Explore the Best Peak District Walks
From short strolls in the countryside to long distance walks, you’ll uncover many great walks for all abilities through the picturesque Peak District and the rolling hills in and around the county of Derbyshire, including the stunning Pennine Way and Ladybower.
The Peak District is one of the UK’s most widely visited National Parks with many visiting the area for walking holidays, or for a family day out from towns a cities nearby, with so many muddy boots and dog friendly pubs the area is a haven for hikers. These walks are clearly signposted and widely regarded as the best anywhere in the UK, enable new and experienced walkers to get out and about to see the countless attractions and experience some of the best and most widely-trodden Peak District walking routes.
In this GO Outdoors guide we’ve compiled 10 of the very best Derbyshire and Peak District walks for you to research, plan and experience for yourself with something for all ages and abilities included.
There are two options of map; OS Explorer has a scale of 1:25 000 and OS Landranger has a scale of 1:50 000. OS Explorer is more zoomed in and offers greater detail and information, but the OS Landranger covers a greater area.
If you’re planning you’re own route, but you’re not sure which map you need, then check out our Ordnance Survey online map finder here!
1. Ilam Park to Dovedale Stepping Stones Trail
If you’re looking for a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll, Dovedale is ideal. With a slight gradient in places, this 2.5 mile walk takes you from Ilam Wood to the impressive Dovedale gorge, and should take you around 50 minutes to complete – great for getting some fresh air with the kids!
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 5.05 km | Approx. Time: 1:30 hours
Maps to puchase for this route: OS Explorer OL24: Peak District – White Peak Area / OS Landranger 119: Buxton & Matlock
You can download the route for this walk here.
2. Tissington Trail
Providing over 30 miles of countryside trails, head on over to Tissington for your choice of sightseeing, shops and refreshments. The majority of the Trail is suitable for those with disabilities although you may come across some steep inclines which require careful route planning to avoid. As well as picture perfect countryside views you’ll also be awarded glimpses of the old engine houses and workshops from the railway’s past.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 21.40 km | Approx. Time: 5:30 hours (one way)
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL24: Peak District – White Peak area / OS Landranger 119: Buxton & Matlock
You can download the route for this walk here.
3. Kinder Scout from Edale
Feel the wind in your hair as you take the eight mile hike from Edale village across the famous Kinder Scout. With some complicated climbs and difficult descents along the way, make sure you pack your sturdiest walking boots. You may want to take a packed lunch or some light refreshments too as it’ll take you around five hours to complete.
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 15.70 km | Approx. Time: 4:55 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL01: Peak District – Dark Peak area / OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
4. Longendale Trail
With a total climb of 1,000 feet, this nine mile walk is a real treat for the eyes, offering spectacular views over Derbyshire. Simply follow the Longdendale Trail from start to end, winding around reservoirs to finish at the Woodhead Dam. If you’re taking the kids, the terrain is ideal for cycling.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 14.20 km | Approx. Time: 3:50 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL01: Peak District – Dark Peak area / OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
5. Castleton to Mam Tor
For a relatively easy five mile route, look no further than Mam Tor. This famous Peak District hill dates back as far as the Bronze Age and much of the area’s natural history can still be seen today. Ideal if you only have a short time in which to explore, this walk should take around two and a half hours to complete.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 9.10 km | Approx. Time: 2:55 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL01: Peak District – Dark Peak area / OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
6. Ladybower Wood Circular Walk
A gem of a reserve covering the steep valley side overlooking Ladybower reservoir, this walk is an incredibly important refuge for a number of resident and migrant woodland birds. In the spring and summer the wood is full of bird song from pied flycatchers, redstarts, wood warblers and tree pipits as well as blue tits, treecreepers and nuthatches. Higher up valley side the woodlands give way to bracken and heather moorland where you may spot grouse, meadow pipits, curlew and occasionally hares.The reserve is also great for botanists looking to seek out fungi, mosses, liverwort, and lichens. Over 75 lichen species have been recorded making it one of the best sites in the Peak District to find them.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland, Hill
- Distance: 6.70 km | Approx. Time: 2:10 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL01: Peak District – Dark Peak area / OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
7. Eyam Village
If you’re up for more of a challenging walk then check out Eyam, an historic plague village dating back to the 17th century. Explore the strenuous terrain over nine miles of moorland paths and fields. It’s thought to take around four hours to complete but the views, and the rewarding pub lunch at the end, make it all worthwhile.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 14.05 km | Approx. Time: 4:30 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL24: Peak District – White Peak area / OS Landranger 119: Buxton & Matlock
You can download the route for this walk here.
8. Bamford Walk
At 5.25 miles long, this walk is an ideal sunny afternoon pursuit. The terrain is fairly easy but be prepared for a lengthy climb towards Bamford Moor – it’s well worth it though, as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland
- Distance: 7.90 km | Approx. Time: 2:20 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL01: Peak District – Dark Peak area / OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
9. Stoney Middleton
With a pleasant mixture of fields and paths, this walk should take around four hours to complete. Don’t get disheartened though; there are plenty of pubs and cafes to choose from for a pick-me-up afterwards. Take care along the track leading to the quarry as heavy lorries are known to pass through during the week.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 11.70 km | Approx. Time: 3:25 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL24: Peak District – White Peak area / OS Landranger 119: Buxton & Matlock
You can download the route for this walk here.
10. The Pennine Way
The Peak District section of the Pennine Way starts from The Old Nags Head in Edale and stretches as far as Kinder Downfall. With over 268 miles of walking available, use it as a great opportunity to sample some of the finer parts of the Peak District’s countryside.
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 26.55 km | Approx. Time: 8:05 hours (one way)
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL01: Peak District – Dark Peak area / OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
Before setting off on your adventure, ensure you have everything you need! From waterproofs and walking boots, to hydration packs and walking poles, here at Go Outdoors we have everything you need for all your outdoor pursuits.
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