Our drawing of the route, over road and path data from OpenStreetMap. It shows where the walk goes and what it goes through. It is not a survey and not a navigation aid — carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Eight miles right round the reservoir, three and a half to four hours, mostly on surfaced tracks with a mile or so of field path on the far shore and no climb worth the name. Start from the Severn Trent visitor centre between Wirksworth and Kniveton, where the car park is large, paid, and open with the centre from 10am. Severn Trent requires dogs to be on a lead at all times here because of the wildlife, the shoreline is fenced along the sailing and wildlife sections though there are shallow inlets on the Millfields side, and the cafe has outdoor tables where dogs are welcome.
Seven and a half miles there and back on the old Cromford and High Peak Railway, three and a half hours, level and surfaced apart from the long shallow gradient of the incline. Start at Middleton Top engine house above Wirksworth, a county council car park charging £3.50 for three hours and £7 all day, with a visitor centre, cycle hire and toilets. The trail is traffic-free and wide, so close control is enough rather than a lead, but it is exposed with no shade and no water for miles, and the embankments run through sheep pasture where a lead is needed if stock have strayed onto the verges.
Small modern bar in the middle of Wirksworth, well kept beer and no fruit machines. Dog friendly by its own description, and a short walk from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway station and the path up to Black Rocks. A good end point for a walk down the High Peak Trail from Middleton Top.
Seventeen and a half miles of the Cromford and High Peak Railway, running from High Peak Junction at Cromford up to Dowlow near Buxton and meeting the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay. It is traffic-free and surfaced throughout, so it walks well in winter and suits wheels and old dogs, but note the inclines: cyclists and riders are directed round the western route at Middleton Top. The 1829 winding engine at the top of the incline opens on selected weekends, and there is a shop, cycle hire and toilets at the car park.
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