The Red Lion is situated on the doorstep of some of the best walks and outdoor activities to be found anywhere in the country. From the sweeping Derbyshire Dales to the rugged beauty of the Staffordshire Moorlands and Southern Peak District nature lovers and ramblers will not be disappointed. Read about some of our favourite places below and follow the links for more information and route maps.

Dovedale is situated north of Ashbourne on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. It is a beautiful limestone ravine famous for the stepping stones which cross the river Dove. It is unsurprising that Dovedale is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the Peak District. For more information visit the National Trust’s Dovedale page.

Ilam is an attractive village located close to Dovedale. Ilam Park is maintained by the National Trust, and is located alongside the River Manifold. This is an ideal picnic spot for those visiting Dovedale or the surrounding areas. For visitor information see the National Trust Ilam Park page.

The Manifold valley runs for 8½ miles from Hulme End to Waterhouses along a former railway line. There are a number of walks suitable for all abilities. One of the highlights of the area is Thor’s Cave a natural cavern towering 80 meters above the valley bottom.

The Manifold valley is also very popular with cyclists due to it being flat and paved. Click here for a suggested cycle route (). For a more challenging 10 mile circular walk taking in the villages of Wetton and Ilam click here ().

Rudyard lake was created in 1797 to supply water for the regions canal network. The lake has always been popular with tourists and recreational visitors. Trains used to connect Rudyard with Manchester and Uttoxeter bringing thousands of day-trippers. In the mid 19th century as many as 20,000 visitors a day were coming to Rudyard to enjoy the rowing boats, funfair and even a trapeze artist! Today Rudyard is popular with walkers, cyclists and anglers. The Rudyard Lake website has more information.

The Roaches are a dramatic rocky outcrop located on the Leek to Buxton road. The land around the Roaches (about 975 acres) once formed part of the large Swythamley Estate but was purchased by the Peak District Authority in 1980 for public access. Views from here are spectacular, and on a clear day it is possible to see as far as the Snowdonia mountain range from the top of the Roaches. In the 1940s five wallabies were released onto the Roaches from the nearby Swythamley estate zoo. Sightings of these elusive creatures are still occasionally reported today.

The Roaches and surrounding area offer numerous walks of varying intensity and duration. Many of these walks take in the beautiful Lud’s church (thought to be the Green Chapel of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight) in the Gradbach forest which backs onto the Roaches. For details of a short 3 mile walk taking in the Roaches and Lud’s church click here. For a more strenuous 12 ½ mile walk click here, just remember to book a table in the pub since this one is sure to build an appetite!

Tittesworth reservoir was first constructed in 1858 to supply water for the dyeing industry in the nearby town of Leek. Over the years the reservoir has increased in size and now serves over 10 million gallons of drinking water per day to nearby towns and villages. There are a variety of walks around the reservoir ranging from those suitable for families up to more adventurous hikes. The reservoir is also home to the Peak Pursuits centre where visitors can hire canoes and kayaks. Click here for a guide to Tittesworth () including walking route maps.