25 Best Peak District Walks and Hikes for a Range of Abilities

Best Peak District walks and hikes

Our ultimate guide to 25 best Peak District walks and hikes features walks with outstanding views and vistas, magnificent crags, mysterious caves, lakes and waterfalls, picturesque villages, Derbyshire’s industrial past and more.

Your guide to Peak District walks for a range of abilities

From gentle trails to challenging hikes, this guide includes routes for a range of abilities. Check the individual descriptions for gradients, terrain and accessibility before choosing a walk. The Peak District National Park was the UK’s first ever NP and one of the best places in the UK for hiking.

We’ve grouped the walks by difficulty to help you choose. Before travelling, check the National Park’s current closure notices.

Each walk guide includes:

• Difficulty rating
• Distance of the walk
• Highlights to look out for
• Links to route details

Shorter Peak District hikes and walks

These walks include shorter routes and relatively flat trails. Check the route details for terrain and accessibility before setting out.

Tissington Trail

If yomping up steep hillsides is not your thing, the beauty of the Tissington Trail is that it’s well surfaced and generally gently graded, as much of the route follows an old railway track. It is also popular with cyclists, and runs from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne in the south, offering impressive views across the surrounding limestone countryside. Walk for as long as you feel like – great for either a long walk or a quick short one. You can start from Parsley Hay or Ashbourne where bikes can be hired at either end too if you fancy being a bit more physical. Don’t miss the picturesque village of Tissington with its quaint cottages, and duck pond. The southern end of the trail is in Ashbourne – another lovely Derbyshire town. The trail also passes near to Dovedale, a dramatic limestone ravine with stunning scenery, famous for its much-loved stepping stones which cross the River Dove – well worth a look.

Best for: An easy ramble to enjoy some fresh air

Distance: 20.9km (13 miles) one way

Difficulty rating: Easy

Much of the trail is suitable for wheelchair users, with a steep section north of Mapleton Lane.

The National Park lists refurbishment of the main toilets at Parsley Hay from 2 November to 14 December; its notice does not give a year. The accessible toilets and Changing Place will remain open, and temporary toilets will be provided. Check the latest closure notice before travelling.

Detailed route guide: peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/tissington-trail (click on the ‘View map of the Tissington Trail’ link which also displays a handy map showing other trails in the area too).

The map shows selected landmarks; use the linked guide above for the walking route.

Sett Valley Trail

Best for: A gentle, quick blast of fresh air

Distance: Approx 4 km (2.5 miles) one way

Difficulty rating: Easy

The trail is promoted as accessible for mobility scooters and pushchairs. Lower Rock Street in New Mills is steep and cobbled, and there are road crossings with gates.

Detailed route guide: visitnewmills.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/sett-valley-trail

The 2.5-mile Sett Valley Trail follows the former Hayfield–New Mills railway branch between Hayfield and New Mills. From New Mills, it links to Torrs Riverside Park and the Millennium Walkway. Walkers looking for a longer climb can leave the trail near Birch Vale for Lantern Pike.

Tideswell Dale

Follow the stream through Tideswell Dale, a landscape shaped by former quarries and mills.

Best for: Pretty flowers and butterflies in summer

Distance: 3.2 km one way to Miller’s Dale. The upper loop is 1 km.

Difficulty rating: Easy

The first 500 metres from the car park are wide and fairly level. The upper loop includes ramps and one bridge has a small step; the route to Miller’s Dale continues along a road. Check the route’s access information before setting out.

Detailed route guide: peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/miles-without-stiles/tideswell-dale

Three Shires Head from Clough House

From Clough House car park near Wildboarclough, this circular walk crosses pasture and moorland to the packhorse bridge and waterfalls at Three Shires Head, where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. Expect rocky and sometimes muddy ground, stiles and around 285 metres of ascent. Allow about 2–2½ hours at a leisurely pace.

Best for: Pretty waterfalls

Distance: 7.25km (4.5 miles)

Difficulty rating: Moderate; rough and sometimes muddy ground with several stiles

Detailed route guide: walkpeakdistrict.com/three-shires-head

Padley Gorge Loop and Grindleford Cafe

Padley Gorge. Photo: Harry Borrett / Unsplash.

The linked 5.9km circular walk starts at Grindleford Station and passes through Padley Gorge and the Longshaw Estate; skipping the Longshaw detour shortens the route. Paths can be rocky and muddy. Grindleford Station Café is nearby, as is the entrance to Totley Tunnel, which is more than 3½ miles long.

