Alert close - icon Fill 1 Copy 10 Untitled-1 tt copy 3 Untitled-1 Untitled-1 tt copy 3 Fill 1 Copy 10 menu Group 3 Group 3 Copy 3 Group 3 Copy Page 1 Group 2 Group 2 Skip to content

Countryside sites

Whether you're looking for an exciting day out with the family or a quiet picnic spot, we offer a variety of countryside sites to fit the bill.


A field in summer with sunflowers

Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites.

Parks and countryside sites

We look after more than 120 countryside sites, many of which have public access.

We manage a wonderful variety of sites and facilities, ranging from local footpaths to national trails, large country parks to small picnic sites, from amenity grasslands to flower-rich hay meadows, from reservoirs to ponds, to car parks, canals, wetlands, woodlands, visitor centres and even historic buildings and structures.

Why not come and explore our country parks, wildlife and amenities (including picnic sites, sites of interest and grasslands), visitor centres, woodland, waterways and wetlands and walks and trails.

Cycling

If you fancy exploring on 2 wheels you can hire a bicycle from our cycle hire centre at Middleton Top. We have a range of cycles including, tandems, towing buggies and cycles for disabled people.

Rights of way (RoW)

Our public rights of way network is more than 3,000 miles long and is made up of footpaths, bridleways and byways.

Events

A fantastic array of countryside events and activities are on offer throughout the year - check out our countryside events to find out what's on near you.

Volunteer

Why not get involved and become a countryside volunteer. We have opportunities ranging from wildlife conservation to visitor care, indoors and out, midweek and at weekends.

Access for All

You can hire a 'Tramper' scooter at some of our countryside sites.

These machines are designed to cope with rough and tough terrain, giving people with mobility problems the chance to get out and about in the Derbyshire countryside. Find out more about access for all.

Drones

The use of drones isn't permitted at our countryside sites.

If operated irresponsibly, drones can pose a physical danger to members of the public enjoying the park as well as a potential invasion of privacy.

There are clear boundaries and rules available for pilots to operate their drones. The rules governing hobbyist and commercial pilots are similar although there are some important differences for a commercial operator.

Hobbyists must follow the regulations set out in the Air Navigation Order (CAP393) and it is recommended that they also hold a hobbyist specific insurance, which is inexpensive to obtain.

Commercial operators require the express consent of the landowner. They must be a CAA licensed pilot or company and hold a valid Permissions for Commercial Operations certificate, including relevant insurance and risk assessments.

Magnet fishing

Magnet fishing is not allowed on any of our countryside sites.

It could damage the lining to water bodies and impact on our water and flood management and be costly to repair.

It has the potential to be dangerous. There are many reported incidences of weapons and explosives being retrieved. It can disrupt the use of the site by other users and debris left behind could cause damage or injury.