10 of the Best Walks in the Peak District National Park

Lake District National Park

The Peak District is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged open moorlands, and undulating hills. It’s therefore not surprising that this area is a dream location for hikers of all levels. We have highlighted a selection of the best walks in the Peak District to help you get acquainted with the UK’s first national park

A Selection of Popular Peak District Walks

While 2020 has been a fairly rubbish year all round, it has given many of us plenty of time to think, plan, and (thankfully) hike. It’s given us time here at Roaming Spices to really sink our teeth into researching and compiling some information on routes to try in some of the UK’s most exciting and inspiring locations for hikers, and today, we’re continuing that trend by taking a look at 10 of the best walks in the Peak District National Park. 

The Peak District is well-known across the UK for its bucolic landscapes, rugged open moorlands, and stunning rolling hills (from which it takes its name). It’s little surprise that this region is a bountiful playground for avid hikers, and when it comes to the best walks in the Peak District it’s challenging to whittle the countless routes down to just a few. 

With that said, we aren’t going to let that stop us! We’ve spent some time researching and collating some of the most exciting, unique and memorable routes in the region so that as we roll into 2021 (finally) our readers can start to plan their Peak District hikes for the new year. 

Introduction To The Peak District National Park

There are 15 national parks in the United Kingdom, each offering their own unique charm, aesthetic, character and hiking experience. The Peak District was the first park to be established in the UK, in 1951, and remains one of the most inspiring and beautiful locations for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to visit.

In this list of the best walks in the Peak District, we’ll be offering walkers a taste of the incredible variety this landscape has to offer… but what makes the Peak District unique? 

Well, for one, it’s pretty accessible. Located almost slap bang in the middle of England, close to Sheffield, the Peak District is within four hour’s journey for over 50 million people (and we’re confident plenty of these people will enjoy hiking!).

Despite this proximity, its resident population lies at just 38,000 total, meaning that while it’s easy to get to, it’s still an untamed, wild, and rugged natural landscape – something of a snapshot of the geographical, social, and cultural history of England, dating back thousands of years. 

Located predominantly on the northern side of Derbyshire, the National Park also includes parts of Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and covers 555 square miles. Its vast size means it has countless routes to offer hikers, but also that trying to experience everything the park has to offer is pretty much impossible… 

Fortunately, the park is typically split into two distinct regions, to the north and south. The northern sector is referred to as the ‘Dark Peak’, and this region is predominantly moorland, making it an excellent destination for those who enjoy a more challenging, bucolic adventure for their hikes.

This area’s geology is primarily gritstone, which makes for expansive open moorlands, and it curves around the east and western sides, as well as the north, in a wide arc. 

To the south is the ‘White Peak’ area, so named for its primarily limestone geology, contrasting to the gritstone in the north. This area of the park is renowned for its breathtaking valleys, and cascading gorges, which carve a path through the natural rock here (and are just begging to be explored –  but make sure you bring some good boots!).

The Peak District National Park – A Potted History

Like all National Parks in the UK, the Peak District isn’t just an impressive natural landscape, it’s also home to a rich and fascinating local history – much of which can be experienced by heading out onto the park and embarking on a few hikes (but more on that later…) Even if you’re following advice on the best walks in the Peak District, a basic knowledge of some of the history of the region can enrich your experience infinitely. 

There are many theories as to where the Peak District got its name (surprisingly, it may not just be simply to do with the many hilltop ‘peaks’ that occur across its landscape…) In fact, many leading hypotheses indicate the titles probably originated from the Pecsaetan, or ‘peaklanders’, a tribe of Anglo-Saxons who lived in the area from the 6th century AD, when the landscape was still part of the Kingdom of Mercia (there are plenty of barrows from this period that can be seen as you explore!)

The history of the district dates back much further than the origin of its title, however, and the region has been inhabited by humans all the way back to the Mesolithic era, with evidence of flints and other artefacts being discovered in areas such as the caves in Dovedale (an area we’ll be recommending later in this list!) 

Moving forwards into the Bronze Age and Iron Age, the Peak District continued to be used as a home by native people, until the Romans arrived, tempted by the potential of the mineral veins (particularly lead) that crisscrossed under the land.

Into the Middle Ages, much of the Peak District was used for agriculture, but the mining trend set by the Romans would continue into the 16th Century and onwards, along with a burgeoning textiles export trade. 

