A Peak District Pub Walk
The Peak District offers the perfect combination of stunning countryside walks and exceptional pubs, making it an ideal destination for a memorable day out. From gentle riverside strolls to challenging hill hikes, there’s a route for every ability—and after working up an appetite, walkers can enjoy a well-deserved meal and local ale in one of the region’s many charming inns, ranging from cosy traditional country pubs to upscale gastropubs. This curated collection brings together the Top 10 Best Peak District Pub Walks, each carefully selected to deliver the ultimate walking-and-dining experience.
The Peak District is a brilliant place to get out for a walk in the countryside, whether you want a gentle riverside stroll or a full day hiking in the hills. By happy coincidence, the Peak District is also well known for its many rather marvellous pubs, from cosy, two-roomed country inns to luxury gastro pubs. And what better way to set yourself up for a Best Day Out than with a bracing walk followed by a hearty meal and a local tipple?!
Always happy to help, we’ve gathered together a collection of our Top 10 Best Peak District Pub Walks here, just for your walking and pubbing pleasure. Cheers!
Peak District Pub Walks
To view our Top 10 Pub Walks with detailed directions, click here:
To help you plan the ultimate Peak District pub walk, we’ve curated a selection of our Top 10 favourite routes, each carefully chosen for its combination of stunning scenery and excellent refreshment stops. Here’s a quick overview of what’s on offer:
Short & Gentle (under 4 miles)
- Hathersage Fairy Woods Walk (2 miles): An easy circular stroll through beautiful beech woodlands, starting from the village of Hathersage where you’ll be spoilt for choice with six excellent pubs, plus cafes and a deli for picnic supplies.
- Beeley and Hell Bank Walk (3 miles): A lovely route from the pretty village of Beeley, featuring fabulous views over Chatsworth House and the Derwent Valley, with a series of waterfalls along the way. The Devonshire Arms awaits your return.
- Monyash and Lathkill Dale Walk (4 miles): A stunning White Peak walk taking in Cales Dale and the source of the River Lathkill, where it emerges from a cave. The Bull’s Head in Monyash is your well-earned reward.
Moderate Adventures (4–6 miles)
- Bamford and Ladybower Reservoir Walk (4.6 miles): Follow the Thornhill Trail with spectacular views to Ladybower Reservoir, passing two great pubs—the iconic Yorkshire Bridge Inn and The Anglers community pub.
- Bradfield and Dale Dike Reservoir Walk (5.3 miles): A wonderful route from Low Bradfield with views over Agden Reservoir, featuring two superb pubs including The Old Horns Inn, which boasts one of the best beer garden views in the Peak District.
- Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles): Explore Beresdale Dale and Wolfscote Dale alongside the River Dove, with Hartington offering two great pubs, the Devonshire Arms and Charles Cotton Hotel.
- Eyam and Stoney Middleton Walk (5.5 miles): A fascinating Figure-of-8 route starting from the historic plague village of Eyam, with three pubs to choose from across both villages, including The Moon Inn in Stoney Middleton.
- Bakewell and Ashford in the Water Walk (5.7 miles): A beautiful riverside walk along the Wye to the pretty village of Ashford, with an abundance of pub choices in both locations—you’ll be truly spoilt for choice.
Longer Challenges (6+ miles)
- Dovedale and Ilam Walk (6 miles): This breathtaking route crosses the famous stepping stones, follows shady paths alongside the River Dove, and passes through the picture-perfect village of Ilam, all starting and ending near the food-and-beer-famed Izaak Walton Hotel.
- Youlgreave and Lathkill Dale Walk (7.6 miles): An absolute gem of a walk following crystal-clear rivers through dramatic limestone gorges, with the village of Youlgreave boasting three great pubs, including The Bull’s Head and The Farmyard Inn.
Each route includes downloadable maps and full directions, taking the guesswork out of planning while leaving plenty of room for spontaneous discovery. Whether you’re after a gentle family stroll or a full day’s hiking, there’s a Peak District pub walk here to suit every pace and appetite.
If combining a bracing walk with a hearty pub meal sounds like your perfect day out, the Peak District has endless pub walk options to explore. Our Kids’ Walks collection offers shorter routes with plenty of family-friendly distractions, while our Riverside Walk collection provides gentler strolls along peaceful waterways. The historic village of Youlgreave offers wonderful circular walks followed by cosy country inns. For a truly spectacular walk, the Froggatt, Curbar and Baslow Edge Walk delivers breathtaking views with excellent pub options nearby. The beautiful town of Bakewell also offers numerous riverside walks ending with a famous pudding and a pint. For more family ideas, visit our Family Attractions Guide.
