Derbyshire beauty spots - all of which start and end with an excellent pub.
The guide by Peter Naldrett features 20 different walks from all over our beautiful county.
Mr Naldrett designed the walks in order to showcase some of the hidden gems that only Derbyshire locals know about.
He also wanted to ensure that your dogs can enjoy as much off-lead time as possible. Although, he warns, there will be sections when your pet may have to go on the lead for a brief period.
And of course, the author has crafted the walks to make sure you can get a pint in at a lovely, dog-friendly pub.
He says: "The outdoors is a wonderful place, for you, your friends and family and your pet.
"Get out into the Peak District as often as you can. I hope you enjoy these walks from dog-friendly pubs."
We've picked just three of the walks but the full book is available to purchase from www.countrysidebooks.co.uk for £8.99 . All the text below is sourced from the guide, which is named Derbyshire & the Peak District Dog Friendly Pub Walks.
Carsington and The Miners Arms - 8.3 miles
Carsington Reservoir, Derbyshire (Image: Getty Images)
A glorious walk around one of the most scenic stretches of water in Derbyshire, this is a popular walk for dog owners and passes a wide range of facilities.
Although Carsington is an extremely important site for storing the water needed by people in the English Midlands, many people who arrive at the Visitor Centre are here for the animals living on and around the reservoir itself.
Much of this area has been designated a nature reserve and there is good reason for it. The place is often teeming with wildlife and attracts plenty of interest from both serious birdwatchers and those who simply enjoy a quiet, thriving natural environment.
At the Visitor Centre there's the opportunity to hire a pair of binoculars and see which species you spot out on the water, in the skies and around the surrounding ponds and reed beds.
How to get there: The village of Carsington is found to the north of Carsington Water, following signs off the B5035. The Miners Arms is in the centre of the village.
Sat nav: DE4 4DE.
Parking: There is free roadside parking at the centre of Carsington village.
OS Map: OL24 The Peak District White Peak Area. Grid ref: SK252533.
About The Miners Arms
The Miners Arms is in the centre of Carsington village where wellbehaved dogs will get a friendly welcome.
The pub benefits from its location in two ways, firstly because it's found in such a picturesque and attractive place but also because it's right next to the popular circular footpath that takes people around the reservoir.
A family-run free house, dogs are invited to join guests in both the main bar and in the snug, making sure there are plenty of options for dog walkers who want to chill out after a lengthy walk.
There is also a range of doggy snacks available behind the bar. On warmer days, there's a good sized beer garden at the back of the pub to enjoy the sun.
Terrain: Well established paths, with some steep slopes.
Time: 3hrs.
Livestock: Possibility of livestock in areas.
Stiles: None.
Nearest vets: Derwent Valley Vets, Boat House Inn, 110 Dale Rd, Matlock, DE4 3PP.
1. As you face the Miners Arms pub, turn to the right and continue along the road. There's a turn to the left and you should follow signs for the cycle route 547. Still following the road, head up a small hill and then begin a descent once you reach the brow.
2. At the main B5035 road, carefully cross over and take the road opposite that sits slightly to the left. Continue straight on along this road and then take the track on the right signed for the Visitor Centre.
This track is easy to follow and Carsington Water soon appears on the left. You're about to complete an anti-clockwise circuit of the reservoir and should follow the signs for the circular walk. The track you're on eventually comes to a larger one, where you turn right and head through a conservation area. At the next track, turn right again, sticking to the circular route.
There's a slight incline here and wind turbines come into view straight ahead. Follow the route through two steep left-hand turns. When you come to a junction of paths, head right and follow signs for the Visitor Centre.
3. When you arrive at the Visitor Centre, you may like to explore. There are toilet facilities, along with a range of small shops and a café. When you're ready, press on beyond the Visitor Centre and playground, picking up the path again. The signs now point to the dam wall and the sailing club. When you reach the sailing club, you need to cross over the road and then pick up the path at the other side on the way to the dam wall.
Dog owners who dump bags of poo in South Derbyshire are branded as 'scum'
4. Once you're at the wall, turn left onto it and follow it to the far side. The path bends around to the left and takes you to a car park, where you need to cross over the small road and follow the path as it starts to climb the hill. This is the start of a fairly steep section of the walk, though there's soon a gradual descent through woods, across a field and back into a wooded area. Turn left, following the sign for Carsington village. The section that follows has gentle ups and downs as you continue to follow the circular walk signs. Look out for a wooden sculpture of a book, and press on up the steep slope.
