Whether you’re a full‑on hiking enthusiast, someone who says they love walking but mainly does it to the pub, or just fancy a gentle wander with mates, National Walking Month in May is giving you plenty of excuses to get outside.
There are loads of ways to get involved – from joining a National Trust guided walk to heading out solo on one of the region’s many well‑trodden trails.
Think big views, lakeside loops, moorland fresh air and historic parklands — basically, the perfect antidote to sitting inside doom‑scrolling. Walking, but make it social.
The National Trust has picked out some sexy routes across the East Midlands, so grab those walking shoes you bought with good intentions back in January and give them a go!
Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire, DE73 7JF
With 600 acres of ancient parkland to explore, the Calke estate offers numerous possibilities for outdoor adventures, whether it’s a gentle stroll or a full day’s hike. Encompassing National Nature Reserves, ancient oaks including the ‘Old Man of Calke’, deer park and secluded ponds, as well as the 10km Tramway Trail, visitors are spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to take a walk to the gardens to admire the wisteria cascading in a wall of lilac blooms and filling the air with its sweet perfume.
For those who haven’t been before or want a more in-depth exploration of the historic landscape, free park guided walks run every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from the Ticket Office at 11am and 2pm (volunteer dependent).
Find out more: Calke Abbey | Derbyshire | National Trust
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Hardwick, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S44 5QJ
There’s plenty to discover on the historic Hardwick estate with a variety of scenic walks that range from short strolls to long rambles.
You can explore the magnificent gardens that surround the Elizabethan hall or stretch the legs and discover the wider estate. There are various trails which wind through the Grade I listed parkland.
Discover Hardwick’s longer walking routes on one of the free Walk With Us guided group walks. These wider estate walks take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. With seven different walking routes to choose from, sign up to one or challenge yourself to complete them all.
There’s the opportunity to uncover new areas, enjoy the fresh air, and chat with the team and other likeminded visitors. A walk to the far side of the park rewards hikers with fabulous views of both Hardwick Hall and Hardwick Old Hall.
Look out too for the Ranger-led guided nature walks and learn more about the wildlife that makes the vast parkland its home. It offers the chance to see the park’s wild side in the lesser-known areas of the estate.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick
Foremark
Nestled in the rolling Derbyshire countryside, Foremark is a 230-acre nature reserve, comprised of woodland habitat, heathland, open countryside, and open water. Foremark is also home to Carver’s Rocks, an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Foremark | Derbyshire | National Trust
Staunton Harold
At this hidden gem you’ll discover wildflower meadows, woodland habitat, industrial archaeology and nature reserves, along with spectacular views across open water. There are trails to suit all ages and abilities, and you can even walk to neighbouring Calke Abbey.
Staunton Harold | Derbyshire | National Trust
Ilam Park and the White Peak
With its rolling hills, limestone cliffs, wonderful woodlands and picturesque river views, Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak is a great destination for walking, and finding stunning views. There are plenty of options for a walk in this beautiful area of the Peak District from a gentle stroll or a more adventurous hike.
Ilam Park’s accessible paths make this a great place for exploring with all the family. There’s a 1km circular step free route around the parkland, with plenty of benches along the route to pause for a rest and enjoy the view.
There are also lots of guided walks starting from Ilam Park in May.
Join knowledgeable and friendly guides for a free Relaxed Ramble guided walk on the first Wednesday of every month.
There are guided walks taking place to bring the history, geology and famous literary masterpieces inspired by the White Peak to life throughout May.
On the 10 May, step back in time to Discover the History of Ilam Park (10am -12pm)
On the 16 May, a Literary Legends of the White Peak walk (10am – 2.30pm) will introduce some of the great writers who have been inspired by the White Peak landscape
At the end of the month there’s a hands-on geology tour for all the family with stunning views guaranteed. Book onto our Family Guided Walk: Geology, Archaeology and Landscape (10am – 2.30pm) on the 28 May.
Find out more and book your place on each guided walk here Events at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Longshaw
Longshaw is a wonderful place to discover spectacular views of the Peak District, ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland.
There are a network of footpaths and bridleways with ancient woods, gritstone crags and heather moorland. The dramatic landscape makes the perfect place for a walk, or a more adventurous hike. There are family trails close to Longshaw or wide open countryside to explore across the moors.
There’s a programme of guided walks too. Here’s a round-up of what is on this month:
Every Wednesday morning, experienced guides who know the area lead free social walks (10.30am – 1pm) around Longshaw.
On 29 May, Discover spring wildlife and spectacular views at Longshaw on a Morning Wildlife Walk (9.30am – 12pm)
Find out more and book your place here Events at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors
Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
The countryside in the High Peak area boasts heather moors, high gritstone edges and monumental windswept tors. The footpaths and bridleways crossing this vast landscape can make an exhilarating day out, whatever the weather. There are challenging and remote walking options and gentler routes that allow you to witness the beauty of this upland landscape.
Discover trail suggestions here <> or join our knowledgeable walk leaders on a guided walk.
Guided Walks in the High Peak
Join us for a free social walk (11am-2pm) in Edale on the first Friday of each month or Castleton on the third Friday of each month, led by our knowledgeable walk leaders.
Walk the Ethels with a knowledgeable guide. On 22 May (10am – 2.30pm), there is a moderate guided walk conquering two of the Peak District’s most-loved Ethels, Lords Seat and Mam Tor, setting off from Edale. Look out for others in this series of walks throughout the summer.
