11 Best Hikes & Walks in Buxton

There’s plenty of great walks in Buxton to be found, whether you’re a keen hiker or just fancy a short stroll. From stunning views, pretty woodlands, secluded green spots with hidden history in the landscape and all within easy reach of the town centre.

Here’s 11 of our favourite walks in Buxton that are definitely worth a look – with something to suit all fitness levels too. There’s links to route guides and handy further information too, let’s go…

1. Corbar Cross 

Best for: An abundance of bluebells in the woodlands in May

Distance: Approx 1 mile from the Devonshire Dome

Route guide and more information: explorebuxton.co.uk/a-walk-round-corbar-in-buxton

Walk from Buxton up Devonshire Road past the iconic Devonshire Dome. Turn right into Marlborough Road. This part of the walk takes you past some attractive Edwardian houses. Walk to the top and reach Corbar Road. Turn to the right and cross over (not far) and you’ll see the entrance to the woodlands (which is also signposted and you’ll see a large building to the left which is part of the University of Derby. You basically need to ascend through the woods and there are various pathways to take you to the top – all of which are very pretty. There’s also little story boards along the way – installed by Buxton Civic Association, explaining what flora and fauna you might see and why it’s there. Once you’ve reached the edge of the woods at the top you’ll see Corbar Cross. The views are fantastic and it doesn’t generally get that busy (less busy than Solomon’s Temple) so a nice spot grab some quiet time and take in the fresh air.

2. Solomon’s Temple

Best for: Varied wildlife – there’s usually friendly horses near the temple and you might spot the odd rabbit and even a badger if its later in the day or dark. Also, look out for an abundance Peacock butterflies just as you exit the woods on the way up to to the summit. Check our guide on wildlife you can find in Buxton Country Park and Grin Low.

Distance: Approx 1.6 km

Route guide and more information: poolescavern.co.uk/woodland-walks/solomons-temple

A short but steep and very popular walk which can be reached from the town centre. Walk from Buxton Market Place along High Street and turn into Green Lane. Follow Green Lane until you arrive at Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park. The walk begins here in the car park. You’ll head straight into woodlands with a path to the left that is initially quite steep but then levels off somewhat. Here just follow the path until you reach the top and come out of the woodlands and you’ll see Solomon’s Temple. Walk to this well known and well loved Buxton landmark for stunning 360º views of the surrounding Peak District and the town.

3. Buxton to Combs

Best for: Spectacular views

Distance: Approx 6.9km

Route guide and more information: walksfromthedoor.co.uk/i/walks/Derbyshire/Combs/BeehiveInnCombs.pdf

One of the the perhaps lesser known walks in Buxton, this lovely route offers some really stunning views, especially as you approach Chapel-en-le-Frith and see Combs in the distance. Wild flowers are in abundance and you probably won’t see that many people either. From Buxton you need to head towards the White Hall centre on the A5004 – you then go right onto the Old Road which then becomes Lesser Lane and then you drop down into Combs. There are various ways you can go – whether that be through the countryside or along the road. Old Road and Lesser Lane give lovely views across to Fernilee and as you approach Combs the views across Chapel and the surrounding hills really are stunning and arguably some of the best views in the Peak District. You drop down into Combs where you’ll eventually arrive at The Beehive pub and you can treat yourself to a well deserved drink. Google maps can assist with this one or you can try:

4. The Roaches and Luds Church

Best for: eye-opening geology

Distance: approx 8km

Route guide and more information: 10adventures.com/hikes/peak-district-national-park/the-roaches-and-luds-church/

This spectacular White 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 – Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are said to have done battle in the high-sided chasm known as Lud’s Church, which you will pass through – and the exposed, rocky trail is also a good place for spotting peregrine falcons.

5. Pavilion Gardens and the Serpentine

Best for: On the flat – good for people with walking difficulties or in a wheelchair

Distance: Approx 1.6km

More information about Pavilion Gardens: parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/the-pavilion-gardens

A nice easy stroll on the flat and easy to reach from the town centre with lots of greenery along the way and probably lots of ducks and geese! Begin at the Old Hall Hotel and walk up to the Opera House. It is just worth taking a moment to have a quick look inside the lobby at this glorious Frank Matcham theatre. Now head back into the gardens – you can wander about in any direction, recommended to head towards the large lake towards the other end as that’s always very pleasant. Then head across towards the swimming baths and go onto Burlington Road. Cross over to the entrance of Serpentine Walks; one of Buxton’s best kept secrets – this small park is often much less crowded in busy summer times and there are plenty of pretty places to stop or sit by the river. Perhaps one of the most accessible walks in Buxton if you’re less mobile or can’t walk too far – much of this is on the flat too so also suitable for wheelchair users.

