The best city hikes and walks around Amber Valley
4.5
(2982)
16,455
hikers
21
hikes
Urban hiking trails around Amber Valley traverse a landscape characterized by river valleys, extensive woodlands, and undulating countryside. The region's waterways, including the Rivers Derwent and Amber, often form natural routes for walks. Hikers can expect varied terrain with modest elevations and areas of natural beauty integrated into the local environment.
Best urban hiking trails around Amber Valley
- The most popular urban hiking route is Strutt's North Mill – Belper Bridge loop from Belper, a 3.5 miles (5.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 28 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the riverside and historic mill area.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hiking loop from Langley Mill, an easy 2.9 miles (4.6 km) path. This route offers a pleasant walk through local scenery, often completed in about 1 hour 14 minutes.
- Local hikers also love the Nutbrook Trail – View of Shipley Lake loop from Shipley, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail leading through the Nutbrook Trail and past Shipley Lake, often completed in about 53 minutes.
- Hiking around Amber Valley is defined by river valleys, woodlands, and undulating countryside. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more moderate paths.
- The routes in Amber Valley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,300 reviews. More than 14,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Amber Valley's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
18
hikers
4.49km
01:12
50m
50m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
10
hikers
3.35km
00:54
40m
40m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(1)
17
hikers
5.43km
01:26
50m
50m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
7
hikers
3.84km
01:01
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
7
hikers
4.21km
01:06
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
the park is open 24 hours so going early or late avoids dogs and joggers etc
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All Saints Church was built to provide for the spiritual and social needs of the people of Ripley during the Industrial Revolution, and was dedicated in July 1821. At the time it was a ‘Chapel of Ease’ in the parish of Pentrich, with St Matthew’s Pentrich as the main parish church. Some families in Ripley still maintain a connection with St Matthews as their church. Ripley was created a separate parish in 1855, and the tower with clock and 5 bells was built in 1861.
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The Cotes Parkland was sold off in small plots during the nineteenth century when the area was being mined for coal and ironstone. Three of the ponds were constructed during the nineteenth century as a result of mining operations, but it is thought that pond 3 is considerably older. In 1942 the area was re-landscaped for public use by Italian prisoners of war and subsequently became very popular for walking and picnicking. The creation of Cotes Park Industrial Estate in the 1970s has isolated the ponds within an industrial and residential landscape. They fell into disuse and decay and suffered from pollution. In the late 1980’s the borough council improved the ponds, which encouraged angling, walking and horse riding, there is an active friends group who have raised funds in partnership with Palmer Morewood Angling Club to install new paths and fishing pegs, the Borough Council have also improved the infrastructure and work with the Environment Agency to combat pollution.
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St John's Church dates to the 19th century and is in the Decorated style. It was built in 1871 as a chapel of ease by Stevens & Robinson for the parish of Langley Mill.
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The church is in stone with green slate roofs and stone ridge tiles. It consists of a nave, a south aisle, a north porch, north and south transepts, a chancel, and a tower at the crossing. The tower has diagonal buttresses, to the northeast is a circular stair tower with slit windows and a conical roof, on the north and south sides of the tower are semicircular windows and clock faces, and at the top is a stepped and panelled parapet.
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This area has a long coal mining history with deep mines open from 1722 until the 1960's. On the closure of the mines the area was remediated, contoured and planted with trees. The lake was also created. Initially the park was run a s a theme park but this venture didn't work so it's back to nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails can I find in Amber Valley?
There are over 20 urban hiking trails available in Amber Valley, with the vast majority being easy. This makes the region an excellent choice for casual strolls and exploring urban landscapes on foot.
Are the urban hiking trails in Amber Valley suitable for beginners or those seeking easy walks?
Yes, Amber Valley is an excellent destination for easy urban walks. Out of the 20 available routes, 19 are rated as easy, making them ideal for casual strolls and beginners. You can enjoy gentle paths like the Strutt's North Mill – Belper Bridge loop from Belper.
Are there many circular urban hiking routes in Amber Valley?
Many of the urban trails in Amber Valley are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. For example, you can enjoy the Hiking loop from Langley Mill or the Hiking loop from Ripley, which both offer pleasant circular experiences.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on urban hikes in Amber Valley?
Urban hikes in Amber Valley often combine natural beauty with historical elements. You'll find trails winding through river valleys, alongside waterways like the Rivers Derwent and Amber, and through woodlands. Some routes also pass through areas with views of the undulating countryside.
Are the urban hiking trails in Amber Valley family-friendly?
Yes, many urban trails in Amber Valley are suitable for families. The prevalence of easy routes and circular options makes them ideal for outings with children. Consider routes that pass by points of interest like Mapperley Reservoir for an engaging family experience.
Are urban hikes in Amber Valley dog-friendly?
Most urban hiking trails in Amber Valley are dog-friendly, offering pleasant walks for you and your canine companion. It's always a good idea to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in busier urban sections, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along urban hiking trails?
Urban hikes in Amber Valley offer a mix of natural and historical sights. You might encounter landmarks such as the Belper Volunteer Battalion Target Wall, or enjoy views from spots like Alport Heights Summit. Many routes also pass by scenic water features like Mapperley Reservoir or Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve.
Are there cafes or pubs along the urban hiking routes in Amber Valley?
Yes, many urban routes in Amber Valley pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Nutbrook Trail – View of Shipley Lake loop from Shipley is close to the Nutbrook Coffee Shop, perfect for a refreshment stop.
What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in Amber Valley?
The urban hiking trails in Amber Valley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,300 ratings. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the blend of natural scenery with local heritage, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable, easy walks.
What is the best season for urban hiking in Amber Valley?
Urban hiking in Amber Valley can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers pleasant long days, and autumn provides beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the generally easy terrain and well-defined paths make for accessible walks, though some paths might be muddy after rain.
Are there any urban trails that offer views or viewpoints?
Yes, some urban trails in Amber Valley provide lovely views of the surrounding countryside. While not mountainous, the undulating terrain offers elevated spots. For example, some routes may offer glimpses towards Alport Heights Summit or panoramic vistas over river valleys and woodlands.
How can I find less crowded urban walks in Amber Valley?
To find less crowded urban walks, consider exploring trails slightly off the main tourist routes or visiting during off-peak hours (weekdays, early mornings). Many of the 20 available trails offer a peaceful escape, even those close to urban centers, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings without large crowds.
Most popular routes around Amber Valley
Most popular attractions around Amber Valley
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