Find out more and book your place here Events at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Road, near Quarndon, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 5JH
Surrounded by sweeping countryside vistas and eight hundred acres of expansive grounds, Kedleston Hall offers a variety of walking opportunities to embrace the outdoors this May.
Encompassing short, long, parkland and garden walks, experience magnificent views of Kedleston’s historic 18th century house and discover a blossoming springtime garden bursting into colour.
For gentle garden strolls, uncover uninterrupted views of lamb filled landscapes passing Renaissance inspired statues, a historic summer house and even a Grade II listed orangery.
Whether opting for shorter or longer walks, discover sequoia lined woodland paths, cross a Robert Adam designed bridge, and enter a parkland scattered with delicate wildflowers such as cowslips and fritillaries.
A keen bird watcher? On route, there are plenty of chances to see an array of woodland and riverside birds such as buzzards and oyster catchers – all spotted on walks across Kedleston Hall’s parkland.
To find out more about Kedleston Hall’s walks and garden:
Visiting Kedleston’s parkland | Derbyshire | National Trust
Visiting the park at Kedleston | Derbyshire | National Trust
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT
At The Children’s Country House at Sudbury this May, discover gentle garden and village strolls, lakeside wilder walks and woodlands bursting with nature themed activities for little one’s to uncover.
Following paths across blossoming terraces and a Sunken Garden, pass flowering beds of tulips, mediative water sculptures and explore a canopied woodland – with immersive mud kitchen play and fun-filled den building.
Heading through the garden for a wilder lakeside stroll, catch a glimpse up to the historic house amongst a waterside meadow and discover a hidden Boathouse, now reimagined as a Garden Bothy.
Looking for nature filled activities? Discover WELLIES Wood – designed to capture children’s interest in wildlife, it’s filled with inspiring earth-bound learning zones.
For a walk which features these highlights and more, explore the village trail; leading through the garden, into Sudbury village’s boutique filled courtyard, across into WELLIES Wood and nearby the historic Sudbury Hall Deercote on return.
To find out more about The Children Country House at Subury’s walks visit:
Things to see and do at Sudbury | National Trust
Belton Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS
Enjoy Belton Estate’s vast parkland and gardens in a different light on a huge range of guided walks. Running all across the property’s 13 acres and covering fascinating stories from Belton’s past, including its use as a military camp and the home of the Machine Gun Corps in WWI, to the influential women who’ve called the House their home, there are options for everyone.
From short strolls round the gardens to 20km hikes, all fitness levels are catered for, and gentle walks are even offered to those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, in partnership with Lincoln City Foundation’s Fighting Fit initiative. Waggy walkers are welcome too with regular dog walks, and there’s even a chance to appreciate a truly unique view of Belton on spring and summer sunset walks.
Grantham House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6SS
Two walks currently run from Grantham House, covering local history and nature highlights along the River Witham. On the monthly Grantham Historical Walk, participants can follow the story of Grantham from its origins around 400 to 600AD to Civil War battles and WWI and WWII camps, as well as learning more about the famous people who’ve lived and stayed in the town and the important discoveries that have been made there.
The Hall’s Hill 6.5k Circular Walk takes in some magnificent views of Londonthorpe, Grantham, Belton Estate and RAF Spitalgate now the Prince of Wales Garrison, and even offers a chance of spotting a kingfisher on the return along the River Witham.
Tattershall Castle, Sleaford Road, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, LN4 4LR
Visitors to Tattershall Castle can enjoy an engaging guided archaeology walk that brings the wider historic landscape to life while showcasing the site’s most striking features. Following a mostly flat path through the remains of the wider castle complex, walkers will pass the double moat, well‑tended grounds rich in plants and wildlife, and the last remaining ruins that hint at the scale of the medieval estate.
The experience can be complemented by a visit to the Great Tower, where those able to climb can enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the Lincolnshire countryside, stretching from the Fens to the Wolds, with visibility of up to 18 miles on a clear day.
Gunby Estate, Gunby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 5SS
At Gunby Estate, visitors can enjoy a choice of three rewarding walks which showcase the estate’s history, wildlife and peaceful countryside. The Ice House Pond Walk is an easy 1‑mile route through parkland to a tranquil pond surrounded by wildflowers and the remains of Gunby’s deserted medieval village. For those looking for a longer adventure, the Monksthorpe Chapel Walk offers a moderate up-to-8-mile circular route through open fields, country lanes and wildlife‑rich landscapes, culminating at Monksthorpe Chapel, a unique secluded chapel built in 1701 to look like a barn in order to avoid being discovered. The Gunby Hall to Bratoft Manor Walk is an easy 4 miles through grassy fields, green lanes and sections of the old railway line to discover the remains of Bratoft’s medieval moated manor.
Sandilands, Roman Bank, Sandilands nr Sutton-on-Sea, Mabelthorpe, Lincolnshire, LN12 2RJ
At Sandilands, visitors can enjoy gentle, flexible walks through a growing coastal nature reserve on Lincolnshire’s wild coast. Rather than following a single way‑marked route, the site offers a network of informal paths that can be explored at your own pace, making it easy to choose anything from a short stroll to a longer wander along the wetlands and seafront. Walkers can expect open skies, fresh sea air, and excellent opportunities for bird‑watching, with species such as avocets, lapwings and spoonbills regularly spotted.