Into more modern history, and even recent memory, the Peak District was an important part of the campaign to ensure open moorland was accessible to all. The Kinder Trespass took place in 1932: a mass act of occupying protest by ramblers to demand access to moorland for walkers around the country. It was successful, and eventually, in 1951, the first National Park was born.

These lands had historically been owned and used exclusively by the landed gentry (for about 12 days a year total), and the birth of the national parks with the inauguration of the Peak District represents a huge step forward for hikers and walkers, along with anyone who wants to appreciate the natural beauty that England’s land has to offer. Us modern hikers owe the trespassers an awful lot!

The Best Walks In The Peak District National Park

It’s clear that with the Peak District’s size, history, and naturally diverse landscapes, we were never going to be able to cover everything (as much as we’d like to!). With this in mind, this list we’ve compiled of the best walks in the Peak District National Park is designed to offer a diverse selection of walks for hikers of all ages, levels of experience, and abilities. 

There are some shorter circular routes, which are perfect for all the family, and some much longer more challenging hikes for those who really like to sink their teeth into the landscape they’re visiting.

We’ve included some details to get you started, including where to park, grid references, and which OS map to bring along with you – there are two you’ll need if you intend to explore both the White and Dark Peak regions: OS Explorer OL24 – The Peak District, White Peak Area, and OS Explorer OL1 – The Peak District, Dark Peak Area. (These can be purchased in a handy bundle from Ordnance Survey!)

Covid19 Hikers’ Tips

While the rollout of the initial Covid vaccines is a boon we’ve been longing for, we still need to be careful and conscious as hikers of the pandemic and take steps to ensure we remain safe during our trips and protect others at the same time. With this in mind, we’d recommend that you:

• Maintain social distancing (2 metres)

Even though hiking is an outdoor activity, it’s important to keep to social distancing guidelines – remain 2 metres apart from any other hikers you may encounter. This is particularly relevant for some of the hikes we’re looking at that include sections when you’ll be walking through villages and hamlets.

• Wait until it’s clear to walk through narrow areas of limited access

As you’re hiking, you may come across some slightly narrow areas, such as bridges or steeper paths. If this is the case and there are several people waiting to cross the area, it’s a good idea to wait until it’s completely clear before moving on, to avoid coming into unnecessarily close contact with one another. 

• Look out for any new signage

Some routes and trails may feature new signage which has been installed to provide up-to-date Covid guidance. Pay attention to these, and be mindful to follow any applicable guidance they may offer. 

• Carry hand sanitiser and regularly sanitise hands

Bring a fresh bottle of hand sanitiser with you on any walks – if your hike takes you through any gates, or over any stiles etc, make sure to sanitise your hands both before and after touching anything and try to avoid touching your face during your hike if you can!

Here are 10 of the Best Walks in the Peak District

1. Mam Tor Walk

We’re kicking things off with a gentle route, which is perfect for the family to enjoy together. There’s no compromise on quality with the Mam Tor walk though, as you’ll get to enjoy one of the best views the Peak District has to offer, and while this route is fairly quick and not too challenging, it’s, without doubt, one of the best walks in the Peak District National Park. 

Walk distance: 4.5km

Difficulty: Fairly easy

Time: 1-2 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL1 – The Peak District, Dark Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK123832

Parking: Mam Nick Car Park, S33 8WA

Summary:

The Peak District’s own ‘shivering mountain’, Mam Tor – a name which derives from ‘Mother Hill’ – is one of the most instantly recognisable and popular mountains in the Peak District. It is located in the south of the Dark Peaks, and offers an absolutely stunning view out over the White Peaks, and the Winnats Pass Gorge. Standing at 517m above sea level, this truly is a ‘peak’, and this circular route is one of the best ways to experience this highlight of the region. 

After leaving the car park, the route takes you up a series of steps, through woodlands, and then to the summit of Mam Tor – you can take in the views, and try and spot some of the carved standing stones, which indicate some of the area’s rich history, and provide a pleasant distraction from the long climb to the top…

You’ll spot the Kinder Plateau, which is popular with paragliders in the right conditions, and get to experience a diverse range of local flora and fauna as you loop back round to the Mam Nick car park. All in all, this walk only takes a couple of hours at most, and while it does feature a long climb, it’s a pleasant one to enjoy with hikers of all ages and abilities. 

