The Tramway Trail at Calke Abbey
Starting at Calke Explore, enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle through woodland, farmland and pasture, and discover some of the old horse-drawn tramway that linked Ticknall to Ashby. With an accessible figure-of-eight route suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchairs and pushchairs, you can tailor your adventure to suit you.
Multi-use trail
The Tramway Trail is a multi-use trail, so please share the paths with other visitors and don't forget to ring your bell when passing on a bike.
Total steps: 10
Total steps: 10
Start point
Calke Explore car park, DE73 7JF
Step 1
At Calke Explore, join the Tramway Trail just beyond the main car park, and then turn left onto the hard path. Here, you’ll find the Tramway Trail map situated to the right of the path.
Step 2
When you reach the trail map, turn left to follow the path through the woodland. Continue along this path to the end of the woodland, and then up a slight incline towards a gate at Hogg’s Close corner.
Step 3
At Hogg’s Close corner, pass through the gate and bear left towards the driveway (be aware of cars approaching from the left). Take the track on the right, away from the driveway, with the dry-stone wall to your right.
Step 4
Continue until you reach a bend in the track, then look for a gate to your right. Pass through the gate and follow the path until you reach two pedestrian gates near a brick barn. Pass through the gates and continue along the path through farmland and woodland.
Step 5
When you reach a squeezer stile on your left, do not cross the road but continue along the Tramway Trail to the right, which runs parallel to the road. Eventually, you’ll reach a road crossing. Cross the road and continue along the trail under a small bridge.
Step 6
When you reach a sharp bend in the path, continue to your right along the Tramway Trail.
Step 7
Pass under another small bridge and continue along the trail until you reach a gravel track with some cottages on your right.
Step 8
Continue along the path until you come to a road crossing. Cross over, then pick up the Tramway Trail and continue until you reach a small tunnel. Pass under the tunnel, then continue to follow the path through another gate.
Step 9
When you reach another tunnel, take the right-hand pathway up to the trail (do not go under the tunnel this time). Turn right at the top, and pass a pond on your left.
Step 10
Continue to follow the trail alongside the main driveway until you reach Middle Lodge, where you will find two gates. Pass through the right-hand gate and continue along the hard track until you reach Calke Explore.
End point
Calke Explore car park, DE73 7JF
Trail map
More near here
Calke Abbey to Staunton Harold trail
Enjoy a leisurely walk from Calke Abbey to nearby Staunton Harold, with views over the reservoir, arable fields and woodland.
Get in touch
Our partners
Established by Royal Charter in 1996, Sport England's vision is to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Exploring the estate at Calke Abbey
Reconnect with nature and make yourself at home in acres of historic parkland on the Calke Abbey estate in Derbyshire.
Visiting Calke Abbey with your dog
Calke Abbey is a three pawprint rated place. Visiting with your dog is one of the best ways to explore Calke's vast parkland, gardens and stableyards.
Eating and shopping at Calke Abbey
There are plenty of places to refresh and refuel at Calke Abbey, where you'll find a café, shop, second-hand bookshop and seasonal pop-up facilities throughout the year.
Things to do in the house at Calke Abbey
Discover the 'un-stately' home at Calke Abbey, where peeling paint and abandoned rooms vividly portray a period when many country houses didn't survive.
History of Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey is the place where time stood still. Discover the history of the 'unstately home' as a religious priory and family home for 12 generations.
How to stay warm on a winter walk
Don’t let the cold weather put you off exploring winter landscapes and getting out into the crisp air. Keep warm on your next winter walk with these top tips and kit ideas.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.