Calke Explore: Tramway Trail and woodland circuit

Walk the old tramway through Calke’s woods and the countryside west of the estate, passing former railway bridges and a short tunnel before returning to Calke Explore. This plotted circuit is about 8.2 km. Allow around three hours, including pauses and careful road crossings. It is a longer outing on mostly gentle terrain, rather than a short walk around the house.

Start at Calke Explore car park, reached through the National Trust entrance near Ticknall, DE73 7JF. Check in at the ticket office and follow the Calke Explore signs; the main Hall car park is a different starting point. Join the Tramway Trail by the information board and turn left through the woodland. Continue past Hogg’s Close towards the estate drive, watching for vehicles, then take the old carriage path beside the dry-stone wall at Lady Close Corner.

Follow the marked gates onto the former tramway. Keep going past the first road-side junction and use the signed trail crossing of Calke Lane. After the bridge and southern bend, stay on the full outer tramway loop. Continue past the cottages rather than taking their shorter return path. Cross Staunton Lane and Ashby Road only at the trail crossings, checking both directions carefully. Follow the line through the short tunnel near Orchard Barn. At the northern tunnel junction, take the ramp on the right instead of continuing underneath. The return trail passes a pond and runs beside the estate drive before turning back towards Calke Explore.

The route uses stoned paths, woodland tracks and gates, shared in places with cyclists. Some stretches become muddy or slippery after rain. Wear suitable footwear, give other users room and keep dogs on a lead around roads, livestock and busy shared sections. Follow any on-site diversions and return before the park closes.

Park and garden admission applies to non-members; parking itself is included. Calke Explore has toilets and a Changing Places facility requiring a RADAR key. Refreshments are available from its kiosk when open; bring water and a snack if visiting outside kiosk hours. Check current access and opening times before setting out. Route information: National Trust, Calke Tramway Trail.