2. Dovedale Walk

This Dovedale route is another immensely popular trail for hikers in the Peak District, although it’s a lot longer than the Mam Tor route that precedes it, and may not be so suitable for younger or less fit hikers. Clocking in at up to four hours, this route will take up a good chunk of your day, but it features sights of some of the loveliest parts of the White Peak Area, and is worth the visit!

Walk distance: 11.6km

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 2.5 – 4 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL24 – The Peak District, White Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK 1465 5095

Parking: Dovedale public car park, DE6 2AY

Summary:

Kicking off near Ilam, this fantastic route weaves along the River Dove and is a truly brilliant way to experience some of the incredible natural limestone features of the region including Lover’s Leap, Dove Holes, and Tissington Spires. The second half of the route is trickier, but rewards hikers with a visit to the summit of Bailey Hill – which offers some really stunning vistas, definitely worth bringing the camera!

This route has plenty of highlights, including Thorpe Cloud and the River Dove itself, but it’s the Dovedale Stepping Stones that capture the hearts of most hikers. They’re one of the main ways of crossing the River Dove, and this line of stones is a popular scenic spot for an impromptu photoshoot!.

3. The Roaches Walk

Another slightly lengthier route, but just as rewarding. The Peak District can get extremely busy during the holiday period, and the popular walk routes can be heaving – this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you appreciate a bit more peace on your adventures, then this route to Lud’s Church known as the ‘Roaches Walk’ could be perfect…

Walk distance: 11.4km

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 3 – 4 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL24 – The Peak District, White Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK 00604 62179

Parking: Drive through Upper Hulme and the parking area will be less than 2.0km on your right, beneath Rockhall cottage.

Summary:

This route offers a unique experience of the Peak District, with an unusual sandstone geology, along with some really beautiful woodlands and incredible views. The Roaches itself is an iconic destination, rising to 505m, it’s a rocky ridge that towers over the Tittesworth Reservoir. Fortunately the name doesn’t have anything to do with creepy crawlies, and instead comes from the French word ‘roche’, which means ‘rock’. 

Along with The Roaches, this 11km circular route will take you to Lud’s Church, which also isn’t exactly a ‘does what it says on the tin’ location. Lud’s Church isn’t a manmade structure at all, but is instead a rather magical moss-covered chasm, with rock walls stretching up 18 metres. These walls are covered in rich, sweet green moss, and as you make your way through the ‘church’ it’s almost like you’ve been transported into a fantasy world, with all of your senses stimulated in an immersive, unique experience of the power of nature… 

According to local legend, Lud’s Church was also once used as a hideout by Robin Hood and his loyal follower, Friar Tuck!

4. Stanage Edge Walk

This Stanage Edge walk is a bit shorter than the last two on the list, but it’s quite a bit more challenging due to the climbs and descents involved. Kicking off at the historic village of Hathersage, this lovely valley route, which inspired many of Charlotte Bronte’s novels, takes hikers up onto the iconic Stanage escarpment.

Walk distance: 9.8km

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Time: 3 – 4 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL1 – The Peak District, Dark Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK 2307 8153

Parking: Village car park, at S32 1BB

Summary:

Stanage Edge runs all the way from Sheffield to the High Peak of Derbyshire, and gets its name from a contraction of ‘stone’ and ‘edge’ (which means it’s sort of called Stone Edge Edge…), and was historically used as a grindstone quarry. This incredible rock escarpment is the highlight of this route, and remains a popular destination for both walkers and climbers – you might be able to catch a glimpse of some adventurers scaling or descending the rock face during your walk. 

This village of Hathersage was first entered into the Domesday Book in 1066, and to this day it’s a popular destination for tourists, with it’s open-air swimming pools, amazing climbing opportunities and beautiful scenery all contributing to its appeal. Fans of local legend Robin Hood should also take the time to visit this route, as a short detour at the end of the hike to Hathersage Church will give you the chance to see the resting place of Little John himself!

5. Kinder Scout Walk 

This is the longest route on our list of the best walks in the Peak District, clocking in at 14.5km, and taking around 5 hours to complete. It’s a full-day excursion, and harkens back to the Kinder Trespass we mentioned earlier. The plateau itself is extremely physically demanding, and this is a walk that only really suits the most experienced hikers. 

