Trails all across the county will be busy with those wanting a breath of fresh air after the festivities
Sophie Fagone Buscimese Trainee Reporter
04:00, 26 Dec 2025
Elvaston Castle and the country park
After the celebrations, festive meals and unwrapping gifts, the Boxing Day walk is a staple activity in many households across Derbyshire. Getting a breath of fresh air and enjoying the countryside views helps digest the Christmas dinner, and Derbyshire’s countryside has no shortage of scenic walks.
Whilst many will be flocking to the Peak District, there is also an abundance of walking routes elsewhere in the county suitable for the whole family. We have put together a list of the best Boxing Day walking routes in Derbyshire.
Elvaston Castle Nature Reserve Trail
A stone’s throw away from Derby lies Elvaston Castle, a Gothic stately home surrounded by 200 acres of woodlands, parkland, and formal gardens. The castle’s nature reserve, established in 1989, sits within the wider area of the country park and spans across 13.5 hectares.
The circular trail is around five kilometres long, taking between one and a half and two hours to complete. On the walk, visitors can take in the castle and gardens as well as carved tree stumps, lakes, ponds and wildlife,
Whilst the trail is ideal for walking and cycling, it is also suitable for wheelchair users. Along the route, there are play areas for children, a cafe and toilet facilities.
Swadlincote Woodlands Trail
Towards the south of Derbyshire, Swadlincote’s Woodlands contain 33 hectares of parkland with a variety of trails and habitats to enjoy. Dragonflies, butterflies, wildflowers and invertebrates call the area their home, sharing the habitat with a wide range of bats, birds and grass snakes.
The walk, which is accessible for wheelchair users and features two short, gentle ascents, takes around one hour to complete. Plaques and signage guide visitors across the route, which is free to access.
East Midlands Aeropark
Plane enthusiasts and anyone wanting to embark on a longer walk can head to East Midlands Airport’s Aeropark, whose six-mile loop has recently been upgraded for the airport’s 60th anniversary. The trail, which takes in the whole perimeter of the airport, leads through woodlands, open parkland and meadows on reconnected footpaths, bridleways and lanes that were severed in the Second World War.
Thanks to several access points, walkers can take in smaller sections of the loop if they don’t feel up for the whole six miles. After an extensive planning programme led by the airport, the trail now features native trees and bat boxes as well as runway views.
Tramway Trail at Calke Abbey
The Baroque country house estate near Ticknall offers a National Nature Reserve, featuring walled gardens and parkland visitors can stroll around in. The park’s varied landscape of grassland, ponds and wood pasture is considered one of the rarest habitats in Europe.
Its Tramway Trail is an accessible route which leads along the old figure-eight horse-drawn tramway linking Ticknall with Ashby, suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Wheelchairs and trampers are available to borrow at the site, and dogs are free to roam on the parkland under close control.
Mam Tor
A classic Boxing day trail for hiking enthusiasts is Mam Tor in the Peak District. Starting in Castleton, the hike up to the trig point and along the Great Ridge offers breathtaking views and is easy to navigate.
From Castleton, the route is approximately five miles long, with an ascend of around 1,200ft. Anyone wanting a shorter walk can park at Mam Nick car park, and visitors are advised to allow enough time before darkness sets in to enjoy the views and descend safely.
