Who we are?

Walks at the Barn provide walking information to the people of Dronfield and the surrounding areas, and is dedicated to the footpaths that criss-cross and surround the landscape of the Dronfield district.  The Barn Rotary Walk features in the Chesterfield Walking Festival and also Walks at the Barn arranges guided walks periodically throughout the year.  The Dronfield area covers great natural beauty, geological interest and industrial archaeology.

Not only do we provide information about the walks in surrounding Dronfield, we encourage people to take up walking as a hobby and to keep fit and healthy with no expensive gym fees.

The new booklet of the 14 mile Barn Rotary Walk provides maps, divided into 7 sections of varying difficulty so that if the full Walk is too much,  walkers can do the full walk in parts rather than in one go.  Included in the booklet are photos of the views walkers can expect and diagrams of the flora of the area.  Also gradients are incorporated for those who are not confident about tackling steep hills.  The booklet is available at the Barn and Steels Ironmongers

The Walks at the Barn also produces several short walk leaflets for families and specific interest and these are being continually added to and developed.

What we do

Volunteers for Walks at the Barn regularly walk the footpaths noting the condition of a footpath, if stiles need overhauling, note vandalism, if way-makers need repair.  When any of these need attention they either undertake on behalf of the Dronfield Hall Barn to cut back foliage while walking, or report needed repairs.  Any repairs are tackled by our volunteer wardens.

Volunteers are always required, so if you enjoy walking and being in the fresh air, but with time on your hands and want to be with like-minded people, think about being part of the happy band of walks-warden volunteers at the Barn.  Please contact the Hall Barn on the website supplied.

Membership and Volunteering

Volunteers are always required, so if you enjoy walking and being in the fresh air, but with time on your hands and want to be with like-minded people, think about being part of the happy band of walks-warden volunteers at the Barn.  Please contact the Hall Barn on sam@dronfieldhallbarn.org

History of the Walks at the Barn

Local walks have been promoted through Dronfield Hall Barn since 2016, when organised and guided local family walks were initiated. These were introduced in order to encourage family activities and health benefits from walking, and also to develop the public’s knowledge of Dronfield.

Organised historical and nature walks have also been established especially in connection to various presentations, projects and displays.

In 2016 the Barn accepted the maintenance and financial support of the Dronfield 2000 Rotary Walk, subsequently named the Dronfield Barn Rotary Walk. This walk originated in 1999 and was launched by the Rotary Club of Dronfield in celebration of the new millennium for the people of Dronfield. It was agreed when Dronfield Hall Barn accepted the responsibilities of the Walk that the word Rotary would be maintained; for historic reasons in recognition of the hard work by and huge expense to the Rotary Club of Dronfield, and also because the whole 14 mile walk is circular, surrounding the whole area of Dronfield.

Funding for the maintenance of the Barn Rotary Walk is raised by donations, sale of leaflets and booklets.

CONTACT THE TEAM

Got a comment, question or suggestion for our walks team? Or maybe you just want to tell us about your walk?

Use the form provided below:

Donate to the walk

If you’ve enjoyed walking the Rotary Walk, please consider making a small donation so that we can continue to maintain the route for everyone to enjoy. All funds will be used to:

• Maintain and repair stiles, bridges and signage along the walk
• Cover costs of necessary material and tools needed for repairs
• Allow us to continue promoting the walk, including re-printing the walk booklet.