Dog-friendly walks in Matlock

Four miles and about two and a quarter hours, over the little cone of Oker Hill with its single sycamore for a 360-degree view of the Derwent valley, then back by the river meadows. Start from the county council picnic site car park at Darley Bridge, two miles north-west of Matlock, which is free, holds about 25 cars and gives direct access to the rights of way. The climb is short but steep and the fields either side are grazed by sheep and cattle, so a two-metre lead is needed near stock and there are several stone stiles; the Derwent at Darley Bridge is shallow, gravelly and ideal for a wash-off at the end.

Six miles and about three and a quarter hours down the Derwent gorge to Cromford, along the canal to High Peak Junction and back on the woodland paths above Matlock Bath. Start at Matlock station, where the pay-and-display is next to the platform and the Derwent Valley line puts Derby and Nottingham within reach without a car. The canal towpath is level and dog-easy with close control enough, but the river paths are grazed in places and the gorge sections above Matlock Bath are steep with drops; there are refreshments and water at the High Peak Junction visitor centre.