A Guide to the Best Easy Walks in the Peak District National Park
The Peak District National Park is a walker’s paradise, with a diverse landscape of rolling hills, high moorland plateaus, and beautiful limestone dales. Whether you are an experienced hiker or an inexperienced one, there is something for everyone.
The Peak District is Britain’s first national park, established in 1951, covers 555 square miles, and is easily accessible from the cities of Sheffield and Manchester. It has everything from rolling hills and fields to dramatic peaks and dales. It is also one of the UK’s most famous national parks, attracting more than 22 million visitors.
Here are some leisurely walks in the Peak District that will take your breath away without taking too much of your breath. We also have complete guides to all of these walks, which means that you can decide what takes your fancy, and then you can find parking information, directions, and top tips for each walk. The walks range from 1.3 – 5.7 miles, so you can decide which easy walk in the Peaks is for you.
15 Easy Walks in the Peak District National Park
Dovedale Stepping Stones
The Dovedale Stepping Stones is one of the best short walks in the Peak District, and for a good reason. Every year, thousands of people visit this place to see the ancient woodland, enjoy peace and tranquillity, or walk-in awe at the stepping stones. These stones were put there to help tourists cross the Dovedale Valley and connect Staffordshire with Derbyshire, but they’re also pretty cool. You will have to queue to cross them at busy times because many people are trying to do it too.
Walk Distance: 2km / 1.3 miles
Walk Type: flat walk
Elevation: 15m
Time: 30 minutes
Read the complete guide here: Dovedale Stepping Stones.
Three Shires Head
The Three Shires Head walk is a popular, family-friendly Peak District waterfall route in the White Peak area. The waterfalls and Packhorse Bridge on Axe Edge Moor are where Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire counties meet. It is a short walk, but you will arrive at Three Shires Head roughly halfway, which means it is a great spot to picnic and rest. It is one of the best easy walks in the Peak District!
Walk Distance: 6.5km (4 miles).
Walk Time: 2-3 hours (depending on stops).
Elevation: 230m
Read the full guide here: Three Shires Head
Stanage Edge Walk
The Stanage Edge walk has some of the best and most dramatic views in the Peak District National Park. Stanage Edge is 3.5-miles (6km) in length, which means there is a lot to explore, and the gritstone escarpment has become a landmark in its own right.
Located in the Dark Peaks, with views over Hope Valley and beyond, it is not difficult to understand why so many people visit Stanage Edge, time and time again. In addition, you may be able to spot Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, some other famous Peak District walks. There are also fantastic Peak District pubs in the village that you can check out afterward!
Walk Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6-mile)
Elevation Gain: 350m
Route Type: Circular
Read the complete guide here: Stanage Edge Walk
Padley Gorge Walk
The Padley Gorge walk is another route suitable for beginners and has some beautiful views of woodlands and waterfalls and relatively flat terrain with no steep inclines or declines. It is a fun, family-friendly hike within the Longshaw Estate and is one of the best easy walks in the Peak District National Park. It is a favorite place to visit due to its proximity to Sheffield. It is also beautiful, and families love it since kids love paddling and climbing up the gorge.
Distance: 6km
Time: 2-3 hours (stops dependent)
Elevation: 196m
Read the complete guide here: Padley Gorge Walk.
Chee Dale Walk
Chee Dale is a limestone gorge in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. It lies on the River Wye, a tributary of the River Derwent, which forms the boundary with (and is crossed by) the county of Cheshire to the south. Chee Dale is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is located near Millers Dale in the council area of Derbyshire Dales and is accessible from the Monsal Trail, a former rail trail.
Walk Distance: 9.2km/ 5.7 miles
Walk Time: 3- 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 326m
Route type: circular
Read the full guide here: Chee Dale Walk
Lathkill Dale Walk
The Lathkill Dale walk is a spectacular hike through one of the UK’s most exceptional limestone valleys and one of five in the Derbyshire Dales Nature Reserve. It is in the White Peak area and has breathtaking scenery that will leave you speechless – making it one of the best easy walks in the Peak District. You will pass through limestone valleys and maybe even see some of the local wildlife. This walk is excellent for families as it is dog friendly and has rest stops along the way.
Time: 2-3 hours depending on pace and stops
Distance: 7km/ 4.4 miles
Elevation: 312m
Route Type: Circular
Read the complete guide here: Lathkill Dale Walk.
Ladybower Reservoir Walk
Ladybower Reservoir is renowned for being straightforward and beautiful, and it runs through well-constructed trails on circular paths. It’s among our most loved Peak District walks, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it. It’s situated in the Upper Derwent Valley, and the closest village is Bamford; however, it is near Hope or Castleton.
The Ladybower Reservoir is an artificial reservoir constructed to supply water in 1945. Derwent Village and Ashopton Village were submerged by water, and the residents were moved to the Ladybower Reservoir.
A magnetic structure is the magnificent 35m Derwent Dam. It is the site where the practice bombing mission to the 617 Squadron was conducted. Later, they appeared in the film of the same name, “The Dambusters.”
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 5 miles
Terrain: well-made tracks and pavements
Read the complete guide here: Ladybower Reservoir
Thorpe Cloud
Imagine a hike where lush green pastures meet the edge of a dramatic cliff. Imagine a short hike for beginners yet challenging enough to get your blood pumping. And imagine a hike with views so grand you can see clear across the entire English countryside. This Thorpe Cloud walk is one of the most beautiful and easy walks in the Peak District National Park.
The Thorpe Cloud walk is fun for those who want to experience incredible panoramic views of the Peak District National Park, as you can see north up Dovedale and south across the Midland plain.
Walk Distance: 3.6km / 2.3 miles
Walk Type: Circular walk
Elevation: 287m
Ascent: 156m
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours.
Read the complete guide here: Thorpe Cloud Walk.
Mam Tor
The majestic Mam Tor trek is among the most popular and most easy Peak District walks. It’s at 517m and was named number 10 in the top 100 UK walks. It is a popular destination, and our top recommendation is to arrive early and stay clear of the crowds. Once they arrive, you’ll be able to relax in the tranquil towns that are Hope and Castleton or other exciting attractions nearby.
There are fantastic views of Hope Valley, Edale, and the edges of the Kinder Scout walk. You should also take the time to explore the fantastic caves in Blue John and Treak Cliff either before or following your Mam Tor hike. We know you’ll love this easy Peak District walk. This walk start point is the Mam Nick car park, close to the summit.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)
Time: 1- 2 hours.
Read the complete guide here: Mam Tor.
Cave Dale Walk
Cave Dale is one of the shortest Peak District walks, but due to its convenience behind Castleton village and how the valley is so beautiful to walk through – you do not want to miss it. Also, the short walk offers fabulous views of Peveril Castle and the Hope Valley and is often called a hidden gem.
You will be able to see why it is one of the best easy walks in the Peak District! It is beautiful. It was recently a set for the Vale in the new series of House of the Dragon, so you will literally be walking amongst a TV set. They filmed in Castleton Village too.
Distance: 2.8 Miles or 4.5km
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Walk Type: Circular Walk
Elevation Gain: 241m
Read the complete guide here: Cave Dale Walk
Lud’s Church Walk
If you love walking in the Peak District but have never been on a walk like the Lud’s Church walk, you are in for a magical experience. It’s one of those walks that leave you feeling like time has stood still for a few hours, and you are transported back to another era. This walk leads you through ancient woodland, but it also takes you through a green chasm. It feels magical, and you need to experience it for yourself!
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Read the full guide here: Lud’s Church Walk
Dovestones Reservoir
Dovestone Reservoir Circuit is one of the most popular and easy walks in the Peak District. If you’re strapped for time or looking for an accessible, beginner, or child-accessible path, it’s the ideal route for you. The views are stunning and, if you’re lucky, there could be sailing boats in the reservoir or the mountains covered with snow. There’s nothing as beautiful!
The terrain is well-made and level and is an easy, circular path to follow. There are likely to be many people walking this route, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be lost.
The best thing about this hike can be that it is wheelchair or pram-friendly. This means it’s accessible to all.
If you are using a pram or a wheelchair, it is advised to walk in a clockwise direction because of the steep sections close to Yeoman Hey Reservoir.
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Time: 1 hour
Read the full guide here: Dovestones Reservoir
Baslow Edge
The Baslow Edge walk is quieter than its neighbouring edges yet highly spectacular. It is an easier option and a great short walk on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park. It lies above the village of Baslow and offers unmatched views of the national park. We are sure that this walk will exceed your expectations.
Distance: 2.7km/ 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 45 minutes- 1 hour depending on fitness levels and photo opportunities.
Read the complete guide here: Baslow Edge Walk.
The Roaches and Hen’s Cloud
The Roaches Walk is one of the best and most well-known short and easy walks in the Peak District. The circular walk involves climbing up to Hen Cloud, passing by Doxey Pool, and then the Roaches on a ridge to the Roaches Trig Point before dropping down and returning via Roach Road.
Distance: 7.5km (4.6 miles)
Elevation: 278m
Route Type: circular walk
Trigs: 1 – The Roaches
Read the full guide here: The Roaches
Bamford Edge
Bamford Edge is in the Dark Peaks in the Peak District National Park, located near the Bamford village. Bamford. It is a cliff-like overhang of gritstone and unparalleled views of the Peaks. It’s also a popular place for climbers, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to watch them climb the rock while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Bamford Edge has a 420m elevation and is a great location to capture some photos. Are you prepared with your camera?
Time: 1- 1hr-30-minutes
Distance: 2 miles
Ascent: 217m
Read the full guide here: Bamford Edge
The Peak District is filled with incredible walking routes that show stunning rural landscapes. We hope you found this guide useful and that you can see there are easy Peak District walks for anyone, regardless of your fitness level or level of ability. Get outside and have fun and remember to check the full details of all the walks to help plan your Peak District walking adventures. Remember to take an OS or online map (downloaded) with you to stay safe and take all litter home with you.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.