Derbyshire Walking:

Hardwick Hall Park Walk

Distance: 2.5 miles / 4.1 km

Ascent: 250 feet / 76 metres

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Grade: Easy

Author: Lou Johnson

Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL24

Start: Pay and display parking area (grid ref. SK453640)

Suitable for all ages and abilities this short, pleasant walk takes you through the grounds of Hardwick Hall, which is owned by the National Trust. Located close to the M1 Motorway (Junction 29) the start for this walk is reached by a lane from Junction 29 leading to the main entrance of Hardwick Hall. Instead of turning left towards the main hall, continue down the lane and under the M1 to reach a pay and display parking area (grid ref. SK453640).

The Route

1. Park alongside the Miller’s Pond. After parking, walk around the Pond in a clockwise direction. This will lead you to a junction of paths close to the Estate Office.

2. Go straight across and continue around the Great Pond, this time in an anti-clockwise direction. You will immediately get a grand view across the Pond to Hardwick Hall and the ruins of the Old Hall. Continue on the path which closely follows the shoreline.

3. Once you have reached the end of the Great Pond, the path curves to the left and passes through a gate. Turn right here and follow the edge of the trees on your right-hand side.

4. Continue until you reach a road. Turn left up the road using the grass verge for safety (this is the main exit route for cars leaving the main car park). The way ahead starts to climb and bends quite sharply left.

Ahead and to your left are the ruins of the Old Hall. A little further on to your right is Hardwick Hall. You can get a good view through the gate but remember there is an admission fee.

5. Turn slightly back on yourself and follow the descending path at the rear of the Old Hall. To your left is a substantial wall. The route is signed “The Sculpture Walk”.

6. Descend across the park with a good view ahead over the Derbyshire countryside to reach the Row Ponds. Pass between two of these ponds and bear to the left. Continue down to the start.

Walk supplied by Walking Britain (no. 1460). For GPS file or other walks visit www.walkingbritain.co.uk.

It is advisable to carry the relevant OS map when walking the route, and wear appropriate clothing/ footwear. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any injuries caused to readers whilst following the walk