Walk distance: 14.5km

Difficulty: Challenging

Time: 4-5 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL1 – The Peak District, Dark Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK124853

Parking: Edale car park, S33 7ZQ

Summary:

The Kinder Scout is a plateau of moorland which stands at the highest point in the entire Peak District, at 636m above sea level. It’s an impressive and awe-inspiring plain of land to visit, and is surrounded by a wide range of must-see sites including everything from Bronze Age barrows to medieval crosses, such as the famous Edale Cross.

With this said, this particular route is long, complex, and challenging. You’ll want to make sure you plan and study the hike carefully before embarking, because the plateau itself is broad and quite disorienting, particularly if you get unlucky with the weather and rain or fog roll in. You’ll absolutely need to bring a compass on this one, and the exposed plateau itself is pretty unforgiving if bad weather does make an appearance, meaning you’ll need to plan ahead and bring plenty of warm and waterproof gear!

6. Nine Ladies Stone Circle Walk

This one’s a lot less of a challenge when compared to the Kinder Plateau, and offers a glimpse into the Peak District’s interesting history and past, rather than a ‘man vs nature’ ordeal… The nine ladies stone circle is a bronze age relic, dating back 4,000 years, and this short 5km hike – which will only take you one or two hours – is a lovely way to experience this slice of culture. 

Walk distance: 5km

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 – 2 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL24 – The Peak District, White Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK238621

Parking: Car Park opposite Birchover Stone, Main Street, Birchover, Matlock DE4 2BN

Summary:

There are plenty of standing stones and stone circles dotted across the region, and no list of the best walks in the Peak District would be complete without at least one dedicated route to discover them. The Nine Ladies themselves are part of a wider group of 70 prehistoric stone circles and standing stones on Stanton Moor, and are thousands of years old. 

The route itself over Stanton Moor is really lovely, and you’ll get to enjoy some brilliant views of the region as you descend towards the circle itself. The stones are part of a local legend, which suggests they are the remains of nine dancing ladies turned to rock, but interestingly, in 1977, a tenth stone was discovered – it had fallen over, and had been missed when the legend was developed!

You’ll also need to look out for a bit of infamous graffiti, as one of the stones nearby – the King Stone – has the name ‘Bill Stumps’ carved, somewhat comedically although undoubtedly disrespectfully, into its side. This even made an appearance in Charles Dickens’ ‘The Pickwick Papers’. 

7. Monsal Trail

Another mercifully brief hike, also located in the southern White Peak Area, the Monsal Trail is a straightforward but enjoyable hike which is popular among both cyclists and walkers and follows a section of the old London – Manchester railway line. In total, this track is nearly 14km long, but there are many popular routes which centre on just a small section of it. 

Walk distance: 6km

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL24 – The Peak District, White Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK220685

Parking: Use postcode DE45 1BU to get the central Bakewell car parks (There are also pay and display car parks at Hassop Station – next to the Trail.)

Summary:

The route we’re suggesting you follow starts at the Monsal Trail Edge, on the edge of Bakewell, which is a great place to start if you want to avoid the groups of tourists who frequent this part of the Peak District. You’ll have a chance to catch a glimpse of one of the original railway viaducts, which have since been turned into tunnels running underground which are now used as walking and riding paths. 

You can always join the track at another point, and regardless of where you start, the path is clear, easily-approached and perfectly manageable even if you have a pushchair with you, making it one of the most family-friendly routes on this list. There are cafes and other rest stops along the way, meaning you can plan your hike-length accordingly, and stop for a tea and slice of cake at somewhere like the Hassop Station Cafe and Shop (which also offers bicycle hire, if you fancy a spot of wheel-based hiking!)

8. Padley Gorge Walk 

Padley Gorge is a charming walk which loops around the Burbage Valley and through the village of Grindleford. Set in the northern Dark Peak Area, this is a beautiful hike which offers visitors the perfect opportunity to take in a pleasant combination of rural, woodland, and village life that the Peaks have to offer. 

Walk distance: 6km

Difficulty: Fairly easy

Time: 2 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL1 – The Peak District, Dark Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK266802

Parking: Woodcroft car park, S11 7TY

Summary:

Another one on the ‘family friendly’ list, there are several features that make the Padley Gorge a fantastic option for those with children. These include, but are not limited to, the National Trust cafe at the start/end point, and an ice cream van which stops on the B5621 by Granby Barn, nearby some charming and quaint babbling brooks and pools. 