Best for: Pretty woodlands and one of the norths legendary cafes – don’t forget your camera

Distance: 5.9km

Difficulty: Easy

Detailed route guide: walkmyworld.com/posts/padley-gorge

The map shows selected landmarks; use the linked guide above for the walking route.

Lantern Walk at Lyme Park

Lyme House at Lyme Park; the Lantern is a separate landmark. Photo: Nat Callaghan / Unsplash.

Beginning at the main car park at Lyme, this circular route climbs through parkland and Lantern Wood, with views over Cheshire and the Peak District. You may see red deer in the east of the park.

Best for: Red deer in the park

Distance: 2.7km

Difficulty: Moderate

This route includes steps, uneven terrain and stiles.

Detailed route guide: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/a-walk-to-the-lantern

Lathkill Dale and Monyash

Illustrative photograph of sheep. Photo: Rod Long / Unsplash.

Starting and finishing in Monyash, this circular walk follows the Limestone Way past One Ash Grange Farm, descends steeply into Cales Dale and returns through Lathkill Dale. The upper River Lathkill can disappear underground in dry weather and re-emerge from springs farther down the dale.

Best for: Limestone cliffs

Distance: 6.5km

Difficulty: Easy

Detailed route guide: walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-3046-description

Hartington Circular walk

This is a lovely, peaceful trail that takes you to explore the area around Hartington in the Peak District National Park, taking you down to pretty Beresford Dale and the surrounding farmland. Expect stiles and muddy paths after rain.

Best for: Magical Beresford dale

Distance: About 5.1km

Difficulty: Easy

Detailed route guide: alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/derbyshire/hartington-short-circular

The map shows selected landmarks; use the linked guide above for the walking route.

Moderate Peak District hikes and walks 

Taking things up a level, these walks will feature a mixed terrain with some rugged moorland, fields or uneven ground. Trails might take you away away from flat paths or purpose built trails.

Some walks are grouped here because of their length. The Monsal Trail is mostly level and you can choose to walk a shorter section; check the accessible entry points below.

The Roaches and Luds Church

Lud’s Church. Photo: Jonny Gios / Unsplash.

Best for: Eye-opening geology

Distance: 11.4km (about 7 miles), 3–4.5 hours according to the route data. The guide’s FAQ also gives a distance of around 10km.

Difficulty rating: Moderate

Detailed route guide: 10adventures.com/hikes/peak-district-national-park/the-roaches-and-luds-church

This spectacular South West Peak trek leads past the crazed gritstone formations of The Roaches escarpment, one of the Peak District’s best-known natural features. It is an area with links to Arthurian myths – Lud’s Church has been proposed as an inspiration for the Green Chapel in the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight – and the exposed, rocky trail is also a good place for spotting peregrine falcons. The atmospheric moss covered Lud’s Church is stunning – don’t forget your camera!

Buxton to the Goyt Valley

The Upper Goyt Valley. Photo: Jacob Amson / Unsplash.

This circular walk starts at Burbage, on the western edge of Buxton, crossing moorland paths to Errwood Reservoir before returning to Bishop’s Lane. The route guide says there are no steep slopes, but the walk includes about 326m of total ascent. It can get muddy, particularly after rain, so walking boots are recommended.

The route starts and ends on Bishop’s Lane in Burbage, about a 40-minute walk from Buxton railway station. Buses also stop near the start. The route overview is linked below; detailed directions and a map are available to buy.

The ruins of Errwood Hall are another attraction in the Goyt Valley. Check the map when planning a detour, as this adds distance to the walk.

Best for: Moorland and reservoir views

Distance: 12.6km (7.8 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate

For a separate, gentler option, the Goyt Valley Riverside Path includes a firm stretch suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. See its guide for parking closest to that section.

Route overview: Buxton to Errwood Reservoir route

Monsal Trail

Illustrative trail photograph; location and date unconfirmed.

The Monsal Trail follows a former railway for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell. The trail opened in 1981; four long tunnels reopened in 2011, creating the continuous traffic-free route used today by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. There are several access points and places to stop along the way.

Best for: Traditional Peak District pubs along the way

Distance: Approx 13.7km (8.5 miles) one way from Blackwell Mill to Coombs Road; about 27.4km return

Difficulty rating: Easy – moderate (depending on how much of the route you wish to walk)

The National Park lists easy access for wheelchair and mobility scooter users at Bakewell, Hassop, Great Longstone and Millers Dale stations. The approaches from Tideswell Dale, Wyedale and Monsal Head are not accessible routes to the trail. See the National Park’s access guidance.

