Walking Club Adventure: Exploring Elvaston Castle

Three individuals stand in front of a sign for Elvaston Castle, which is surrounded by greenery. The person on the left is wearing a blue jacket, the person in the middle is wearing a beige shirt and black shorts, and the person on the right is holding binoculars and wearing a grey t-shirt and hat.

Recently, our walking club ventured to the beautiful grounds of Elvaston Castle, a local gem nestled in the heart of Derbyshire. With its rich history, sprawling woodlands, and intricate carvings scattered throughout the forest, it proved to be the perfect spot for our latest adventure.

As always, we set off with eager anticipation, excited to explore the castle grounds and reconnect with nature. The day greeted us with mild weather, perfect for walking, and the sun occasionally peeked through the tree canopy as we made our way down the winding trails.

Three individuals give a thumbs-up in front of the Elvaston Castle sign. The person on the left is in a blue jacket, the person in the middle wears a beige shirt and black shorts, and the person on the right has binoculars around their neck and a red jacket tied around their waist.

Upon arrival, we gathered at the iconic Elvaston Castle welcome sign. Standing proudly in front of it, our group posed for a quick photo to commemorate the start of our day. The grounds were welcoming, and we could already sense the adventures ahead.

The paths wind through wooded areas filled with various wildlife—perfect for the avid bird watchers. One member even brought along binoculars!!

A person wearing a grey t-shirt and bucket hat stands under an archway made from intertwined branches, holding binoculars, in a wooded path.

One of the surprises of the day was discovering beautiful wooden carvings hidden within the woods. First, we stumbled upon a charming owl sculpture followed by a tower.

A man in a blue checkered jacket stands outdoors next to a detailed owl carving made from wood. The background features trees and undergrowth, creating a woodland atmosphere.
A tall, wooden sculpture resembling a tower or castle spire is set among lush greenery and ferns in a woodland area.

After exploring the castle grounds and woodlands, we finished our trip at the Elvaston Castle Local Nature Reserve sign. The reserve, with its carefully preserved landscapes, is a haven for wildlife. We couldn’t help but take another group photo to round off a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Two people stand by a sign welcoming visitors to Elvaston Castle Local Nature Reserve. One person on the left is giving a thumbs-up, while the person on the right points to the sign and holds binoculars.

This trip was a reminder of why we love our walking club so much. Not only does it keep us active and outdoors, but it also brings us together, offering moments of discovery, laughter, and shared appreciation for the beauty of our local surroundings. Elvaston Castle gave us everything we could have hoped for—a mix of history, nature, and art, all wrapped up in the serenity of a day spent in the woods.

We’ll be back to explore more of Elvaston’s secrets!!