The best hikes from bus stations around Smalley
4.5
(3199)
18,363
hikers
10
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Smalley offer access to varied landscapes, including woodlands, reservoirs, and historical sites. The region features rolling terrain with moderate elevation changes, providing a mix of easy and moderate paths. Hikers can explore areas like Brackley Gate Woods and Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve, encountering natural features such as Smalley Dam Pond. The network of trails caters to different preferences, from shorter loops to longer excursions through the countryside.
Best bus station hiking trails around Smalley
- The…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.8
(4)
20
hikers
8.31km
02:14
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
11
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1.0
(1)
15
hikers
4.88km
01:17
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(3)
6
hikers
8.73km
02:22
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
It was a Norman motte and bailey castle which was founded by Ralph de Buron. In the 13th century King John built a stone castle, adding a keep, a chapel, a gatehouse and a barbican. In 1514 it was granted by Henry VIII to the Duke of Norfolk as a reward for services against the Scots. Later it came into the possession of the Stanhope family. The castle is ruined today, damaged by extensive quarrying. There are visible remains of the keep although this is now largely overgrown.
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Though the building looks quite modern, reportedly Smalley Baptist Church was built in 1784. To acommodate increasing number, the church was lengthened in 1820 and a gallery was added.
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Smalley's Parish Church of St John the Baptist was built in the late 18th century on the site of a much earlier church, the transepts being added later in 1844. A seventh century Saxon cross forms part of the porch. The bell tower was built in 1911, to the designs of Currey and Thompson, housing five bells donated by the Rev. Charles Kerry. The chime of five bells is said to be the heaviest in England, the largest bell weighing over 2 tons. The parish church hosts occasional street parties for the residents of Smalley.
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Horsley has three main focal points: the village green at the West side of the village, the crossroads of The Dovecote, French Lane and Church Street, and the junction of Church Street, Lady Lea Road and Smalley Mill Road (known locally as "the triangle"). Each of these points boasts a fountain, donated to the village in 1864 by Reverend Sitwell. The fountains were named Sophia, Rosamund and Blanche after the Sitwell family's daughters. The Sitwells of Horsley, Derbyshire, were related to the Sitwell family of Leamington Hastings, Warwickshire, where they had inherited the lordship of the manor on marrying a Wheler family heiress.
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Horsley Lodge is a Par 72 course spanning 164 acres. Its 6544 yards wind beautifully through the Derbyshire countryside. Originally meadowland, it has transformed into a parkland course over the last 30 years, with trees providing each hole with distinctive definition.
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Designed in 1991 by Donald Steel, featuring excellent views of the local countryside The Moorland Course offers a heath-land style layout. A Par 70 course and measuring just over 6,000 yards off the white tees offers a very playable course where distance isn’t demanded from the golfer.
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'Private land' signage all around but there are paths all over and nobody taking much notice of the warnings - least of all the BMX riders pelting down the hillside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available around Smalley?
There are over 10 hiking routes accessible from bus stations around Smalley, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 6 easy routes and 4 moderate routes to explore.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks accessible by bus in Smalley?
Yes, Smalley offers several easy routes perfect for families. A great option is the Smalley Lodge – Smalley Dam Pond loop from Horsley Woodhouse CP, which is an easy 4.8 km hike. Another gentle choice is the One Man and His Dog Sculpture – Smalley Lodge loop from Horsley Woodhouse CP, covering 6.1 km.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on bus-accessible hikes around Smalley?
The region around Smalley, including areas like LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, features diverse landscapes such as high-quality prairie, woodlands, and meandering creeks. You can expect to encounter flood plain forests, seeps, and oak woodlands. Some routes also pass by significant water bodies like Mapperley Reservoir.
Are there any circular walks starting from bus stations in the Smalley area?
Many of the routes accessible from bus stations around Smalley are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Brackley Gate Woods – St Matthew's Church, Morley loop from Morley and the Horsley Castle – St. Anthony's Well, Coxbench loop from Smalley CP.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the bus station hiking trails?
Hikers can discover various points of interest. The Horsley Castle – St. Anthony's Well, Coxbench loop from Smalley CP passes by historical sites. You might also encounter natural highlights like Hermitage Cave or the architectural remains of Dale Abbey Arch. For nature lovers, Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is also nearby.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes accessible by bus around Smalley?
While there are no 'difficult' graded routes, you can find longer moderate hikes. The Mapperley Reservoir – Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve loop from Denby CP is a moderate 16.3 km route, offering a more extended adventure through varied terrain.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Smalley?
The hiking trails around Smalley are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths and the peaceful natural surroundings.
Can I find trails that include water features like lakes or ponds?
Yes, several routes incorporate water features. The Mapperley Reservoir – Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve loop from Denby CP directly features Mapperley Reservoir. Additionally, the Smalley Lodge – Smalley Dam Pond loop from Horsley Woodhouse CP includes Smalley Dam Pond, offering pleasant waterside views.
Are there any trails that offer good opportunities for birdwatching?
While specific birdwatching trails aren't listed, the diverse natural habitats in the region, particularly around areas like LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve with its woodlands and prairies, and the Wood County Park District's Bradner Preserve with its dedicated birding room, suggest good opportunities for birdwatching on many of the bus-accessible routes.
What kind of elevation changes can I expect on these bus-accessible hikes?
The trails around Smalley offer varied elevation changes. Some easy routes, like the Smalley Lodge – Smalley Dam Pond loop from Horsley Woodhouse CP, have minimal elevation gain (around 34 meters). Longer moderate routes, such as the Mapperley Reservoir – Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve loop from Denby CP, can feature climbs of up to 190 meters, providing a good workout.
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