The Peak District is a paradise for families who love the outdoors. With its rolling hills, scenic trails, and charming villages, itβs the perfect place to explore nature with children. Whether youβre looking for easy, stroller-friendly paths or adventure-filled walks with caves and wildlife, here are the best family-friendly walks in the Peak District.
πΏ 1. Monsal Trail β The Best Easy Walk for Families
π Starting Point: Bakewell or Hassop Station
πΆββοΈ Distance: Up to 8.5 miles (but you can do shorter sections)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? Yes
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
The Monsal Trail is a flat, traffic-free route that follows an old railway line, making it one of the best walks for young kids, bikes, and pushchairs. Along the way, youβll pass tunnels, viaducts, and stunning river views. There are plenty of picnic spots, and you can stop for ice cream at Hassop Station CafΓ©, which has a playground for kids.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Walking through the lit tunnels and spotting wildlife along the River Wye.
ποΈ 2. Padley Gorge β A Magical Woodland Adventure
π Starting Point: Longshaw Estate or Grindleford Station
πΆββοΈ Distance: 2 miles
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? No (some uneven terrain)
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
If your kids love climbing rocks, paddling in streams, and exploring fairy-tale woodlands, Padley Gorge is the perfect spot. The trail winds through ancient oak trees, with small waterfalls and gentle streams perfect for little adventurers to splash in.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Finding hidden waterfalls, paddling in the shallow water, and climbing tree roots.
π 3. Dovedale β Iconic Stepping Stones & River Walk
π Starting Point: Dovedale Car Park
πΆββοΈ Distance: 1.5 miles (to the stepping stones)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? No
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
The Dovedale Stepping Stones are one of the most famous landmarks in the Peak District, and kids love hopping across them! The trail follows the River Dove, with plenty of spots for skimming stones and exploring caves. The walk can be extended to Thorpe Cloud, a small hill with rewarding views for older children.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Crossing the stepping stones, exploring Reynardβs Cave, and looking for fish in the river.
π¦ 4. Carsington Water β Lakeside Fun & Wildlife Watching
π Starting Point: Carsington Water Visitor Centre
πΆββοΈ Distance: Up to 8 miles (shorter loops available)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? Yes
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
For an easy, scenic walk with plenty of family-friendly activities, Carsington Water is a fantastic choice. The flat, well-maintained paths are perfect for strollers and scooters, and kids will love feeding the ducks, spotting birds in the nature reserve, and playing in the adventure playground. Thereβs also a visitor center, bike hire, and picnic areas.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Birdwatching at the hide, playing in the playground, and stopping for ice cream at the cafΓ©.
π 5. Mam Tor β A Short Hike with Big Views
π Starting Point: Mam Nick Car Park (near Castleton)
πΆββοΈ Distance: 1.5 miles (circular route)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? No
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
If your kids are up for a bit of a climb, Mam Tor offers one of the most rewarding short hikes in the Peak District. The paved path makes the ascent easier, and once at the top, youβll be rewarded with 360-degree views of rolling hills and valleys. Itβs a perfect first hill climb for young adventurers.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Reaching the summit and spotting paragliders flying above.
π° 6. Ilam Park β A Walk with History & Space to Play
π Starting Point: Ilam Park, near Ashbourne
πΆββοΈ Distance: 1-3 miles (various routes)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? Partially
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
Ilam Park offers a mix of gentle walking trails, historic gardens, and open fields for kids to run free. You can walk along the River Manifold or take a short, easy walk to Dovedale. Thereβs also a tea room, nature trails, and plenty of picnic spots.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Playing in the fields, spotting sheep, and exploring the historic Ilam Hall gardens.
π¦ 7. Stanage Edge β A Walk with a Wild Side
π Starting Point: Hooks Car Park (near Hathersage)
πΆββοΈ Distance: 3 miles (can be shortened)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? No
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
If your family loves a bit of adventure, the dramatic Stanage Edge is a fun place to explore. Kids will love climbing the rocks, spotting rock climbers, and enjoying the stunning views over the Peak District. Itβs also famous as a filming location for Pride & Prejudice.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Climbing on giant rock formations and pretending to be explorers!
π 8. High Peak Trail β A Traffic-Free Path for Walks & Bikes
π Starting Point: Middleton Top
πΆββοΈ Distance: Up to 17 miles (but short sections are perfect for families)
πΌ Stroller-Friendly? Yes
πΆ Dog-Friendly? Yes
The High Peak Trail follows an old railway line, making it an easy, wide, and flat route for walkers, cyclists, and families with pushchairs. Itβs a peaceful walk with beautiful countryside views and old railway relics to discover.
π₯ Fun for Kids: Cycling along the path, looking for old railway signs, and spotting wildlife.
π Final Tips for Walking with Kids in the Peak District
β Pick a Walk That Matches Their Age & Ability β Some routes are better for younger kids, while older ones may enjoy a challenge.
β Bring Snacks & Drinks β Walking can be hungry work! Pack some energy-boosting treats.
β Check the Weather β The Peak District can be unpredictable, so bring raincoats and sturdy shoes.
β Let Kids Lead the Way β Encouraging them to explore, look for wildlife, and enjoy nature makes the walk more fun.
β Take Your Time β Enjoy the scenery, stop for breaks, and let kids explore at their own pace.
πΏ Ready to Explore the Peak District with Kids?
The Peak District is packed with beautiful, family-friendly walks that let kids connect with nature while having fun. Whether youβre splashing in Padley Gorge, climbing the stepping stones at Dovedale, or walking a traffic-free trail, thereβs something for every young adventurer.
Which walk will your family try first? πΆββοΈπ²