Peak District

Walking

The Peak District has miles of picturesque footpaths to explore with routes to suit all ages and abilities and is therefore a great place to enjoy a walking holiday. The more energetic can enjoy hiking in the Dark Peak and enjoy spectacular views from Kinder Scout or Stanage Edge. For the less active or for those with children there are many charming walks along trails and more suitable paths, with equally spectacular views of some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes.

There is also an abundance of walks around Landal Darwin Forest which is adjacent to Forestry Commission woodland. Please note the Forestry Commission are working in the local area so please adhere to all signage on the circular walks.

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Please note there is no parking allowed onsite unless you are staying in a lodge or using the facilities. To access the public footpaths you need to park on Flash Lane.

Path in the woodland with sun shining through the pine trees

Darwin Forest Walks

Short circular walks from Darwin Forest

Darwin Forest is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday if you enjoy walking. We are surrounded by Forestry Commission woodland and have a circular Forest Trail and a shorter woodland walk that is perfect for young children. You can download the map below to see the short circular routes around the park. This are marked by coloured squares to follow.  These walks are for park guests only. You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane.  

Family Walk from the Park

Circular walk from Darwin Forest

This beautiful short walk (2.8 miles) takes you out of the Park and into the surrounding countryside, walking on woodland paths and quiet tracks. The terrain is flat and easy, with no big stiles or tricky gates, although please note that the ground may be muddy in places. There is plenty to see and hear along the way - keep your eyes wide open and your ears switched on! You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane. 

Halldale Woods

Circular Walk from Darwin Forest

This 3.7 mile, easy walk is a great way to explore the beautiful Derbyshire countryside that surrounds the park. The route takes you on a series of pretty woodland paths into the peaceful Halldale Wood, always loud with birdsong, where the banks of the babbling Halldale Brook provide a perfect halfway rest and picnic spot. You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane. 

Beeley Moor & Halldale Woods

Circular walk from Darwin Forest

This 5 mile beautiful circular route takes you across the heather-clad expanse of Beeley Moor, with fantastic views in all directions. It then follows a quiet country lane into mature woodland, where a pretty wooden footbridge crosses a crystal-clear stream, before returning via forest trails. You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane. 

Bottom Moor & Hodgelane Brook

Circular walk from Darwin Forest

This lovely 8 mile circular walk takes you on quiet country lanes to cross the fields of Middle Moor, offering wonderful views in every direction, before heading through the woodlands of Bottom Moor. It then follows the course of the pretty Hodgelane Brook. You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane. 

Hall Dale & Whitesprings Plantation Walk

Circular route from Darwin Forest

This 4 mile circular walk takes you on shady woodland trails through a mix of broadleaf and pine forests, home to an abundance of wildlife. There are pretty streams along the way and wonderful views across the open countryside to Hall Dale and Beeley Moor. You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane. 

Farley Woods, Bentley Brook & Bottom Moor

Circular walk from Darwin Forest

This wonderful 6.7 mile route takes you through Farley Wood and offers spectacular views across Matlock, before crossing the stream of Bentley Brook at a pretty footbridge. It then follows field paths through open countryside and forest trails back to the park across Bottom and Upper Moor. You are only allowed to park onsite if you are staying in a lodge or will be using the facilities. The start and finish of the walks includes private land. To access the public footpaths and the remainder of the walk you need to park on Flash Lane.  

Path showing bikes with trailers and wheelchairs

Accessible Trails

Miles without Stiles routes, created by the Peak District National Park are suitable for people of all fitness levels and those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and scooters and the visually impaired. 

    Beeley & Hellbank Plantation

    This 3 mile lovely walk takes you out of the pretty village of Beeley on grassy field paths and along the edge of the moorland above Chatsworth House, with fabulous views back across the Derwent Valley.  Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

      A viewpoint at Carsington Water with picture frame to take your own photos

      Carsington Reservoir

      From Carsington Water Visitor Centre you can enjoy the short, family friendly, 3 mile route or the full 8 mile reservoir circuit which is all off road. Alternatively you can increase your route a little further and take in Hopton and Carsington Village. There is also a cafe, playground and visitor centre onsite.

        Chatsworth House from across the river

        Chatsworth Park

        This 4 mile walk follows beautiful country paths on the Chatsworth Estate, passing through the charming villages of Calton Lees and Edensor. It provides spectacular views of Chatsworth House and the River Derwent, and there’s a good chance of seeing deer. Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

          View of the valley

          Cocking Tor (Ashover)

          This 9.5 mile Derbyshire walk is full of varied scenery, some of it spectacular, and covers some of the less well-known hills and valleys of the Derbyshire Dales. It also takes in some very interesting industrial archaeological remains in Lumsdale. Route: Thanks to Walking Britain

            Canal with boat and cafe

            Cromford Canal and Black Rocks

            A 6.8 mile walk that explores parts of Derbyshire's Industrial Heritage whilst also giving stunning and wide-ranging views that include Crich Stand, Black Rocks, Carsington Reservoir and the Derwent Valley. Route: Thanks to Walking Britain

              Signpost in the peak district showing path routes

              Curbar, Baslow & Froggatt

              This 8 mile walk offers some of the best views in the Peak District, across Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge with the Derwent Valley laid out below. You can also just enjoy the 'Edges' section of this walk to take in the panoramic views. Route:Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                River dove with hills in the backdround

                Dovedale

                This 6 mile circular walk crosses the famous stepping stones in Dovedale and alongside the River Dove as it cuts between towering limestone crags, tracks through the grassy slopes of Hall Dale and passes through the picture-perfect village of Ilam. Route: Thanks to Let's Go Peak District. 

                  group of walkers, walking along a forest trail

                  Guided Walks

                  Enjoy a guided walk in the Peak District. Led by qualified instructors you can venture off the beaten track, learn about local history or ensure you take in the best views. My Guided Walks offers walks and navigation training. 

                    Hartington Walk

                    This 5.5 mile stunning walk starts and ends in the pretty village of Hartington. It takes you over fields and through woodland into Beresford Dale and Wolfscote Dale, where the path runs beside the River Dove. Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                      Mountain views

                      Kinder Downfall from Hayfield

                      This 9 mile Hayfield walk takes you to the highest point in the Peak District, via some of the most spectacular scenery. The route also takes you past Kinder Downfall, the highest waterfall in the Peak District, and through fascinating gritstone rock formations at Sandy Heys. Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                        River at Lathkill Dale

                        Monyash & Lathkill Dale

                        This lovely 4 mile walk takes you out of the pretty village of Monyash on the Limestone Way, through classic White Peak scenery.  It passes through part of Cales Dale before following the stunning Lathkill Dale past the source of the River, where it springs from a cave. Route: Thanks to Let's Go Peak District

                          The viaduct bridge at Ladybower reservoirs with beautiful blue sky

                          Ladybower Walk

                          This lovely walk is on well-made paths and offers magnificent views.  The route completes a circuit of one half of Ladybower Reservoir and passes the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam, scene of the practice flights for the famous Dambusters raids during WWII. Route: Thanks to Let's Go Peak District. 

                            Waterfalls at lumsdale

                            Lumsdale Waterfalls

                            Lumsdale Falls is home to a series of magnificent waterfalls, ponds and the ancient ruins of three mills. This area is of huge archaeological significance, here you will find one of the largest collections of water powered industrial mills in the country! Whilst you are there, pop into Bentley Brook Brewery for a drink!  2.5 mile walk Thanks to Lets go Peak District

                              Group walking along the ridge at Mam Tor in the sunset

                              Mam Tor and Cavedale

                              This 6 mile circular walk from Castleton goes through Cave Dale, up on to Mam Tor and along the iconic Great Ridge, from where there are magnificent views of the Hope Valley and Edale Valley, before descending back into Castleton.  Route: Thanks to Let's Go Peak District.

                                View over the valley from Thors cave

                                Manifold Valley and Wetton Hill

                                This 5 mile circular walk from Wetton Mill is simply stunning, offering some of the very best views of the Manifold Valley including the iconic Thor's Cave that offers incredible views over the landscape. Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                                  View of the Monsal Bridge Viaduct

                                  Monsal Trail Walk

                                  The 6 mile walk starts and ends in Ashford in the Water, which is well served with tea rooms and pubs and has public toilets. It follows well-made paths up towards Monsal Head and over the iconic viaduct. Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                                    Padley Gorge

                                    Padley Gorge is a perfect fairy glade and children will love this 2 mile walk. A shallow stream crossed by footbridges is perfect for paddling, there are trees to climb, a rope swing and even a magical money tree. Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                                      Robin Hoods Stride

                                      Robin Hoods Stride

                                      This 3 mile walk is great adventurous kids and grown-ups!  There are trees to climb, huge rocks to scramble over, a hermit’s cave to explore, a rope swing to play on and there are fantastic views from the top.   Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District

                                        Bridge over the river at Cressbrook dale

                                        Tideswell & Cressbrook Dale

                                        This lovely 6 mile walk starts and ends in Tideswell village. It goes through beautiful Tideswell Dale, past Litton Mill and on to the Monsal Trail. Route: Thanks to Lets Go Peak District