Darley Bridge to Rowsley – Derwent Valley Heritage Way
🥾 Peak District

Darley Bridge to Rowsley – Derwent Valley Heritage Way

🧡 Char & Ads 📅 August 20, 2026
📍
5.9 Miles
Distance
⏱️
2-3 Hours
Duration
💪
Easy–Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
51 ft
Elevation
🅿️
Free (limited)
Parking
🍂
Year round
Best Season
🐕
On lead only
Dogs
🌿
Woodland and riverside paths
Terrain
🚻
On the route
Toilets
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🗺️ The route

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📍 Start: DE4 2GL
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⚠️ What we'd flag
The fields can get very wet in winter.
Darley Bridge to Rowsley – Derwent Valley Heritage Way

This easy to follow and level route from Darley Bridge to Rowsley is the perfect walk for anyone that doesn’t want to rely much on a map, simply follow the riverside path out and the old railway line track on the way back.

Church and graveyard at Rowsley, old gravestones and big trees
Country lane with wooden fencing and a Shetland pony grazing

What to expect

Expect pretty riverside views, field paths all at a low level with very little ascent. Underfoot the paths and trails are good although some sections can get quite wet and muddy through the winter months. If you decide to do this route after periods of heavy rain you could choose to stick with an out and back along the old railway line instead of taking the fields one way.

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It is quite a popular route as it is between the popular villages of Darley Bridge and Rowsley but it’s ideal if you just want to get some steps and a little fresh air.

Wooden station box in Rowsley Derbyshire
Woodland path with light shining through the trees

Getting there & parking

Darley Bridge car park right next to the cricket club, use postcode DE4 2GL. This is only a small car park but it’s often quiet. More roadside parking is available on the next street down, outside the church, or roadside in the village itself.

Best time to visit Best months: January to December
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Now Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Quieter / wet underfoot

Good to know

🅿️Where do we park?

You'll find free (limited) parking at the start of the walk. Postcode for sat nav: DE4 2GL.

🚻Are there toilets?

Yes, along the route.

🐕Can I bring the dog?

On lead only.

🥾What underfoot?

Expect woodland and riverside paths underfoot.

The route

This is a circular as you head towards Rowsley on the riverside trail and back on the old train line, but they do run parallel and you can almost see both tracks from one another. Stick to the train line out and back if you have wheelchairs or pushchairs, as the paths are much easier to navigate. Once you get to Rowsley there are a number of pubs you can stop for lunch or head into the Peak Village shopping centre for a little mooch – theres also toilets here.

🌿 Trail conditions
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Peak village shopping centre sign, Rowsley
Wooden boardwalk in a dark forest

Tips & what to bring

Good footwear is always important whether its trainers or boots, just something you’re comfortable walking in and maybe getting a little dirty. If you’re thinking of going into Peak Village for a little look around, maybe bring a backpack so its easier to carry things back with you.

Eat & drink nearby

There are a number of places you can get food in Rowsley, but our favourite has to be The Peacock. The garden is beautiful, we had the fish & chips and burger last time we visited and it was delicious.

The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewPub
A historic 17th century luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Peak District
2.3 miles away View →
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Cafe
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is one of the only places you can try this early 19th century recipe.
5 miles away View →
The Charleston Restaurant
The Charleston in Bakewell is a 1920's style, restaurant, cocktail, wine bar and live jazz music venue in the heart of the…
5 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Pub
The Ashford Arms is a quintessential country pub that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort.
6.4 miles away View →
See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it
The George Hotel, Hathersage
Hotel · 12.1 miles away
Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →
The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewHotel
A historic 17th century luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Peak District
2.3 miles away View →
Darwin Forest ✦ NewGlamping
Darwin Forest is a luxury lodge holiday park nestled in 47 acres of woodland on the edge of the Peak District between…
2.6 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel
A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…
6.4 miles away View →
A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering
Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District
7.2 miles away View →
See all places to stay on the map →

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