Choose a walk
| Walk | Distance | Parking / starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Town park stroll | ||
| Pavilion Gardens and the Serpentine | Varies according to the paths you choose | Pavilion Gardens car park |
| Woodland & countryside walks | ||
| Corbar Cross | 2 miles (about 3.2 km) for the linked circular route from Buxton Station | Nearest large car park is Buxton Station |
| Solomon’s Temple | About 1.6 km (1 mile) there and back from Poole’s Cavern car park; allow extra distance from the town centre | Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park car park (pay and display) |
| Buxton to Combs | About 5.5 miles (8.9 km) one way from the Manchester Road bus stop to Hanging Gate, via Combs; allow extra distance from central Buxton | Town-centre car parks are available; plan your return journey as this route is one way |
| The Roaches and Luds Church | 11.4 km (about 7 miles) for the linked circular route; allow 3–4.5 hours | Lay-by parking near Rockhall Cottage; park only where permitted |
| Buxton Coal Mining Heritage Trail | Varies by route; check your chosen route before setting out. | Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park; allow extra distance to the walk’s start in Burbage |
| Burbage Edge | 6.4 miles (about 10.3 km) for the linked circular walk from the Crescent | Pavilion Gardens |
| Lightwood | About 4.8 km (3 miles) from Buxton Station and back; allow extra distance for longer detours | Buxton Station |
| Buxton to Chrome Hill | 12 miles (19.3 km) for the linked circular walk from Buxton | Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Market Place, The Slopes or Market Street are all options |
| Ring of Trees Circular Walk | Approx 16km | Any of the car parks in Buxton |
| Goyt Valley and Errwood Reservoir Circular Walk | 7.8 miles (about 12.6km), starting and finishing on Bishop’s Lane. | Pavilion Gardens is the nearest large car park, around a 20-minute walk from the route start. There is limited off-road parking nearer Bishop’s Lane. |
| Tideswell Dale, nr Buxton | 3.2 km one way from Tideswell Dale car park to Miller’s Dale; the upper loop is 1 km | Tideswell Dale Car Park |
Where are the best walks in Buxton?
There’s plenty of great walks near Buxton and close to the town centre. Whether you’re a keen hiker or just fancy a short stroll, enjoy stunning views, pretty woodlands, secluded green spots with hidden history in the landscape.
The article highlights twelve of the best walking routes in and around the spa town of Buxton, tailored for different fitness levels and interests. Starting from short strolls through local woodlands such as the route to Corbar Cross, where you’ll find springtime bluebells, to steeper climbs like the walk to Solomon’s Temple via the woods of Buxton Country Park near Poole’s Cavern (with scenic Peak District views and potential wildlife sightings) – there is variety.
More expansive routes include countryside treks to the village of Combs or along historic industrial-heritage paths such as the Buxton Coal Mining Heritage Trail.
Other recommended walks lead to moor-edge paths like Burbage Edge or the nature-rich area of Lightwood where you can spot dragonflies and frogs. Pavilion Gardens has a broad, flat promenade and paths with some inclines; check access before continuing to the Serpentine Walks.
The article also notes the availability of parking in Buxton near many starting points, and encourages exploring slightly further afield into the wider Peak District for additional scenic walks.
Look out for famous landmarks such as Corbar Cross and Solomon’s Temple or, the spectacular Lud’s Church!
Corbar Cross
- Best for:
- Bluebells in the woodlands in April and May
- Distance:
- 2 miles (about 3.2 km) for the linked circular route from Buxton Station
- Parking:
- Nearest large car park is Buxton Station
From the station, follow Palace Road and Lascelles Road towards Marlborough Road and Corbar Road. The linked route continues along a signposted lane into Corbar Woods before climbing to Corbar Cross. The ascent includes steep paths and steps; an alternative woodland path climbs more gradually. The circular route returns to the station via Lightwood Road.
Two-mile Corbar Cross route from Buxton Station
Solomon’s Temple
- Best for:
- Varied wildlife – there may be livestock near the temple and you might spot the odd rabbit and even a badger if it’s later in the day or dark. Look out for butterflies in the woodland and open areas. Check our guide on wildlife you can find in Buxton Country Park and Grin Low.
- Distance:
- About 1.6 km (1 mile) there and back from Poole’s Cavern car park; allow extra distance from the town centre
- Parking:
- Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park car park (pay and display)
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. There’s some interesting wildlife in Grin Low/Buxton Country Park and in Poole’s Cavern itself too, including bats, a variety of birds and butterflies, badgers, owls and more. Dogs must be kept on leads in the country park.
Buxton Country Park and Solomon’s Temple information
Buxton to Combs
- Best for:
- Spectacular views
- Distance:
- About 5.5 miles (8.9 km) one way from the Manchester Road bus stop to Hanging Gate, via Combs; allow extra distance from central Buxton
- Parking:
- Town-centre car parks are available; plan your return journey as this route is one way
A footpath sign towards Combs; the linked walk follows roads.
This country-lane walk offers views towards Combs and the surrounding hills. The linked Buxton Town Team route starts on Manchester Road at the edge of Buxton, follows Old Road past White Hall, then turns onto Lesser Lane and descends through Combs. It passes the Beehive Inn and continues to the Hanging Gate bus stop. The route is on roads, including a steep descent and stretches without a pavement; check bus times or arrange another return before setting out.
Buxton Town Team’s walking guide (Combs walk)
The Roaches and Luds Church
- Best for:
- eye-opening geology
- Distance:
- 11.4 km (about 7 miles) for the linked circular route; allow 3–4.5 hours
- Parking:
- Lay-by parking near Rockhall Cottage; park only where permitted
This spectacular South West Peak trek leads past the 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 peregrine falcons can be seen in the area. Paths can be steep, uneven and muddy; Staffordshire Wildlife Trust asks visitors to keep dogs on leads.
