Best walks in the Peak District National Park

The Peak District National Park in Derbyshire is one of Britain's most iconic landscapes – hike over hills, moors and mountains, amble beside idyllic rivers and climb through deep gorges with our favourite walks

February 1st, 2019 at 8:30 am

In 1951, the Peak District – comprising most of Derbyshire and parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Staffordshire – became Britain’s first national park. It’s a landscape of great diversity, varying from gritstone and moorland in the north to limestone gorges and valleys in the south.

Take to the path and explore this diverse landscape with our favourite Peak District walks.

The Peak District was designated as a national park in 1951 ©Getty

Saddleworth Moor, West Yorkshire

Butterly Reservoir, seen from the path, is just a short walk from the main route ©Getty

Enjoy this inspiring seven-mile walk across England’s great watershed, the Pennine Divide, linking the villages of Marsden and Uppermill via boat-horse trails. Map and Route.

Chee Dale, Miller’s Dale and Wye Dale, Derbyshire

In early summer, the banks of the River Wye bloom with meadowsweet ©Neil Coates

This four-mile loop walk along the River Wye in the Peak District takes you through deep gorges and lush forests. Map and Walk.

Bakewell to Chatsworth, Derbyshire

Bridge over the River Derwent In Chatsworth Park, Derbyshire

The old bridge at Chatsworth, Peak District ©Getty

Stroll for seven miles among the ponds and pasture of Chatsworth’s parkland on the eastern borders of the Peak District National Park. Map and route.

The Roaches, Staffordshire

Late-summer heather on the Roaches ridgeline in the Peak District ©Getty

Look out for wallabies while enjoying folklore and oatcakes amid striking Staffordshire gritstone outcrops with this six-mile walk in the Peak District National Park. Map and Route.

Chrome Hill, Derbyshire

Parkhouse Hill from Chrome Hill, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England, UK

The upturned limestone reefs of the Dragon’s Back ©Alamy

In this quiet corner of the Peak District National Park a turf-covered monster has lain sleeping for millions of years – discover the spectacular Dragon’s Back with this 6.5-mile hill walk. Route and map.

Mam Tor, Derbyshire

The road past the Cheshire Cheese Inn was a key trade route for salt sellers and sheep drovers in medieval times ©Carys Matthews

Pack hiking boots and crackers for a stay at a pub in the village of Hope where cheese once passed as currency, then walk off your lunch with a stroll up one of the Peak District’s best-loved hills. Map and route.

Kinder Scout, Derbyshire

Kinder Scout in snowfall ©Getty

Sandwiched between Manchester and Sheffield in Derbyshire, the bleak but beautiful upland plateau of Kinder Scout is a landscape of wind-swept waterfalls and rocky crags, perfect for hikers and scramblers alike. Map and route.

Padley Gorge, Derbyshire

No matter what the season, Padley Gorge is a magical place ©Getty

Enjoy an absorbing woodland amble en route to a striking post-industrial landscape veiled by Peak District trees. Route and map.

Deepdale, Derbyshire

Overhanging limestone cliffs, 100m high, dwarf those intrepid enough to walk the bed of Chee Dale gorge

Delve into Deepdale in the Peak Distirct National Park before discovering Chelmorton’s ancient field systems and The Wye’s gorgeous Chee Dale. Map and route.

Monsal Dale, Derbyshire

Monsal Dale in the Peak District on a misty autumn morning.

Ramble the high tracks and waterside paths of Monsal Dale in the Peak District National Park to revel in an explosion of seasonal colour, especially in autumn. Map and route.

Birchover, Derbyshire

Robin Hood's Stride, Harthill Moor, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England, UK

The Peak District National Park is home to dozens of mysterious rock formations and stone circles – discover some of the best on this prehistoric five-mile walk. Map and route.

Tideswell, Derbyshire

Take a winter wander from Tideswell’s ‘Cathedral of the Peak’ into the depths of Miller’s Dale and Monk’s Dale in the Peak District National Park. Map and route.

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