The best walks and hikes around Hungry Bentley CP

The landscape is classic Derbyshire Dales scenery. Expect gentle, rolling hills, quiet country lanes, and public footpaths that cross open pastureland and ancient field systems. Many routes also feature sections through small woodlands and along the meandering Bentley Brook.

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. The network of public footpaths allows for many loop routes of varying lengths, starting from nearby villages like Shirley, Longford, or Edlaston. These walks often combine quiet lanes, field paths, and woodland tracks.

For a shorter, gentler walk, consider the The Saracen's Head – Shirley Park Woodland and Pond loop from Shirley. It's a relatively flat 2.4-mile (3.9 km) route that's great for an afternoon stroll, passing through pleasant parkland.

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths, but be aware that you will be walking through active farmland. Always keep your dog on a lead, especially around livestock like sheep and cattle. Ensure you follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your pet.

Hungry Bentley is famous for being the site of a deserted medieval village, one of the best-preserved examples in Derbyshire. As you walk the footpaths, you can trace the outlines of former streets and see the earthworks of old buildings, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

A great option for a pub walk is The Shoulder of Mutton Pub loop from Yeldersley CP. This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) easy walk takes you through agricultural landscapes and conveniently starts and ends near a traditional pub.

There is no official car park at the deserted village site itself. Most hikers find on-street parking in nearby villages like Longford, Shirley, or Osmaston, which serve as excellent starting points for circular routes. Please park considerately and do not block access for residents or farm vehicles.

Public transport options directly to Hungry Bentley are very limited due to its rural nature. The nearest towns with better bus and train connections are Ashbourne and Derby. From there, you may need to use a local taxi service to reach the start of a trailhead.

Yes, the popular Tissington Trail is easily accessible from the area. This traffic-free route, which follows a former railway line, is perfect for longer, flatter walks and connects several charming villages in the Peak District.

The trails are predominantly easy to moderate. With over 190 routes to choose from, you'll find a majority are gentle enough for casual walkers, while some longer routes with more ascent, like the 7.1-mile Osmaston Park Sawmill – Shirley Park Woodland and Pond loop from Shirley CP, provide a more moderate challenge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peacefulness of the countryside, the mix of open fields and woodland, and the historical interest of walking through the remains of the deserted medieval village.

In UK place names, 'CP' stands for Civil Parish. It is the most local unit of government. Hungry Bentley is a civil parish within the Derbyshire Dales district.