Best Walks in the Peak District, UK

The Peak District in the UK is one of the most stunning places you can visit, and as such, it is a walker’s paradise. World-renowned for being a great place for hikers, here are the best walks in the Peak District that you will want to add to your trip.

The Peak District is made so special by its stunning and varied scenery. These best walks in the Peak District give a mix of rolling hills, gritstone edges, reservoirs, caves, cute villages and viaducts. It really offers something for every mood!

This post covers a mix of easy, short walks, through to more challenging and longer ones. As well as ticking off some of the most iconic routes. So, here are some of the best walks in the Peak District to inspire your next trip.

Short Walks: Less than 5KM -Best Walks in the Peak District

These are some of the best walks in the Peak District if you are short on time or have kids with you. They are all stunning, giving you a chance to see some of the most beautiful sights in the Peak District, without requiring a huge time commitment.

Monsal Head

Length: 3-4KM
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Monsal Head car park
Highlights: Monsal Dale valley, River Wye, Monsal Weir, river views and views of the Headstone Viaduct from above and below

This starts at Monsal Head and goes under the Monsal Viaduct and back. Perfect if you want to see the iconic Monsal Viaduct, but don’t have the time for the full length of the trail (see the challenging section). Start in the Monsal Head car park, and find the beginning of the path through a gap in the wall in front of the pub. The path leads downhill, past the Monsal Weir, before crossing a bridge and looping back. The path then takes you right under the viaduct, which gets more impressive the closer you get. Finally heading uphill back to the car park.

Baslow Edge

Length: 4.5KM
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Starting Point: Curbar Gap car park
Highlights: Views over Baslow Edge, highland cows, Wellington Cross and wild moors.

One of my favourite walks in the Peak District, you get rewarded with stunning views with not a huge amount of effort. It does end with a bit of an uphill, hence being slightly harder than easy! Start in the car park, and cross the road to go through a gate. Follow the path, and straight away you see a stunning viewpoint. From there, follow along Baslow Edge for awesome views. Be sure to look out for cute highland cows along the way. Turn in land, pass Wellington Cross and walk along a stone wall. Cross over the road, walk up the hill, when the path veers, take the left-hand option, before making your way back to the car park.

For other options in this area, check the moderate walks section below.

Stanage Edge

Length: 3.5KM
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Hooks Carr Car Park
Highlights: Views over Hope Valley, Robin Hood Cave, and the impressive gritstone escarpment.

There are longer walks to take in more of Stanage Edge (see more below), but if you are short on time, this is a great option to get a taste of this stunning landscape. From the car park, you can see the path heading up the hill in front of you, a steady climb up to the gritstone escarpment. Once on top, follow the path along the edge for stunning views across the Hope Valley and towards the Dark Peak moorlands. The trail is straightforward and well-trodden, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the dramatic rock formations. Don’t miss Robin Hood’s Cave, a small but atmospheric spot partway along the edge, which is steeped in legend.

Dovedale & the Stepping Stones

Length: 3KM
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Dovedale Car Park
Highlights: Iconic stepping stones, limestone crags and picturesque River Dove

The stepping stones at Dovedale are one of the most well-known spots in the Peak District. This is a there-and-back from the car park. To start, a gentle riverside path leads you into the valley, surrounded by towering limestone outcrops. Within minutes, you’ll reach the stepping stones, a series of large rocks placed across the river, perfect for a bit of fun and photo opportunities. Continue a little further to explore caves hidden in the cliffs, or take on the short but steep climb up Thorpe Cloud. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Dovedale and the surrounding countryside. It is a short and easy walk, but likely to be busy, so try to arrive early.

Moderate Walks – Best Walks in the Peak District

These walks are either slightly longer or have more challenging elements. So these require a bit more time commitment and a higher level of fitness. Some of the best walks in the Peak District are for those who want to challenge themselves a little more.

Stanage Edge Circular Walk

Length: 11KM
Time: 3.5-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Hollin Bank car park
Highlights: Extensive ridge walking along Stanage Edge, panoramic views over the Hope Valley, Robin Hood’s Cave, and historic millstones scattered along the trail.

