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 guide to the best walks in the Peak District.
In 1951, the Peak District – comprising most of Derbyshire and parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Staffordshire – became Britain’s first national park.
The Peak District is a landscape of great diversity, varying from gritstone and moorland in the north to limestone gorges and valleys in the south. Here is our guide to the best walks in the Peak District.
More related content:
- Best walks in the Lake District National Park
- Where to hike in the Yorkshire Dales
- Best walks in Northumberland
Ilam and Dove Dale, Staffordshire and Derbyshire
Explore Dove Dale and its surrounding countryside with a three-hour walk, starting at the pretty village of Ilam.
Earl Sterndale to Hollinsclough, Derbyshire
A 9km hike through the Peak District, starting at Earl Sterndale then climbing over Parkhouse and Chrome hills towards the village of Hollinsclough.
Middleton to Youlgreave, Derbyshire
Enjoy a 4.5km poetry walk from Middleton to Youlgreave. a literary treasure hunt created as a millennium project by Middleton and Smerrill Parish around its boundary.
Hollins Cross, Derbyshire
An 8.5km hike from one of the Peak District’s most beautiful villages to the top of Hollins Cross and Mam Tor.
Hathersage and Stanage Edge, Derbyshire
Follow in the footsteps of the Bronte sisters with a 9.5km walk from Hathersage to Stranage Edge in the Peak District National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Padley Gorge, Derbyshire
Enjoy an absorbing woodland amble en route to a striking post-industrial landscape veiled by Peak District trees.
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.
Birchover, Derbyshire
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.
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.