6. Buxton Coal Mining Heritage Trail

Best for: Industrial heritage

Distance: Approx 1.6km

Route, more information on this walk and what to see along the way: explorebuxton.co.uk/walk-into-buxtons-coal-mining-past

Coal mining is not something commonly associated with Buxton but there are traces of a 300 year old industry if you know where to look. Fortunately, the town’s Civic Association have produced a handy walking guide that makes it easier to find. This walk takes you from Buxton onto Macclesfield Old Road and then onto Axe Edge Moor and the ‘Cat & Fiddle Road’. It’s bleak and perhaps not as pretty as other walks but there’s hidden clues in the landscape about Buxton’s once coal industry which makes this an interesting one. The full trail and what to see can be found here:

7. Burbage Edge

Best for: A mixed bag with lots to see along the way

Distance: Approx 4km (unless you continue to the Goyt Valley)

You can find a slightly different route here but it still takes you to Burbage Edge: goyt-valley.org.uk/project/25-buxton-to-burbage-edge/

A lesser known walk perhaps to visitors to Buxton, you get to see different vistas along the way. From the Pavilion Gardens, you can head straight up St. Johns Road, it’s self a pleasant meander. You need to turn right onto Bishop’s Lane. This takes you into a lovely little enclave of Buxton with and as you head onto the long stretch of Bishop’s Lane the road is lined with trees and as such there’s lots of different birds to see; there usually lots of friendly Robins and various others to see. As you reach the top, keep going and follow the road round to the right. You don’t need to go too far before you see a style to climb over on the left hand side of the road – this takes you into the woods that will take to the top of of Burbage Edge. It’s a steep climb but well worth it for the rewarding views of Buxton. If you continue a little further you’ll see the old railway tunnels and Goyt Valley in the distance – so if you’re feeling fit you can continue on. There are trails all over here so take your pick.

8. Lightwood

Best for: Wildlife – lizards, dragonflies, frogs, toads, owls…

Distance: Approx 4.8km

More information – if you’re interested in the natural history of Lightwood, there’s a great group on Facebook you can join with lots of knowledgable members: ‘Lightwood Natural History’ – facebook.com/groups

A favourite walk amongst locals, Lightwood was once home to Lightwood Reservoir, and is one of Buxton’s best kept secrets; a pretty place with a lonely serenity reinforced by the seemingly endless stretch of moorland that lies beyond it. It’s now a haven for wildlife and on warmer days you can see the lizards basking on the wall near the pond at the top. From the town centre you can walk up Lightwood Road and keep going until the road turns to gravel and just follow the path. You can do the circular walk round the old reservoir, or, walk along a path that cuts right through it – you’re likely to see more wildlife that way. In summer spot gorgeous bright blue damsel flies hovering over the big pond, butterflies and moths fluttering amongst the overgrowth and and in Spring time – frogs and toads. If you go when it’s dark and climb the nearby hill towards to the TV mast – you might be lucky enough to spot an owl, but you’ll almost certainly hear them in the woods if you’re quiet. One of the best walks in Buxton for spotting some of the best wildlife the Peaks have to offer…

9. Buxton to Chrome Hill

Best for: Geology and limestone flora

Distance: Approx 10km

More information: The route here is good (with a handy Google route map included) from Buxton: walkingenglishman.com/peakdistrict OR this other route taking in Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill is also a great route to cover this really lovely spot of the Peak District: countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/chrome-hill-derbyshire-peak-district/

You can walk a couple of different ways but the route via Burbage is pretty along the A53 as you approach Ladmunlow. Surrounded by rugged Peak District countryside turn left by the Health and Safety Laboratory site and keep walking along that road. At one point the road will split into two so take the right fork of the road. The road then splits again – take the right turn again – there’s a cattle grid at this turn. Chrome Hill will be in your view now. You can take several routes – which ever you choose you can also go onto to nearby Parkhouse Hill if you wish. Both Chrome and Parkhouse Hills are SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), areas with fascinating geology and limestone flora.

10. Ring of Trees Circular Walk

Best for: Industrial heritage

Distance: Approx 16km

Full route guide and more information: buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk/estate-and-map

This ten mile stroll takes in a number of pretty woodlands on the peripheries of Buxton; some well-known, others less so. This trail can be broken up in several separate walks too. The Buxton Civic Association devised this trail and you’ll find a handy map you can print off on their website. It’s worth looking at covering the entire trail over 2 days, unless you’re really keen – because there’s quite a lot to look at along the way including a working farm where they have a small shop selling produce which was great to see. You can also buy the guide book to this walk at Poole’s Cavern gift shop. A lovely spot on this walk is Gadley Woods where you can hear the sound of the stream running and it’s usually relatively quiet too.

11. Goyt Valley and Errwood Reservoir Circular Walk 

Best for: Less crowded and a peaceful walk with stunning views across the moorland

Distance: Approx 12.8km

Route guide and more information: goyt-valley.org.uk/project/buxton-errwood-walk

Head out of Buxton into Burbage along the A53, turning into Bishops Lane. This walk will take you to the Goyt Valley and scenic Errwood Reservoir. You can enjoy great views across the Peak District along the way. You’ll pass along fairly easy moorland paths but it can get muddy in places. This walk takes you all the way round the reservoir coming back into Buxton.

Don’t forget to take a quick detour to the heart of the Goyt Valley to see the ruins of the Victorian mansion of Errwood Hall.

Want to explore further into the Peak District? Check out our article on 24 Best Hikes and Walks in the Peak District.