Walk 42: Lower Hartshay Circular

A beautiful 7-mile walk from Lower Hartshay via Pentrich, taking in the historic Cromford canal, rolling open fields and the Buckland Hollow Branch railway line.

Starting in Lower Hartshay, the route joins the Cromford Canal and follows it east to the entrance of Butterley Tunnel. From here, it continues on to Pentrich before heading west towards Pentrich Mill. After crossing the River Amber, the path climbs past the old Fritchley Windmill, then turns south towards Sawmills. The final stretch follows the old Buckland Hollow Branch railway line back to Lower Hartshay.

Download Route File (.gpx)

Created: 29 Jan 2026. Updated: 29 Jan 2026

Walk Details

  • Distance: 11.3 km (7 mi)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 3 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 37916 51531
  • W3W: impresses.sunset.dragonfly
  • Elevation Gain: 229m (751ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Free parking is available on the Main Road, Lower Hartshay, DE5 3RQ

Directions to the start point

Route Map

Weather

Forecast for the walk start

Plan for changing conditions on the hills.

Sat 26 Sep

Overcast

Temperature
6–19°C
Rain
1%
Wind
18 km/h

Sun 27 Sep

Light drizzle

Temperature
7–20°C
Rain
68%
Wind
30 km/h

Mon 28 Sep

Overcast

Temperature
6–16°C
Rain
7%
Wind
11 km/h

Forecast data updates hourly. Conditions can change quickly on the hills. Forecast data: Open-Meteo.

Guidance

Full directions coming soon.

Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

Thoughts on this route? Spotted a path change or closure? Comment below or let us know via the form.

Download Route File (.gpx)

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Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

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