The Peak District & Derbyshire

The sculpture walk

Dragonfly by the ponds sculpture | © Volunteer photographer/ Keith Turton

Discover the craftmanship of the Hardwick Masons as you follow the new sculptures along the trail.

Near to

Start point

Hardwick Garden Gates, grid reference: SK462635.

Please note

Admission fees apply for access to the gardens and Stableyard areas. Please buy your tickets from the visitor centre before you start the walk.

Dogs
Please keep dogs on leads near livestock.
Car park
National Trust car park with 600 spaces. The car park is free but we expect all visitors to buy a stableyard ticket from the Visitor reception.
Toilet
The toilets are located in the Stableyard through an arch way in between the shop and the Great Barn restaurant on the left-hand side. There is an accessible toilet available.
Shop
Open daily, 9am–5pm (may close earlier in winter months).
Restaurant
Open daily, 9am–5pm (may close earlier in winter months).
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Hardwick Garden Gates, grid reference: SK462635.
Stage 1
Start at the 'In our Hands' sculpture located just outside the Garden Gates in the Stableyard and follow the path towards the Visitor Reception building. Once you pass the Visitor Reception building, vere right onto the woodland trail in Lady Spencer's Wood. Turn right at the first fork, continue down the slope and towards the gate at the bottom. Go through the gate, follow the path over the field and you will come to the second sculpture.
Stage 2
At the end of the footpath, go through the gate and turn right going up the driveway. Pass the third Sculpture on your right.
Stage 3
Continue up the drive turning left before the cattle grid and follow the grassy path straight on. You should pass the forth sculpture on your right.
Stage 4
Keep on this track until you pass the fifth sculpture on your right.
Stage 5
Keep on this track until you walk to a bench, turn left and head towards the stone steps. Go down the steps and continue down the grassy path towards the gate to Duck Decoy. Go through the gate and continue straight through the woods, following the path. Enjoy the sights of Duck Decoy and continue along the path, the sixth sculpture should be just before the bridge.
Stage 6
Go over the path and the path bends to the right. Continue around the Great Pond until the paths forks at the end of the pond, turn right. You should come across the seventh sculpture.
Stage 7
Continue along this path, over the bridge. Turn left at the end of the path. Continue straight to the end where you will meet the trail from the Park Centre, turn right going up the trail. There is the option to take a coffee break or use the facilities at Park Centre here - if these facilities are needed, turn left to the Park Centre and retrace your steps back to this point. Continue up the trail and past the eighth sculpture.
Stage 8
Continue up the trail and go through the gate staying on the path. Turn right when you see a sign post for the Sculpture Trail and Oak Walk. Continue past the ninth sculpture.
Stage 9
Keep on this path and head to the gate. Do not go through the gate, turn left just before you reach it, this will take you to the Ice House.
Stage 10
To the right of the Ice House there is a worn trail going upwards. Go up and around the back of the Ice House. Continue straight on by the side of the pond. Turn right at the end. At the end of the pond turn right and head uphill. Go through the gate and into the field. From the gate, bear right and walk along a grassy path, continue until you come to a track that the Rangers use. At this track, turn right and continue on this track until you reach a gate.
Stage 11
Go through the gate and walk along the grassy path, heading round towards the Buttress. Continue straight on. Turn left when you see the Buttress. After heading up hill, go through the gate. Head uphill with the buttress to your right. At the top near the old hall is the eleventh sculpture with great views of the archway and new Hall.
End point
Go over the grass near the Old Hall and turn right walking on the drive. Turn left as the road starts bending and go through the arch towards the Stableyard area. You should now be back at the first sculpture.
Trail map
Mapped out route of the sculpture trail on the Hardwick Estate Map | © ©National Trust
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