Not satisfied with just a taste of Stanage Edge? This 11KM walk gives you ample time to fully take in the stunning scenery that this area has to offer, and allows you to really immerse yourself in the dramatic gritstone landscape. From Hollin Bank, take the steady ascent that brings you up to the ridge, where the path stretches for miles with views that keep changing. The trail passes weathered millstones, left over as a reminder of the area’s industrial heritage, before looping back through moorland and scenic valleys.

Ladybower Reservoir Circular

Length: 11KM
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Fairholmes car park
Highlights: The Ladybower Reservoir, woodland paths, views of Derwent Edge, and the historic Derwent Dam.

This is a scenic and relatively easy circular route around Ladybower Reservoir, beginning at the Fairholmes Visitor Centre. The well-surfaced paths make it accessible in most seasons, and the route offers a mix of beautiful woodland and stretches with views of open water. Along the way, you will also get a glimpse of the impressive Derwent Dam.

The loop is perfect for those looking for a relaxed walk with plenty of variety. From peaceful forest trails to expansive reservoir views. There are also shorter or longer loops available, so you can choose the distance that works for your day.

Curbar and Froggatt Edge Circular

Length: 9.5KM
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Curbar Gap car park

This is a picturesque moorland walk, which even gives you a chance to spot the local red deer. Leave the car park and head uphill, in the opposite direction from the Baslow Edge walk. You will reach a trig point at the top, offering great views of the moor. Keep going until you reach the woodland of Froggatt Edge, and spot great views of the Derwent Valley. When you reach Curbar Edge, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views. Follow the path back down until you reach the car park again.

Longer & More Challenging Walks – Best Walks in the Peak District

If you want to dedicate some time to exploring some of the harder-to-reach parts of the Peak District and give yourself a challenge, these are the walks for you. The rewards will be so worth it!

The Great Ridge: Mam Tor to Lose Hill

Length: 11KM
Time: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – steady climbs and descents along the ridge
Starting Point: Mam Nick car park
Highlights: Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Back Tor, Lose Hill

Mam Tor is one of the best walks in the Peak District, purely because it is so iconic. If you have a little more time, then it is so worth extending your walk further for even more stunning views. It’s a very popular route along the ridge, but for a great reason. Starting at the car park, head up to Mam Tor, from there head to Hollins Cross, over Back Tor, along the Great Ridge and then down Lose Hill. As you walk along the ridge, you will get some great views of other iconic Peak District views such as Kinder Scout and Win Hill, as well as pretty views of the villages of Castleton and Edale.

Top Tip: Spend some time in Castleton before or after hiking to Mam Tor, and don’t miss these places: 12 Things to do in Castleton, Peak District: How to Spend A Wonderful Day

Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill (The Dragon’s Back)

Length: 7KM
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Earl Sterndale village
Highlights: Limestone ridges, dramatic scenery, unique “dragon’s back” landscape, and panoramic views of the Upper Dove Valley.

While not the longest walk, it is challenging due to its steep ascents and descents, and some scrambling is required. The jagged limestone ridges of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill create one of the most unique landscapes in the Peak District. The steep climbs and descents, combined with a little bit of scrambling, make this a rewarding challenge. The views from the summits are truly stunning, with sweeping views across the hills and valleys.

Edale to Kinder Scout Plateau

Length: 14KM
Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Edale village car park
Highlights: The highest point in the Peak District, dramatic cloughs and gritstone edges, panoramic moorland views, and a historic mass trespass route.

This route takes you via Grindsbrook Clough or Jacob’s Ladder and includes steep climbs, rough moorland terrain, and some navigation skills are needed. This route begins in the village of Edale and climbs steadily up into the heart of the Dark Peak. You can choose to go via Jacob’s Ladder, a steep but well-marked stone path, or go for the wilder and rockier Grindsbrook Clough for a more adventurous scramble. Once on the Kinder Scout plateau, you’ll be rewarded with wide, windswept moorland, peat bogs, and striking gritstone formations such as Kinder Downfall, the Peak District’s tallest waterfall. The terrain can be tough underfoot, and the weather changes quickly, so good preparation and navigation skills are essential.

