Without doubt Derbyshire is one of the most picturesque counties in England, renowned for its varied scenic beauty ranging from wild sombre moorland in the north to sparkling rivers laced with delightful deep dales in the central area and gentle rolling countryside further south.

The uniquely contrasting and beautiful Derbyshire landscape is steeped in history. Specially selected for their historical interest, the walks in this guide lead readers through the country’s past, from the remnants of ancient civilisations to today’s fine market towns and picturesque villages. Along the way, the routes explore castles, grand country houses and parklands galore, and reveal Derbyshire’s industrial heritage and transport history.

All the walks in this guide are easy to moderate in terms of the difficulty of the terrain and length as this guidebook avoids the more challenging geography of the Dark Peak moorlands. They range in distance from 4km (2.5 miles) to 15.5km (9.5 miles) and are suitable for both individuals and families. Each route is linked to a main historical theme, and the walks have been arranged in a rough chronological order according to the selected theme, so that you are literally walking through layers of history and treading in the footsteps of past generations.

Information on the theme of the walk, distance, terrain and other points of interest precedes the route instructions for each trail. Where appropriate, telephone numbers are provided for the tourist attractions so you can check opening times, ticket prices and so on.