Walk out from the pub to Dovedale or Tissington, then come back for lunch or supper. Or venture further into Derbyshire with ten of our favourite places.
A riverside favourite, a village wander or the lanes and fields towards Coldwall Bridge. Three ways to head out from The Old Dog and come back to a good table.
01
For the river and limestone views
Dovedale and the stepping stones
The Old Dog → Thorpe → Dovedale → back to the pub
Walk into Dovedale from Thorpe, then turn back after enjoying the river and stepping stones. You do not need to cross the stones. The National Park’s mapped riverside stretch starts at Dovedale car park: its 640 metres to the stones does not include the walk from the pub.
Underfoot. Village lanes and valley paths; allow for hills on the return to Thorpe.
The Old Dog → Limestone Way → Tissington → back to the pub
Join the waymarked Limestone Way in Thorpe and follow it towards Tissington, leaving time to explore the village before retracing your route. Use the Thorpe–Tissington section of the official guide; it is written in the opposite direction. This walk is not entirely on the traffic-free Tissington Trail.
Underfoot. Field paths, stiles and lanes, with a crossing of the A515.
The Old Dog → Thorpe village → Coldwall Bridge → back to the pub
Take the Limestone Way through Thorpe, past Church Lane and down towards Coldwall Bridge. Make the bridge your turning point and return through the village for a meal. The official guide continues well beyond the bridge; you can enjoy just this local stretch.
Underfoot. Village lanes and a descending track; an uphill return.
Take a current walking map, follow public rights of way and check conditions on the day. Paths can be muddy and lanes carry traffic. Keep dogs on leads around livestock and in Dovedale National Nature Reserve. Avoid the stepping stones when flooded.
Get to know the neighbourhood.
A closer look at Dovedale, Tissington and Ilam, plus a musical surprise opposite the pub. The National Trust walk below starts at Ilam Park, not at The Old Dog.
The signature walk
Dovedale Stepping Stones
What makes it wow. Enjoy the River Dove beneath Thorpe Cloud, with the limestone valley opening out ahead.
The River Dove and its stepping stones are a lovely reason to head out from Thorpe. Make the stones your turning point, or plan a longer valley walk with enough time to return for your table.
From the pub
On foot from the pub
Allow
Plan your route and return
Good to know. Wear proper shoes. Paths can be muddy and the stones may be impassable after heavy rain. Keep dogs on short leads around livestock and throughout the nature reserve.
What makes it wow. A beautifully kept estate village beside a traffic-free railway trail that runs for 13 miles.
Make Tissington a walk from The Old Dog, with time for the village, church and duck pond before returning to the pub. The old railway trail offers another way to explore, and the well dressings transform the village in season.
From the pub
On foot from the pub
Allow
Plan for the walk there and back
Good to know. Plan your return route before setting out; the traffic-free trail is only part of the journey from Thorpe. It is shared by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Check Tissington Hall's opening dates if you would like to visit the house.
What makes it wow. An alpine-looking village, a gothic hall and views across parkland to the limestone hills.
Ilam is the gentler companion to Dovedale. Wander past the unusual estate cottages, cross the stone bridge and take in the hall, church and park before a longer walk or a quiet hour outside.
From the pub
Short drive or country walk
Allow
1-3 hours
Good to know. The main paths include gravel, slopes and some steps. An easy access route, accessible parking and a Changing Places facility are available. The car park is open dawn to dusk.
What makes it wow. A mighty 1938 Compton cinema organ rises on a working lift inside a former car showroom.
This is the sort of place a generic guide would miss. The restored ex-Regal Derby organ has 18 ranks, percussion and effects, with concerts by resident and visiting organists on selected dates.
From the pub
Opposite the pub
Allow
Concert dates only
Good to know. It is not a daily attraction. Check the current concert programme and book before arranging your day. When it is on, the journey from The Old Dog is measured in footsteps.
Venture a little further for a steep adventure, open water or wildlife close enough to hold everyone's attention.
For a little adventure
Thor's Cave and the Manifold Valley
What makes it wow. A vast cave mouth hangs high above a quiet limestone valley, with a view that feels properly earned.
Approach from Wetton or the Manifold Way and the cave gradually appears above you. The valley floor offers a calmer alternative if the steep cave path is not for your party.
From the pub
Short drive to Wetton
Allow
2-4 hours
Good to know. The climb is steep, muddy and slippery, even in dry-looking weather. Sturdy footwear is essential. The rock inside the cave is polished and hazardous, so do not climb around the cave or summit.
What makes it wow. A broad reservoir landscape with waterside paths, birdlife and enough room to make a full day of it.
Choose a short waterside wander, hire bikes, watch the wildlife or settle in for a longer circuit. It is a useful option for mixed groups because everyone can shape a different sort of day.
From the pub
Easy drive east
Allow
2-5 hours
Good to know. Use the main visitor centre at DE6 1ST. Parking uses automatic number plate recognition and is paid on exit. Dogs are welcome but should stay under control and on a lead.
What makes it wow. Walk-through habitats bring you unusually close to wildlife, with lemurs, penguins, wallabies and much more.
This is a strong family day when smaller legs need something more immediate than another hill. Large naturalistic enclosures, keeper talks and feeding sessions keep the visit moving.
From the pub
Drive towards Winkhill
Allow
3-5 hours
Good to know. The park is fully accessible and has a cafe and picnic areas. Opening hours change between spring and winter, and timed entry tickets are available online, so check before leaving.
These are worth breakfast, a full tank and the freedom to stay longer than planned.
The romantic house
Haddon Hall
What makes it wow. Nine centuries of stone rooms, Tudor details and terraced gardens that still feel lived in.
Haddon is smaller and more intimate than Chatsworth. Go for shadowy medieval rooms, the long gallery and gardens descending towards the River Wye.
From the pub
Drive towards Bakewell
Allow
At least 2 hours
Good to know. The hall opens seasonally. Its age means uneven floors and many steps, so access can be challenging. Only assistance dogs are permitted in the hall, gardens and grounds.
What makes it wow. A great house, major art collection and enormous garden set within one of Derbyshire's defining landscapes.
Choose the house and garden for the full experience, or make a lighter visit of the park and estate. It works for architecture, art, gardens and families without asking everyone to want the same thing.
From the pub
Drive through the dales
Allow
Half day or full day
Good to know. House entry uses timed slots and advance booking is strongly recommended. Follow the brown signs to the public entrance on the B6012 rather than the Golden Gates in Baslow.
What makes it wow. The birthplace of the factory system sits below a gritstone outcrop with huge views across the Derwent Valley.
Begin in the mill yard and free exhibition, then add a guided tour or drive up to Black Rocks for woodland paths and the short, steep climb to the viewpoint.
From the pub
Drive towards Cromford
Allow
Half day or full day
Good to know. Cromford's yard, shops and exhibition are free, while tours are ticketed. Black Rocks has paid parking, toilets and steep ground near the outcrop. Treat the two sites as separate stops.