Detailed route guide: peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/miles-without-stiles/monsal-trail

The map shows selected landmarks; use the linked guide above for the walking route.

Bamford Edge Walk

This circular walk starts on New Road and follows Bamford Edge, Ladybower Reservoir and Bamford village. The route offers views across the reservoir and includes stiles, uneven or muddy paths and a steep climb at the end. A longer, gentler alternative for the final climb is described in the route guide.

Best for: Stunning views from the moor (the heather in summer) and across to Ladybower

Distance: 7.9km (4.9 miles); allow around 4 hours

Difficulty rating: Moderate

Detailed route guide: Peak District Kids: Bamford Edge circular walk

Bakewell to Chatsworth 

Enjoy magnificent views of Chatsworth House, one of the most magnificent stately homes in England. This walk also takes you into the picturesque village of Edensor.  Enjoy pretty Bakewell which has a plethora of excellent independent shopping boutiques as well as lots of great tea rooms. A lovely countryside walk showing off some of Derbyshire’s finest jewels.

Best for: Views of the magnificent Chatsworth House

Distance: 9.7km (6 miles) or 12.9km (8 miles), depending on the route

Difficulty rating: Easy – moderate

Detailed route guide: visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/bakewell-to-chatsworth-walk

Eccles Pike

Eccles Pike summit marker in an undated photograph.

The linked circular walk starts in Chapel-en-le-Frith Market Place and passes the Peak Forest Tramway and Eccles House before climbing to the viewpoint on Eccles Pike. It returns to Chapel via Eccles Road and Nanny’s Well. The route uses paths, bridleways and roads, with stiles and a climb.

Best for: Stunning views across a wide area

Distance: 8km (5 miles)

Difficulty rating: Moderate

The route includes stiles and uneven paths.

Detailed route guide: visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/eccles-house-walk-from-chapel-en-le-frith

Manifold Valley walk from Wetton

Illustrative photograph of a cave in the Peak District. Photo: v2osk / Unsplash.

This circular walk from the stone built village of Wetton in the Peak District National Park, explores Thor’s Cave and then continues down to Ilam Park, before returning along the opposite side of the River Manifold. The approach to the cave is steep and can be slippery; entering it involves a slippery scramble in any weather. See the National Park’s visitor advice. This can be a challenging walk but rewarding! Keep an eye out for Kingfishers along the River Manifold.

Best for: Views across the Manifold Valley from Thor’s Cave

Distance: 16km (10 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate

Detailed route guide: National Trust Manifold Valley walk

The map shows selected landmarks; use the linked guide above for the walking route.

Shining Tor

Road in the Goyt Valley near Errwood Reservoir. Photo: Rebecca Georgia / Unsplash.

This 6km circuit starts at Errwood Hall car park and climbs to the 559-metre summit of Shining Tor before returning to the reservoir. Allow about 1¾–2¼ hours, or longer if needed for the hills; the route includes rough ground and can be muddy after rain. The access road has seasonal closures, so check before travelling.

On a clear day, the summit offers views across the Cheshire Plain towards landmarks including Shutlingsloe and the Jodrell Bank radio telescope.

Best for: Views over the Cheshire Plain

Distance: 6km (3¾ miles)

Difficulty: Moderate

Detailed route guide: walkpeakdistrict.com/shining-tor

Ladybower Wood and Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk

The linked 9.2km circular walk starts at Fairholmes Visitor Centre, passes Derwent Dam, follows the northern arm of Ladybower Reservoir and crosses Ashopton Viaduct before returning to Fairholmes. Check the route guide for the paths and road crossings.

Ladybower Wood

Ladybower Wood is a separate nature reserve near the southern end of the reservoir. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust advises visitors to stay on the public bridleway: the reserve has steep slopes and difficult terrain.

Best for: Lots of wildlife, including birds and pretty views across the reservoir

Distance: 9.2km (5.7 miles) for the linked reservoir circuit; the Ladybower Wood visit is separate.

Difficulty rating: Easy – moderate

Detailed route guide: peakdistrict.org/ladybower-reservoir-walk

derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/ladybower-wood

Mam Tor Circular Walk

The National Trust’s circular walk starts at Mam Nick car park and climbs to the summit of Mam Tor before following the ridge towards Hollins Cross and returning. It offers views over the Edale Valley and passes the remains of a hill fort.

