Explore 5 spooky Halloween walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District

You can’t beat a good autumn walk, filling your lungs with crisp air, blowing away those cobwebs as you crunch your way through Mother Nature’s carpet of leaves!

Speaking of cobwebs, we can’t think of a better way to embrace Halloween than taking a spooky stroll in the stunning region of the Peak District.

Here’s a selection of walks as recommended by foot health experts Zero Sole.

Darley Dale walk

A ramble round the River Derwent may be quaint, but rumours abound of ghostly apparitions that have reportedly been sighted over the decades. 

We think it is best to start at Matlock Railway Station and work your way past Darley Dale.

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As you pass Darley Abbey, you may well wonder if that noise behind you was just a creaking twig or something altogether more otherworldly?

You may come across a murdered soul who is thought to wander the area for all eternity. 

Matlock Bath’s Grand Pavilion is also thought to hide haunted secrets behind its grand, slightly shabby Edwardian exterior. 

If you look up into one of the top-floor windows, you may well see a gentlelady wearing a beautiful frock.

A little child’s voice - mainly giggles and wails is also said to be heard late into the night. 

Bakewell to Haddon Hall walk

If you fancy a nostalgic trip down a scenic route, this Bakewell to Haddon Hall walk is for you.

Start your tranquil trek at Bakewell as you enjoy chocolate box village vibes and even national treasures of Bakewell Tart and Bakewell Pudding served in various local cafés.

Pick your way down quiet footpaths as you traverse the circular route passing River Wye. 

Haddon Hall is your destination, a magnificent medieval building that has connections to Henry VIII.

According to centuries-old rumours, Prince Arthur, eldest son and heir to King Henry VII, was visited by a ghost whilst on a walk during a stay at Haddon Hall. 

The ghost sighting is thought to have been a premonition, telling of the arrival of Catherine of Aragon who was firstly Arthur’s fiance before she went on to wed King Henry VIII. 

Hathersage and High Low walk

Hell (and even earth) hath no fury than a woman scorned.

An otherwise peaceful, pretty walk has a spooky edge in the form of Highlow Hall, which is reported to be haunted since 1424. 

Start your walk in Hathersage village which will take you across five miles past Derwent Valley, through Highlow Wood and ending at a pretty country pub The Plough.

Highlow Hall, a Grade II listed building, used to have a regal resident Lord Nicholas Eyre.

It is thought that his lover died by suicide after finding out Nicholas was also having an affair with her sister. 

Rumour say a gilding ghost cursed Nicholas and his family, and that the ghost can often still be seen today. 

The Village of Eyam walk

The Black Plague was an horrific occurrence that has deep connections to the Derbyshire village of Eyam. 

The entire village decided to self isolate - quite possibly the first instance of self-imposed quarantine - to stop the spread of infection after the bubonic plague was discovered there in 1665.

In August of that year, villagers put in place a perimeter and stopped people from entering and leaving the village. 

The selfless actions of the villagers led to Eyam seeing one of the highest rates of death during the bubonic plague. 

In a village with a tragic past where nearly a third of residents died, it is little surprise that rumours abound of it being haunted. 

Eyam Hall was built in the 1670s.

It is thought to be haunted by a young maid called Sarah Mills who drowned in a well, and an elderly man in an upstairs room, that is now locked permanently.

The Miners Arms which is a quaint pub and B&B is also said to be the site were an elderly lady wearing all black, from head to toe, roams the corridors at night.

Kinder Scout Circular walk

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this walk which takes approximately five hours across tricky terrain will no doubt get your heart pumping. 

Start off at Edale train station and end up at the magical Mermaid’s Pool. 

Although not technically a ghostly walk, it does involve otherworldly, magical beings - mermaids.

Mermaid Pool is thought to be bottomless and the secret home of a mermaid. 

She is thought to appear once a year, at Easter when the clock strikes 12 at midnight. 

According to local legend, whoever manages to catch a glimpse, they will be rewarded with eternal life.