5. You'll arrive at a road and need to turn left onto it, heading downhill. At the bottom, pick up the track on the right once more and take the steep incline. It's a straight forward journey following the circular route and it will bring you to a gate leading onto a field, where you will need to use a lead. Pass a wooden sculpture of a chair and then head out of the field, continuing along the circular path.
6. The track takes you close to the main road. Soon after this there is a track you need to take on the right, signed for Carsington village. Cross the road and pick up the route on the other side. There is a steep climb before you come to a road where you turn left. Look out for the old milestone on the right which indicates the distance to Ashbourne. Follow the road which brings you into the village of Carsington, with the Miners Arms pub on the left.
Free family days out near you
Best walks in Derbyshire
Things to do in Derbyshire
Best places for dog walking
Chatsworth & Edensor - 5.5 miles
The Old Vicarage in Edensor
Whatever you do, don't go into the little settlement of Edensor pronouncing it as it reads.
Instead, do as the locals do and refer to it as 'Enzer'. Many of the buildings in this small village – home to around 150 people – are owned by the Duke of Devonshire, as you can tell by the colour-coordinated blue doors and gates.
Although it appears that Edensor has been here for several centuries due to the picturesque, timeless feel of the place, its location here dates back only to early Victorian days. Before then, the village of Edensor stood in a completely different place, close to the banks of the River Derwent much nearer to Chatsworth House.
The estate was extensively remodelled under the supervision of legendary landscaper Capability Brown and it was suggested that Edensor should be moved to the other side of the hill, completely removing it from the view of the country house. Other changes made to the grounds at Chatsworth included arranging groups of trees in a more scenic position and altering the course of the river. This walk takes in many of the highlights across the estate.
How to get there: Baslow is just to the north of the Chatsworth Estate, where the A619 meets the A623.
Sat nav: DE45 1SD.
Parking: In the pay and display Village Hall Car Park on Church Lane, just off the A619 in Baslow. Alternatively, the Devonshire Arms has a car park for patrons.
About the Devonshire Arms
The Devonshire Arms commands a fine location in the centre of the village, and has a reputation for being dog friendly as well as providing a great country atmosphere.
Come in after an autumnal or winter walk and you'll find a log fire burning and a good choice of food and drink to recharge your batteries.
The inn takes its name from the Duke of Devonshire, whose family have lived at nearby Chatsworth House for generations. There are several places to eat in Baslow, catering for a range of budgets, but a thorough refurbishment a few years ago makes the Devonshire Arms one of the best places to chill out after stretching your legs on the estate.
The accommodation is dog friendly and you'll find both doggy treats and water bowls in the bar at all times.
Terrain: Gentle climbs on well-marked paths. Dogs need to be on a lead.
Time: 2hrs 30mins.
Livestock: Likely to be livestock in the grounds of the estate.
Nearest vets: Bakewell Veterinary Clinic, Milford Farm, Mill Street, Bakewell DE45 1DX.
1. From the car park, head to the road and turn right. Take the right turn at the edge of the green that keeps you on Church Lane. Cross the bridge and take the path on the right that will lead you by cottages with thatched roofs and a stream called Bar Brook. You'll soon come to a well-known and rather unusual kissing gate in the wall; you may find there's a little queue to get through here at busy times.
2. Once you're through the gate, you'll find yourself inside the Chatsworth Estate and the path you need to follow goes straight ahead. This is a fabulous stretch of the walk, passing ancient trees on the left that are centuries old. You'll need to put your dog on a lead here because there are likely to be sheep in the area. This is an easy track to follow, and in no time at all you'll be able to see magnificent Chatsworth House ahead of you, to the left. The track eventually brings you to the road leading up to the house where you should turn right over the bridge. The bridge is a listed building and dates back to the 18th century.
3. Take the path that heads to the left towards Beeley; you'll now be walking to the south with the River Derwent on your left. The path continues ahead, taking you beyond Chatsworth House and heading up some steps and past a ruined building. After you have passed the weir in the River Derwent, the path soon starts to veer to the right and up the hill. Cross over the stream you meet and climb up the slope to the right.
If you love greyhounds then this event is for you
4. At the road, carefully cross over and turn right, picking up the track that runs back towards the house. This will start to lead you over the green fields of Chatsworth and you should make sure that you keep close to the road on the right. Look out for the path that leads off away from the road to the left; follow this as it takes you up the hill to the wood. Before you reach the trees, the path branches to the right and you'll reach a junction of paths.
5. Take the path that leads off to the right, heading down the hill and beyond the trees towards Edensor. At the end of this path, go through a gate and down the steps that take you into the middle of the village. Turn right onto the road and walk towards the village green and the main road.