Castleton is nearby for refreshments and local information. The route has some steps and steep climbs; see the National Trust guide for directions.

Mam Tor is known as the Shivering Mountain because of repeated landslips. These affected the old A625 road, which was abandoned in the late 1970s after years of repairs.

Best for: Undeniably one of the Peak District’s finest views

Distance: 4.8km (3 miles)

Difficulty rating: Moderate

Detailed route guide: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kinder-edale-and-the-high-peak/mam-tor-circular-walk

Hathersage to Stanage Edge

This circular route starts in Hathersage and climbs to the gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge. It follows the edge before returning to the village, with views over the Derwent and Hope valleys. Follow the linked route guide for directions.

Best for: Ridge-walking

Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)

Difficulty rating: Moderate

Detailed route guide: visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/hathersage-to-stanage-edge-walk

Eyam and Stoney Middleton

This circular walk starts and finishes in Stoney Middleton, passing the River Derwent, the Riley Graves and Eyam. There is a long steady climb from the river, a short steep descent from Eyam and several stiles.

Best for: History –  The Eyam plague of 1665–1666. Check out the plague cottages and lovely little church in Eyam, both Eyam and Stoney Middleton are steeped in history

Distance: 4½ miles (about 7¼ km)

Difficulty: Moderate

Detailed route guide: Stoney Middleton Heritage: walk to Eyam and back

Ilam to Dovedale

Beginning at Ilam Park, this route passes through Ilam village and across fields to the stepping stones in Dovedale. The National Trust grades it moderate; paths can be muddy and uneven, and the stepping stones can be slippery or impassable after heavy rain.

Best for: The famous stepping stones at Dovedale

Distance: 2.4km (1.5 miles) one way; allow 4.8km if returning by the same route

Difficulty: Moderate

Detailed route guide: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/ilam-park-to-dovedale-stepping-stones-trail

Longer and challenging Peak District walks 

Kinder Scout 

Kinder Scout is associated with the mass trespass of 1932, when walkers campaigned for access to open country. The National Trust’s challenging circular route from Hayfield follows William Clough to the Kinder plateau, passes Kinder Downfall and returns via Edale Cross.

Best for: Experienced walkers

Distance: 12.8km (8 miles)

Difficulty rating: Challenging

Detailed route guide: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kinder-edale-and-the-high-peak/kinder-scout-mass-trespass-walk

The Heritage Way at Derwent Valley

A dam in the Upper Derwent Valley. Photo: Carl Beech / Unsplash.

For those who are looking for a more strenuous challenge, the Derwent Valley Heritage Way offers an approximately 55-mile route through the county of Derbyshire.

The waymarked route starts at Ladybower Reservoir, passes Chatsworth and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and ends at Derwent Mouth near Shardlow, where the River Derwent joins the Trent. It can be walked in sections.

Best for: Reservoir views and water wildlife – look out for kingfishers

Distance: About 55 miles (88km); the Trust’s stage distances total 52.7 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate – difficult

Detailed route guide: Derwent Valley Trust: the route

Kinder Downfall circular walk

Kinder Scout moorland. Photo: Amit Jagnade / Unsplash.

This challenging 9-mile circular route begins at Bowden Bridge car park near Hayfield and climbs by William Clough to the Kinder plateau. It passes Kinder Downfall and returns via an old packhorse route. Check the forecast and be prepared for rough terrain, especially in icy conditions.

Best for: Kinder Downfall waterfall – spectacular if it’s frozen

Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)

Difficulty: Difficult

Detailed route guide: National Trails: Kinder Scout from Hayfield (PDF)

A separate online route from Bowden Bridge also visits Kinder Downfall; it is 8.6 miles (13.9km) and takes an estimated 4½–5½ hours.

Eyam and surrounding moorlands

Eyam plague memorial; this historical image is not a view of the moorland walk.

Starting near Sir William Hill, this circular route crosses Eyam Moor, descends to Stoke Ford and continues through Abney Wood and Abney. It offers far-reaching views, with moorland paths, woodland and country lanes.

Best for: Moorland views and woodland

Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate

Route overview and GPX: walkinderbyshire.co.uk/eyam-moor-and-more

The linked page provides a GPX file; full written directions are not yet published.

If Peak District walking & hiking is your thing and you’re after a good walk or hike during winter, check out our 15 Best Peak District & Derbyshire Winter Walks…