Fields heading to Risley

Walk 27: Hopwell Hall Circular

A lesser-known hike around southeast Derbyshire that rewards you with rolling hills, great scenic views, and an intimate stroll past the impressive Hopwell Hall.

Starting at the edge of Breaston, you take the old canal path past Draycott, and eventually, start the minor ascend up to Hopwell Hall. After passing through woods and crossing several rolling fields, you make a return journey via Risley, back to Breaston.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 9.7 km (6 mi)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 3 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 46092 34012
  • W3W: elite.toast.basic
  • Elevation Gain: 130m (427ft)
  • 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 Longmoor Lane, Breaston, DE72 3BQ. Please be respectful when parking as it is a residential area.

Get directions to this location

Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Directions

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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.

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Download Route File (.gpx)
  1. From the end of Longmoor Lane, turn right along Risley Lane. After 30 meters, take the old canal path that passes alongside The Navigation Inn.
  2. Continue along the old canal path for about a mile before meeting Hopwell Road.
  3. Turn right along Hopwell Road for about 100 meters. Cross over the stile on the left and head into the field.
  4. Continue across the adjoining fields until meeting Nottingham Road.
  5. Turn right along Nottingham Road and continue for about 650 meters. Turn left up a small road that leads up to Hopwell Hall.
  6. Upon meeting the main gate of Hopwell Hall, follow the path left around the side of the house through the wood plantation. Look out for the alpacas in the field to the left just after the woods.
  7. Continue across the track, passing Hopwell Hall farm on your right.
  8. Follow the path for about half a mile across the fields. Take in the great views across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
  9. At the Golden Brook, cross the wooden footbridge, turn right and follow the path as it ascends up the field.
  10. Turn right at the track and head down towards Risley.
  11. At Risley, turn left and continue for or about 50 meters. Cross over Derby Road and head along Breaston Lane, back to the start point at Breaston.
  • The Navigation Pub
    The Navigation Pub
  • Old Derby Canal
    Old Derby Canal
  • Draycott Fields Farm
    Draycott Fields Farm
  • Path over bridge
    Path over bridge
  • Copse of Trees
    Copse of Trees
  • Horse Boxes
    Horse Boxes
  • Hopwell Hall Woods
    Hopwell Hall Woods
  • Path around Hopwell Hall
    Path around Hopwell Hall
  • Path over stile
    Path over stile
  • View over fields
    View over fields
  • Rolling fields near Risley
    Rolling fields near Risley
  • Risley coppice
  • Risley coppice
  • Risley coppice

Video

Created: 12/12/20. Updated: 28/01/26

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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