Old station cafes, little wooden bridges, and spooky tunnels make this walk a really diverse and varied experience, and one that hikers of all ages will be able to enjoy immensely. It’s not too long, only takes the better part of a morning, and has a wide range of things to enjoy during its length, including passing one of the longest tunnels in the country: Totley Tunnel, which runs for 5.6km!

If you time your visit to around April, in the springtime, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of some Pied Flycatchers – migratory birds which make their way to the UK from West Africa every year. If you hold out until a month later, you can also enjoy the sheets of bluebells which emerge in the Yarncliffe Wood. This is really a ‘spring and summer’ kind of hike!

9. Derwent Edge Walk

The Derwent Edge walk is a popular Dark Peak hike, which runs from Ladybower Reservoir up some steep woodland ravines, and then bursts onto the roof of the moorland offering visitors some really stunning views of the Derwent Valley. It’s not the easiest of walks, with some long and challenging climbs, so bear this in mind, but if you’re feeling up to a good mountain hike then this could be the route for you. 

Walk distance: 12km

Difficulty: Quite challenging

Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL1 – The Peak District, Dark Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK181888

Parking: Car park at Derwent Valley Dams, S33 0AQ

Summary:

Despite running at 12km long, and taking several hours to complete, this route is one of the most popular walks to enjoy in the Dark Peak area, and it’s easy to see why. Hikers who take on this path will be able to enjoy views of the Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs, and a range of high tors and checkpoints which provide simply breathtaking panoramas of the entire region. 

If you plough straight on with this one, rather than stopping for food or a picnic, it can be completed in a few hours or less – and if this is your plan, you could even consider heading out to the trail for sunrise or sunset; the views on offer here are some of the very best in the entire area, and catching a glimpse of these incredible rolling hills in the orange glow of the setting sun is unforgettable, making this easily one of the best walks in the Peak District National Park. 

10. Chrome Hill Walk

Of all the unusual and impressive natural land formations across the Peak District National Park, this hill walk to Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill possibly takes the cake, as it features the closest thing to a real living myth the region has to offer: the Dragon’s Back…

Walk distance: 9km

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 3 – 4 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL24 – The Peak District, White Peak Area

Starting Grid reference: SK 091670

Parking: Village road parking in Earl Sterndale, outside St Michael and All Angels Church

Summary:

In the higher Dove Valley, near to Buxton, lies a living, breathing, dragon… alright, admittedly it isn’t a real dragon, but an unusual patch of geology has resulted in a sharp rising ridge of limestone hills, now covered in grass, which burst from the ground at intervals resembling the spiny back of a dragon or a dinosaur. 

Despite this unique appearance, The Dragon’s Back range are often cited as the only ‘true’ peaks in the Peak District; the rest of the landscape is dotted with rolling hills and vast open moorland, but distinctly no sharp rising rock ‘peaks’. This walk is a great way to experience one of the few exceptions in the park. 

The route here takes a few hours to complete, and features a few difficult climbs and descents, but walkers will be rewarded with the chance to have a drink at the historic Quiet Woman pub. 

Best Walks in the Peak District – Final Thoughts

The Peak District is the original and to this day one of the best, national parks in the United Kingdom. It has so much to offer hikers, and its distinct regions, geography, history and landscape make it a rewarding and inspiring place for walkers of all ages and abilities to visit. 

The selection of routes we have on offer here is a good place to start and include a range of lengths and levels of difficulty, but they’re far from the only routes you can take. There are plenty of other places to see, and versions of the routes detailed here, and there are no limits to what you can enjoy in the region. The District remains one of the most popular destinations in the country and is well worth a visit if you’re passionate about the outdoors. 

We’d love to hear your own experiences of the Peak District, so please leave a comment if you’ve embarked on any of the walks listed above, or any others, in the area. We hope you find our list of 10 of the best walks in the Peak District useful and we wish you all the best on your own outdoor endeavours – we’ll see you out there!

Discover some of the best walks in other UK National Parks

• Brecon Beacons National Park
• Dartmoor National Park
• Exmoor National Park
• New Forest National Park
• Snowdonia National Park

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