River Derwent walk from Curbar to Froggatt (4km, circular)

This easy-going and flat River Derwent walk begins by the The Bridge Inn, Curbar, and leads along one side of the river to Froggatt Bridge, returning on the other side of the river, following a clockwise loop. It’s one of the prettiest Peak District river walks and arguably one of the best flat walks in the Peak District.

On a clear day the imposing boulders along Curbar and Froggatt Edges are in view, and in spring the river banks are covered in daffodils and wild garlic. Half way is Calver Weir, a Grade 2 listed structure, built in the 19th century to provide water to power cotton spinning at Calver Mill.

You can shorten this walk by just doing the loop from Curbar to the A625 road crossing, just after the weir. This is a 2.4km loop.

Unfortunately, despite the even, flat footpaths, this River Derwent walk is not pram friendly. There are very narrow gates to pass through, and a steep stone steps at one of the bridges. Instead, take little ones in a carrier. Click here to check out our pram friendly walks.

River Derwent walk from Curbar to Froggatt map

On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Active Map OL 24 (White Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

Preview	Product	Price
	The Peak District: White Peak Area Map | Weatherproof | Peak…	£11.95	Buy on Amazon

The route directions below follow this map in a clockwise direction.

Get a printable download of this walk

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK: 4km / 2.5 miles (or 2.4km / 1.5 miles if you turn back at the A625 bridge)

TYPE OF WALK: flat, easy-going, river side loop walk

PARKING: There is free road-side parking opposite The Bridge Inn and close to Curbar School. Click here for location on Google Maps, postcode S32 3XA. Please arrive early to secure a space and be mindful of local residents. If you are planning to eat at The Bridge Inn at the start or end of this walk, you can use the pub car park.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Chesterfield-Tideswell bus (66) and the Sheffield-Bakewell bus (257) both stop on the main road behind The Bridge Inn. The Peak Sightseer hop-on-hop-off bus also stops here.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Curbar and Froggatt Edge, Calver Weir, Froggatt Bridge, river paddling.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE:  Without kids, this is a 1.5 hour walk, but allow a good couple of hours with little ones to play along the way.

ACCESSIBILTY: Despite being a flat and even path, this is NOT pram or wheelchair friendly as there are narrow gates to pass through. There are also steep stone steps to cross one of the bridges.

TOTAL ASCENT: 27 metres

FACILITIES: There are no public toilets on this walk. Although this walk starts and ends at The Bridge Inn, which has a fantastic menu (including a kids menu) and a beer garden with playground.

The route

START: The Bridge Inn Calver
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2471 7442
Post code: S32 3XA
what3words: ///letter.daisy.clutches

Route follows a clockwise direction.

1. With The Bridge Inn on your left, walk over the bridge that takes you across the River Derwent (there is a separate bridge for pedestrians).

2. Just after the bridge, take a right along Old Mill Lane, next to Calver Mill Gallery. Follow this lane all the way to the end, to Stocking Farm Caravan Site.

3. Walk through the wooden gates to the right of the buildings, and follow the footpath straight ahead. This leads you to a stream running alongside the River Derwent towards Calver Weir. The views of Calver Weir this side of the river are rather obscured. But don’t worry, as you will get a better view from the other side later.

4. Just 100 metres along from the weir is the A625. If you would like to cut this walk short, cross over to the other side of the river here and make your way back to the car. This makes it a 2.4km loop. Otherwise, cross the road (take care as this is a busy road!) and take the footpath immediately opposite.

5. You will spot a sign for the Calver Marshes Project; this area is important for great crested newts. Shortly after this, there is a wooden footbridge on the right. Go over the footbridge and keep following the footpath along the River Derwent to the beautiful Froggatt Bridge.

6. To cross Froggatt bridge there are stone steps. But a little further along to the left is a wooden gate, if that’s easier for you. Cross over the bridge and take a right (signposted Sheffield).

7. There is a short 80 metre section on the road until you reach a footpath on the right that leads back along the other side of the River Derwent. Follow this all the way along, back to the A625.

8. Climb the steps that lead you up to the road (again, take care as this road can be busy), and take the footpath immediately opposite. Here, is where you get a much better view of Calver Weir.

9. Continue along the footpath for 900 metres. A wooden gate leads you out onto a road.

After your walk

The Bridge Inn at Curbar really is fantastic for families. The menu caters for vegetarians and vegans, and there’s a separate kids’ menu. Inside there is a little corner table set up for kids with books to borrow, a few little toys, as well as colouring sheets and pens. Outside there is a grassy beer garden with lots of wooden benches for dining outdoors, plus a small climbing frame to keep little ones entertained whilst you treat yourselves to that extra pint.

The Bridge Inn is easily one of our favourite Peak District pubs with a play area.