Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Derbyshire
North East Derbyshire

Clay Cross

Easy hikes and walks around Clay Cross

4.5

(3304)

19,227

hikers

45

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Clay Cross, Derbyshire, traverse a landscape shaped by rolling woodlands, quiet streams, and remnants of its industrial past. The area features scenic country lanes, former mining trails like sections of the Five Pits Trail, and various water bodies including Kenning Park Lagoon and Linacre Middle Reservoir. Hikers can find routes offering views onto the Amber Valley and explore historic estates such as Hardwick Hall, providing diverse natural and historical points of interest.

Best easy hiking trails around Clay Cross

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Britton Wood – Bole Hill and Hardwick Wood loop from Clay Cross CP, a 4.0 miles (6.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 47 minutes to complete. This route explores the peaceful woodlands of Britton Wood and Hardwick Wood.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Stretton Hall Farm Shop – Kenning Park Lagoon loop from Clay Cross CP, an easy 3.3 miles (5.3 km) path. This trail offers views of Kenning Park Lagoon and passes by Stretton Hall Farm Shop.
  • Local hikers also love the Kenning Park Lagoon loop from Clay Cross CP, a 4.4 miles (7.0 km) trail leading through local parkland and around the lagoon, often completed in about 1 hour 54 minutes.
  • Hiking around Clay Cross is defined by gently rolling woodlands, quiet streams, and former industrial landscapes. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy hiking trails.
  • The routes in Clay Cross are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 1,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Clay Cross's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 3, 2026

4.2

(6)

26

hikers

#1.

Britton Wood – Bole Hill and Hardwick Wood loop from Clay Cross CP

6.53km

01:47

100m

100m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 41 more hikes around Clay Cross.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Tips from the Community

Mark Lyon
May 1, 2025, Tea Rooms and Car Park

Starts at mickley lane pump track.

0

0

Cafe on route with outdoor covered seating. free car park.

0

0

The war memorial is a statue in white marble depicting a soldier with a rifle in front of a tree stump. On the pedestal are bronze plaques with inscriptions and the names of those lost in the two World Wars.

0

0

In 1931 George Kenning local business man who started the Kennings Group wanted to give a gift to the people of Clay Cross. The gift was Kenning Park. The park still stands today. Situated to the back of Clay Cross Library. The park is a beautiful recreation ground for all the family. George also built the park in the memory of his parents. George was given a knighthood in 1943 for his political and public work.

0

0

This Western section of the wood is on the side of Bole Hill. Beautiful & quiet amongst the trees, there are plenty of Bluebells in April & May. Drop down into the lower section of the wood to find the stream

2

0

Greg©️
January 2, 2024, Hardwick Wood

Super little Woods for a walk, this lower section is flat, the upper section to the West has elevation up the hill if you want a longer route. Lots of Bluebells April/May the stream can dry out in a hot Summer.

1

0

Nice high-speed drop-off jump (with chicken line) big enough for much fun but not so big as to be dangerous

1

0

Damian
February 8, 2021, Corn Field

Nice farmland with planted corn, reminds me of France :)

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Clay Cross?

There are nearly 30 easy hiking trails around Clay Cross, offering a variety of landscapes from peaceful woodlands to routes exploring the area's industrial heritage. In total, the region features over 45 hiking routes for different ability levels.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Clay Cross?

The easy hiking trails around Clay Cross are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the gently rolling woodlands, quiet streams, and the blend of natural beauty with historical points of interest.

Are there any easy circular walks near Clay Cross?

Yes, many easy trails around Clay Cross are circular. For example, the Britton Wood – Bole Hill and Hardwick Wood loop from Clay Cross CP is a popular 4-mile route exploring peaceful woodlands. Another option is the Kenning Park Lagoon loop from Clay Cross CP, which is a 4.4-mile trail through local parkland and around the lagoon.

Are the easy hiking trails in Clay Cross suitable for families?

Yes, the easy trails around Clay Cross are generally suitable for families. Many routes feature gentle terrain through woodlands and local parks, such as the Hardwick Wood – Cowlishaw Wood loop from Clay Cross CP, which is just under 3 miles. The Linacre Middle Reservoir, though not directly in Clay Cross, is also known for its mostly flat paths and interesting trunk carvings, making it a good option for less intense family outings.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hikes around Clay Cross?

Many of the easy hiking trails around Clay Cross are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open countryside. Always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves. Routes like the Danesmoor War Memorial loop from Clay Cross CP offer open spaces for walks.

Are there any waterfalls or significant water features on the easy trails?

While Clay Cross itself features Kenning Park Lagoon, nearby areas offer notable waterfalls. You can find Lumsdale Valley Mill Ruins and Waterfall and Lumsdale Falls a short distance away. Within Kenning Park, you might also discover Smithy Brook Waterfall.

What kind of landmarks or points of interest can I see on these easy hikes?

The easy hikes around Clay Cross offer a mix of natural and historical landmarks. You can explore remnants of the area's industrial past, such as sections of the Five Pits Trail, or visit historic estates like Hardwick Hall, which has its own network of walking paths. The Stretton Hall Farm Shop – Kenning Park Lagoon loop from Clay Cross CP offers views of the lagoon and passes by the farm shop, while the Miner Statue is a local monument reflecting the region's heritage.

Where can I find parking for easy walks in Clay Cross?

Many easy routes around Clay Cross, such as those starting from 'Clay Cross CP' in the route names, indicate convenient parking locations. Local parks like Kenning Park also typically offer parking facilities. Always check specific route details for the most accurate parking information.

Are there cafes or places for refreshments near the easy hiking trails?

Yes, you can find places for refreshments. The Stretton Hall Farm Shop – Kenning Park Lagoon loop from Clay Cross CP passes directly by Stretton Hall Farm Shop, which offers refreshments and a pleasant terrace. Clay Cross itself has local amenities where you can find cafes and pubs.

What is the best time of year for easy hikes around Clay Cross?

Clay Cross offers pleasant easy hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings bluebells to woodlands and fresh greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer strolls, and even winter walks can be enjoyable through the peaceful woodlands, provided conditions are safe.

Are there any easy trails that offer views of the Amber Valley?

Yes, some easy walks in the wider Clay Cross area, particularly around Alfreton and Oakerthorpe, offer scenic views onto the Amber Valley. These routes often traverse fields and woodlands, providing picturesque vistas of the characteristic landscape.

Can I access any part of the Five Pits Trail from Clay Cross for an easy walk?

Yes, sections of the Five Pits Trail, which is a significant feature related to the area's industrial past, are accessible from Clay Cross. This trail offers relatively flat paths suitable for easy walks, allowing you to explore the region's heritage.

Most popular routes around Clay Cross

MTB Trails around Clay Cross

Most popular attractions around Clay Cross

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

BramptonBrackenfieldSutton cum Duckmanton CPAshoverHolmesfieldStrettonWessingtonHolymoorside And WaltonBarlowDronfieldOgston ReservoirUnstoneMorton CPNorth WingfieldEckingtonKillamarshShirland and Higham CPHeath And HolmewoodWingerworthTemple NormantonTuptonGrassmoor, Hasland And WinswickCalowPilsley

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Stretton

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy