Best walks in the Peak District
The Peak District National Park 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
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.
1. Saddleworth Moor, West Yorkshire
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.
2. Chee Dale, Miller’s Dale and Wye Dale, Derbyshire
This four-mile loop walk along the River Wye in the Peak District takes you through deep gorges and lush forests. Map and Walk.
3. Bakewell to Chatsworth, Derbyshire
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.
4. The Roaches, Staffordshire
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.
5. Chrome Hill, Derbyshire
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.
6. Mam Tor, Derbyshire
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.
7. Derwent Valley, Derbyshire
The reservoirs of the Peak District’s Upper Derwent Valley played a key role in the most famous bombing raid of the Second World War – today they are popular and peaceful spots, best explored on foot with a six-mile walk. Map and route.
8. Kinder Scout, Derbyshire
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.
9. Padley Gorge, Derbyshire
Enjoy an absorbing woodland amble en route to a striking post-industrial landscape veiled by Peak District trees. Route and map.
10. Deepdale, Derbyshire
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.
11. Monsal Dale, Derbyshire
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.
Discover more great British rambles with our Countryfile Walks.
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