5 Best Peak District Walks

The Peak District was the first National Park ever created in the UK, back in 1951, and it now receives more than 10 million visitors every year. And it’s so popular for a very good reason: it’s stunning!
Despite its well-deserved popularity, however, it’s still very easy to escape the crowds here, and there are more than 1,800 miles of footpaths, trails and bridleways to explore. Whether you enjoy hiking hard in the hills, or wandering gently along the river banks, there’s a Peak District Walk to suit you.
We’ve gathered together our pick of the 5 Best Peak District Walks in one place, and we guarantee you’ll love whichever one you choose!
An important word before you set off – PLEASE do follow The Countryside Code at all times. Remember that fires and barbecues are not permitted in the Peak District National Park, and dogs should be on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July to protect livestock and birds that nest on the ground. PLEASE take all litter home with you and stick to the marked paths. Thank you!
Best Peak District Walk for …
A Riverside Ramble
Dovedale Walk via Hall Dale and Ilam (6 miles)

This beautiful Dovedale Walk on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border takes in the most breathtaking views of this part of the Peak District. It crosses the famous stepping stones in Dovedale, walks on shady paths alongside the River Dove as it cuts between towering limestone crags, tracks through the grassy slopes of Hall Dale, strewn with wildflowers, and passes through the picture-perfect village of Ilam, before returning to the start point in Dovedale.
Although there are magnificent views along the way, this route does not feel like a tough one and it’s a great one for the whole family to enjoy, maybe with a picnic en route.
For other peaceful Peak District Riverside Walks, try…
Monyash and Lathkill Dale Walk (4 miles)
Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles)
Best Peak District Walk for …
Stunning Views
Edale Walk via Mam Tor (7.5 miles)

OK, this isn’t the easiest walk in our 5 Best Peak District Walks collection, but they do say the best views come after the hardest climbs! There’s no question that this circular Edale Walk via Mam Tor is challenging in places, but it shows off some of the most spectacular views in the Peak District, and for a true countryside day out that gives you a real taste of this part of the world, it’s hard to beat.
The route follows part of the Pennine Way out of the pretty village of Edale in Derbyshire, with stunning views all across the Edale Valley to Mam Tor, and then follows farm trails to the lovely hamlet of Upper Booth. From Upper Booth you climb up on to Rushup Edge and along the ridge to the summit of Mam Tor, all the time with the most amazing views to both sides of you, of the Hope Valley in one direction and back across the Edale Valley in the other. From Mam Tor you walk along the iconic Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, and then down on hill trails and country lanes back to Edale.
For other beautiful Peak District Walks with Inspiring Views, try…
The Manifold Way via Wetton (5 miles)
Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge Walk (8 miles)
Best Peak District Walk for …
Peaceful Woodlands
Wyming Brook Walk (1.7 miles)

In medieval times the area around Wyming Brook was a private hunting forest for the region’s nobility. Now these same acres are a Nature Reserve and SSSI in the Yorkshire Peak District, preserved by The Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham as a home and safe haven for a wide variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes and ears open for crossbills, dippers, redstarts, pied flycatchers and wood warblers here, as well as the common lutestring and northern spinach moths.
This lovely circular Wyming Brook Walk follows the course of the picturesque brook as it tumbles through a wooded ravine over mossy rocks, criss-crossed by a series of pretty wooden footbridges. It then follows wide, level, wooded bridleways back to the start point.
For other wonderful Peak District Woodland Walks, try…
Hathersage Fairy Woods (2 miles)
Beeley Walk (3 miles)
Best Peak District Walk for …
Families
Robin Hood’s Stride Walk (2.7 miles)

This great circular Robin Hood’s Stride Walk is written specifically with children in mind, and it’s a great one for adventurous kids and their adventurous grown-ups! There are trees to climb, huge rocks to scramble over, a hermit’s cave to explore and a rope swing to play on.
Robin Hood’s Stride is a fabulous collection of rocks perched high on a hill, perfect for climbing and scrambling, and there are fantastic views from the top. The walk starts and ends in the pretty Derbyshire village of Elton. Please park with consideration for local residents.
For other great Peak District Family Walks, try…
Stanage Edge Walk (2 miles)
Three Shires Head (3.8 miles)
Best Peak District Walk for …
Ancient History
Minninglow Walk via High Peak Trail (3 miles)

This wonderful circular Minninglow Walk takes you along the High Peak Trail in Derbyshire to the top of the magnificent Minninglow Hill, an ancient and mysterious landmark.
Minninglow Hill is the site of a collection of Neolithic tombs, dating from around 3,000BC. The tombs are still very evident, scattered around a later circular mound constructed in the Bronze Age. The whole site is now crowned by a group of tall beech trees and encircled by a further outer ring of younger beech trees, creating a distinctive shape that is recognisable from many points throughout the White Peak. There are magnificent views all the way along this walk.
For other fascinating Peak District History Walks, try…
Chatsworth and Edensor Walk (3.8 miles)
Eyam to Stoney Middeton Walk (5.5 miles)