The Roaches and Lud’s Church route
Pavilion Gardens and the Serpentine
- Best for:
- A town-centre gardens stroll; the Pavilion Gardens promenade is flat, while access to the Serpentine Walks varies.
- Distance:
- Varies according to the paths you choose
- Parking:
- Pavilion Gardens car park
A town-centre stroll through the gardens and Serpentine Walks 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. If you visit the theatre lobby, note that its foyer is reached by steps. Now head back into the Pavilion 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 Serpentine Walks, where there are places to sit by the river. One entrance by the bridge has steps; check the route before visiting if step-free access is important. Within Pavilion Gardens, the promenade is wide and flat, although other paths have inclines.
Pavilion Gardens visitor information
Buxton Coal Mining Heritage Trail
- Best for:
- Industrial heritage
- Distance:
- Varies by route; check your chosen route before setting out.
- Parking:
- Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park; allow extra distance to the walk’s start in Burbage
The walking guide discussed in our article starts on Level Lane in Burbage and explores traces of Buxton’s coal-mining past towards Axe Edge Moor. The terrain can be rough and wet, and old mine workings are present. Use a current route guide and map when planning your walk.
Read about Buxton’s coal-mining heritage
Burbage Edge
- Best for:
- A mixed bag with lots to see along the way
- Distance:
- 6.4 miles (about 10.3 km) for the linked circular walk from the Crescent
- Parking:
- Pavilion Gardens
The linked circular route starts at the Crescent and passes through Pavilion Gardens and the Serpentine before reaching Bishop’s Lane, Shay Woods and the climb to Burbage Edge. It returns across open moorland and through the golf course. The route can be shortened or extended: check the guide and map before setting out. Moorland paths can be muddy, particularly after rain.
Lightwood
- Best for:
- Wildlife – lizards, dragonflies, frogs, toads, owls…
- Distance:
- About 4.8 km (3 miles) from Buxton Station and back; allow extra distance for longer detours
- Parking:
- Buxton Station
A favourite walk amongst locals, Lightwood was once home to two reservoirs supplying Buxton, and is one of the town’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. The linked route goes from Buxton Station via Corbar Road and Lightwood Road into the reserve, then returns largely by the same way, with a railway-side path back to the station. You can explore further paths around the former reservoir; allow extra distance. Wildlife sightings vary with the weather and season. Look for lizards on warmer days, dragonflies and damselflies in summer, and frogs and toads in spring. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust asks visitors to keep dogs on leads at Lightwood.
Find out more about local wildlife in Buxton Field Club’s Lightwood notes.
Three-mile Lightwood route from Buxton Station
Buxton to Chrome Hill
- Best for:
- Geology and limestone flora
- Distance:
- 12 miles (19.3 km) for the linked circular walk from Buxton
- Parking:
- Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Market Place, The Slopes or Market Street are all options
For a shorter alternative starting in Earl Sterndale, see Countryfile’s 5.4-mile (8.7 km) Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill walk.
The linked route from Buxton is a demanding walk with around 610 metres of ascent. Follow its map or GPX route and allow around four to five hours. Chrome and Parkhouse Hills form a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with striking geology and limestone flora.
Ring of Trees Circular Walk
- Best for:
- Industrial heritage and some lesser known local walking trails
- Distance:
- Approx 16km
- Parking:
- Any of the car parks in Buxton
This ten-mile circular walk connects several woodlands around Buxton, including peaceful Gadley Woods. Allow around four and a half to five hours for the full route, or explore it in shorter sections. Buxton Civic Association sells a copy of the route at Poole’s Cavern visitor centre.
Buxton Civic Association’s woodland information
Goyt Valley and Errwood Reservoir Circular Walk
- Best for:
- Less crowded and a peaceful walk with stunning views across the moorland
- Distance:
- 7.8 miles (about 12.6km), starting and finishing on Bishop’s Lane.
- Parking:
- Pavilion Gardens is the nearest large car park, around a 20-minute walk from the route start. There is limited off-road parking nearer Bishop’s Lane.
Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley. Photo: Rebecca Georgia / Unsplash.
This circular walk starts on Bishop’s Lane in Burbage, crosses the moorland towards Errwood Reservoir and returns to Bishop’s Lane. The distance above covers the circular route from that start point; allow extra distance if walking there from central Buxton. Paths can be muddy after rain.
The ruins of Errwood Hall are another attraction in the Goyt Valley. Check the map when planning any detour, as this will add distance to your walk.
Goyt Valley and Errwood Reservoir route
Tideswell Dale, nr Buxton
- Best for:
- Butterflies and an abundance of wild flowers in summer
- Distance:
- 3.2 km one way from Tideswell Dale car park to Miller’s Dale; the upper loop is 1 km
- Parking:
- Tideswell Dale Car Park
Follow the stream through a dale with a history of industry and plenty of summer wildflowers. The first 500 metres from the car park are wide and fairly level; paths further on include slopes, and one bridge has a small step. The linked route continues on a road towards Miller’s Dale. There are picnic tables near the car park and a steeper path up to a former quarry.
Walks near Buxton
There are plenty more walks in the Peak District. Ladybower Wood Nature Reserve is a good place to look for birds, fungi, mosses, liverworts and lichens. Kinder Downfall is spectacular in winter, but the route is challenging: check the forecast and prepare for the conditions. At Lyme Park, the National Trust’s Lantern Walk starts and finishes at the main car park near Lyme Hall and offers views across Cheshire and the Peak District. You may see red deer in the east of the park. The Skyline 199 bus from Buxton stops near the park entrance; the car park and the start of the walk are about a mile further on.
Want to explore further into the Peak District? Check out our guide to Peak District hikes and walks.
Updated October 2026.
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