Walking Britain Derbyshire Walk
Hardwick Hall park
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Walk Route Description
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This short walk offers a pleasant walk 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 on 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).
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. Go straight across and continue around the Great Pond this time in 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.
Once you have reached the end of the 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. 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 you 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.
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". 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.
Other walks nearby
Walk 2134 Linby and Newstead Abbey circular - easy - 5.9 miles/9.6 km
Walk 1513 Newstead Abbey from Linby - easy - 5.8 miles/9.3 km
Walk 2899 Cromford Canal & Black Rocks from High Peak Junction - easy/mod - 6.8 miles/11 km
Walk 2823 Greasley & Moorgreen Reservoir from Eastwood - easy - 5.9 miles/9.6 km
Walk 2218 Cocking Tor from the outskirts of Matlock - moderate - 9.5 miles/15.4 km
Walk 2627 Cromford to Bakewell - moderate - 11.5 miles/18.7 km
Walk 1836 The Moss Valley from Ford - moderate - 9.3 miles/15.1 km
Walk 2429 Edwinstowe, Sherwood Forest & Major Oak circular - easy - 5.9 miles/9.6 km
Walk 2540 The Robin Hood Way Long Distance Circular - mod/hard - 27.0 miles/43.9 km
Walk 2456 Flask Edge from Dronfield Woodhouse - moderate - 10.0 miles/16.3 km
Recommended Books & eBooks
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