Lose Hill & Win Hill Circular via Edale

Length: 15KM
Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Edale village car park
Highlights:

Another great, albeit challenging, walk from Edale, involving sustained climbs, exposed ridge sections, and varied terrain. This route links two of the most well-known hills in the Peak District, Lose Hill and Win Hill. The climb up to Lose Hill is steep, but you are quickly rewarded with spectacular views across the Hope Valley. From there, the route follows the Great Ridge, with its path offering some of the best panoramas in the National Park. After descending towards Hope, the second big ascent begins up Win Hill, a tougher climb but one that provides great views over Ladybower Reservoir and back towards Kinder Scout.

Monsal Trail Extended Walk

Length: 17 km one way (34KM out-and-back)
Time: 5–6 hours (10–12 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Bakewell or Blackwell Mill car park
Highlights:

The Monsal Trail is an old disused railway line, and the trail goes between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill. It’s a flat, well-surfaced trail, but the distance is long, so it can be tiring. The walk has open countryside, shady spots, and spectacular views from the iconic viaducts. Along the way, you’ll pass through several railway tunnels and follow the course of the River Wye as it makes its way through the limestone dales. Villages such as Ashford-in-the-Water and Monsal Head give you excellent opportunities to stop for a snack and break up the distance. As it is a one-way walk, people often choose instead to explore by hiring a bike.

Practical Tips for Embarking on the Best Walks in the Peak District

When to Visit the Peak District for Best Walks in the Peak District

Each season offers something different, so the best time to visit depends on the views you are after.
In spring, wildflowers carpet the valleys, and lambs dot the fields. A beautiful time for gentler walks.
During the summer, the long daylight hours make it perfect for tackling longer routes, though popular spots like Dovedale and Mam Tor can get busy.
In autumn, there is crisp air, fewer crowds, and fiery colours across the woodlands, making this a magical time to explore.
Finally, winter gives you frosty mornings and snow-dusted hills that offer incredible scenery, but be prepared for icy paths and shorter days.

What to Bring on the Best Walks in the Peak District

The Peak District may look gentle, but conditions can change quickly. Always bring:

• Sturdy walking boots with a good grip
• Waterproof jacket and layers for warmth
• Plenty of water and snacks
• OS Map (OL1 for the Dark Peak, OL24 for the White Peak) or a reliable GPS app
• Hat, gloves, and sun protection – yes, sometimes all on the same day!

Safety

The weather can change suddenly, especially on higher ground such as Kinder Scout. Always check the forecast before you set off. Be prepared to navigate in low visibility; moorland paths aren’t always obvious. Stick to waymarked routes if you’re new to the area, and let someone know your plans if you’re heading into the hills.

If you need some time to recover and rest those legs, then don’t miss these charming villages, which are perfect for exploring:
Best Villages in the Peak District You Need to Visit

Where to stay in the Peak District

The Peak District is packed with beautiful villages and towns to stay in. Here are some of the best places to base yourself:

CUTE VILLAGES
Eyam: Known as the “plague village”, steeped in fascinating history and surrounded by lovely walking routes. A quieter option with characterful inns and cottages, plus easy access to Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge.
Castleton (Hope Valley): Perfect base for Mam Tor, the Great Ridge, and caves like Blue John. Lots of cosy B&Bs and pubs.
Hathersage: Great for Stanage Edge and easy train links to Sheffield. With a lovely mix of outdoor shops, cafés, and history.
Bakewell: A picturesque market town in the White Peak, famous for Bakewell pudding and a great base for the Monsal Trail.

CENTRAL LOCATIONS
Matlock & Matlock Bath: On the southern edge of the Peak District, handy for Dovedale and family-friendly attractions.
Buxton: A spa town with beautiful architecture, good facilities, and transport links. Ideal for combining walks with culture.

REMOTE ESCAPES
Upper Derwent Valley: More secluded, with cottages and lodges near Ladybower Reservoir for a quieter experience.
Edale: Small village surrounded by peaks, perfect for tackling Kinder Scout or the Pennine Way. Several campsites and walkers’ hostels.

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