The Peak District and Derbyshire are a paradise for walkers, offering breathtaking landscapes, rugged moorlands, picturesque valleys, and charming villages. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic stroll or a challenging hike, this guide covers 20 of the best walks in the region.
🏔 1. Kinder Scout & Jacob’s Ladder (Challenging)
📍 Starting Point: Edale 📏 Distance: 8 miles (13 km) 🕒 Time: 4-5 hours ✔ Why Walk It? A classic Peak District hike featuring stunning views, waterfalls, and rugged moorlands. ✔ Highlights: Kinder Downfall & the highest point in the Peak District.
🌄 2. Mam Tor & The Great Ridge (Moderate)
📍 Starting Point: Castleton 📏 Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km) 🕒 Time: 3-4 hours ✔ Why Walk It? One of the best ridge walks in England with breathtaking views. ✔ Highlights: Lose Hill, Back Tor, and Hope Valley panoramas.
🌿 3. Stanage Edge Circular (Moderate)
📍 Starting Point: Hathersage 📏 Distance: 5 miles (8 km) 🕒 Time: 3 hours ✔ Why Walk It? Famous for dramatic rock formations and stunning sunset views. ✔ Highlights: Views over the Dark Peak and a glimpse of North Lees Hall.
🏞 4. Dovedale & Thorpe Cloud (Easy)
📍 Starting Point: Dovedale car park 📏 Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) 🕒 Time: 2 hours ✔ Why Walk It? A gentle, scenic walk featuring the famous stepping stones. ✔ Highlights: Thorpe Cloud hill and limestone gorge.
⛰ 5. The Roaches & Lud’s Church (Moderate)
📍 Starting Point: Roach End car park 📏 Distance: 5 miles (8 km) 🕒 Time: 3 hours ✔ Why Walk It? A rocky ridgeline with fantastic views, plus a mystical chasm. ✔ Highlights: Rock formations & moss-covered Lud’s Church.
🌲 6. Padley Gorge & Longshaw Estate (Easy)
📍 Starting Point: Grindleford Station 📏 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) 🕒 Time: 2 hours ✔ Why Walk It? Magical ancient woodlands with a bubbling stream. ✔ Highlights: Quaint stone bridges & scenic waterfalls.
🏡 7. Bakewell & Monsal Trail (Easy)
📍 Starting Point: Bakewell 📏 Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) 🕒 Time: 3 hours ✔ Why Walk It? A flat, scenic railway trail with stunning views. ✔ Highlights: Monsal Head viaduct & Bakewell’s famous tarts.
🛶 8. Ladybower Reservoir Circular (Moderate)
📍 Starting Point: Fairholmes Visitor Centre 📏 Distance: 5 miles (8 km) 🕒 Time: 2-3 hours ✔ Why Walk It? Beautiful waterside and woodland paths. ✔ Highlights: Views of the Derwent Dam, used in the Dambusters training.
⛰ 9. Win Hill Circular (Challenging)
📍 Starting Point: Yorkshire Bridge 📏 Distance: 7 miles (11 km) 🕒 Time: 4 hours ✔ Why Walk It? A rewarding climb with breathtaking Peak District views. ✔ Highlights: Overlooks Ladybower Reservoir & Bamford Edge.
🌾 10. Curbar Edge & Baslow Edge (Moderate)
📍 Starting Point: Curbar Gap car park 📏 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) 🕒 Time: 2-3 hours ✔ Why Walk It? Spectacular clifftop views with minimal climbing. ✔ Highlights: Wildlife, Highland cattle & rock formations.
11. Castleton & Cave Dale (Moderate)
✔ Highlights: A scenic valley walk past Peveril Castle.
12. Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill (Challenging)
✔ Highlights: The “Dragon’s Back” ridgeline with stunning landscapes.
13. Tissington Trail (Easy)
✔ Highlights: Flat, family-friendly trail through the Derbyshire countryside.
14. Alport Castles Walk (Challenging)
✔ Highlights: The largest landslide in the UK with dramatic scenery.
15. Haddon Hall & River Wye Walk (Easy)
✔ Highlights: A gentle riverside stroll near a historic stately home.
16. Bamford Edge & Derwent Valley (Moderate)
✔ Highlights: Incredible views over Ladybower Reservoir.
17. Froggatt Edge Walk (Moderate)
✔ Highlights: A quiet, scenic ridge walk with stunning moorland views.
18. Lathkill Dale Circular (Easy)
✔ Highlights: Limestone cliffs, clear blue streams & wildflowers.
19. Hartington & Wolfscote Dale (Easy)
✔ Highlights: Classic Peak District scenery with rolling fields.
20. Chatsworth House & Edensor Walk (Easy)
✔ Highlights: A stately home, gardens, and charming village views.