6. Leave Edensor through the main gate. Cross the road, picking up the path at the other side. This well-established route heads over the small hill and brings you to the historic bridge over the River Derwent. Once you're at the other side, take the path on the left towards Baslow and follow the track back to the village you set out from. Having passed through the kissing gate, continue beyond the cottages, turning left onto the road and proceeding over the bridge towards the village green.
Bakewell & the Monsal Trail
Cottages alongside the River Wye, Bakewell, Derbyshire
One of the best-loved market towns in the country, Bakewell is a delightful place to spend the day and has some fantastic footpaths and trails to explore.
This is a great walk for dogs as you pass through farming country but have iconic limestone walls on either side to keep the cattle away.
You'll also get to enjoy some big views which open up of the White Peak.
When you've finished, head for the Red Lion for a well-earned rest – but make sure you pick up a Bakewell pudding to take home!
How to get there: Bakewell is located on the A6, between Buxton in the north and Matlock to the south.
Sat nav: DE45 1GE.
Parking: The pay and display car park at the old Bakewell Station, but if you arrive fairly early or are doing the walk midweek there should be plenty of free roadside opportunities nearby.
About the Red Lion occupies a prominent position on the main road through the centre of Bakewell and is passed towards the end of the walk.
Built in the 17th century as a coaching inn, the pub is just as welcoming to those passing through the Peak District in the 21st century. The food is homemade and most of it is sourced locally. The taproom is dog friendly if you choose to eat and drink inside, but if the weather is fine, sitting out in the large beer garden is the best option.
Terrain: Good trails and some roadside walking.
Time: 2hr 30mins.
Livestock: Possibility of cattle on the second half of the walk.
(Image: Countryside Books)
1. From the old Bakewell Station car park follow the signs onto the Monsal Trail and turn left towards Hassop. The Monsal Trail is a former railway line that was closed down in the 1960s and eventually converted into a recreational route. You're likely to encounter the odd horse and plenty of cyclists on this stretch so be aware and plan accordingly if your dog needs to be on a lead. Follow the route of this former train track, which has trees growing at either side of the embankment it's built upon. Beyond the trees, there are houses to the left and fields to the right.
2. Pass beneath a bridge and press on along the Monsal Trail. You'll arrive at Hassop Station just before the second railway bridge. This is a good place to stop and have a rest as there is a café here serving great food and snacks. There is also a bookshop, where you can pick up local guides. Continue along the Monsal Trail.
3. After a short stroll along the trail from Hassop, take the bridleway leading off to the left. Pass through the gate and head up the track which is great for dogs because limestone walls keep the cattle away. As you reach the brow of the hill, big views open up of the White Peak. Away to the left you can see a couple of the Peak District's mighty 'edges' that are popular with climbers. Down below, the tallest buildings in the town of Bakewell poke through the trees. All around, rolling fields remind how this is an important area for dairy farming. Head through a double gate and continue along the track. When you go through the next gate, the track becomes a little more grassy. The next gate will see you start the descent into charming Bakewell.
Anger as families witness five huskies kill and eat ducks at popular beauty spot
4. After clearing another gate, the path leads you into a small wood as it continues heading down into the town. Make sure your dog is on a lead because you'll get brought out at a road; cross over here and make your way across Holme Bridge. Note the passing places designed for people to keep out of the way of horses and contemplate the water passing beneath them.
5. Turn left when you reach the main road. Follow this road beyond the fire station and into the town. When you arrive at the centre of Bakewell, cross over towards the pedestrian area and you'll find the Red Lion on your left. Dogs are allowed in the taproom and there is a beer garden at the rear which is dog friendly. When you're fully refreshed, pick the road you were on and follow it through the middle of Bakewell, crossing over the river once more on another historic bridge.
6. At the far side of the river, take the first road on your right. This climbs up a hill and curls round at the top to bring you back to the former Bakewell train station and your car.
FoodDerby's top Indian restaurant takeaways according to TripAdvisor reviewsIf you're weren't craving a curry before, you will now
EMSEOFilm, TV, music, sports and talented stars who are from DerbyshireDerby and the wider county has produced quality actors, authors, musicians, chefs and athletes
Your weekly horoscopes from Derbyshire psychic and astrologer Linda Lancashire
HeanorCould romance be around the corner?
The best takeaways in Derby according to TripAdvisor
FoodIt has to be on time, hot and good quality
The Derby band still making a Thunderous noise in lockdown
EntertainmentIt's all home-made for now but Thunderous Jones are making the best of it, says singer Liam Coffey
Nine more stores announced for huge new Midlands designer shopping village
RetailThe £160 million complex is on track to open this spring