A Visit to Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge is a truly beautiful wooded ravine on the border between Derbyshire and Yorkshire, at the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1972, it is recognised as the best example of the remnant oak and birch woodland that once covered much of the gritstone uplands of the Peak District. Ancient trees form wonderful twisted shapes along gentle slopes, while Burbage Brook tumbles over rocks in a series of waterfalls below. The northern edge of the gorge is very popular with families in summer, with shallow pools, shady trees, wooden footbridges and large flat rocks perfect for stepping stones, though children should be supervised at all times. Bring a picnic and make a day of it, with beautiful walks across the moors and into the nearby National Trust estate at Longshaw close by. Padley Gorge is a magical Peak District spot that feels a world away from civilisation.
Padley Gorge
The truly beautiful wooded ravine known as Padley Gorge is only a stone’s throw from civilisation, but it feels like another world entirely. Located on the border between Derbyshire and Yorkshire, it lies at the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park.
Padley Gorge is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised in 1972 as being “the best example of the remnant oak and birch woodland that once covered much of the edges of the gritstone uplands of the Peak District.” Here, ancient trees grow along gentle slopes, forming the most wonderful twisted shapes, and in the valley below a clear stream, Burbage Brook, tumbles over rocks in a series of waterfalls.
The northern edge of Padley Gorge, where Burbage Brook leaves the edge of Burbage Moor, is very popular with families in the summer months. The shallow pools, shady trees, pretty wooden footbridges and large flat rocks – perfect as stepping stones – make the area a haven for children, although do make sure they’re supervised at all times.
Take a picnic (no barbecues please) and make a day of it here; there are beautiful walks across the moors and into the nearby National Trust estate at Longshaw very close by if you ever tire of the river.
Find out more
To find out more, please click the button below:
How do I get to Padley Gorge?
Padley Gorge is located between Derbyshire and Yorkshire, on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park.
Travelling from Sheffield, take the B6521 on the left approx 200 metres after the Fox House pub (it’s on your right just before the Fox House pub if travelling from Hathersage). Drive past the entrance to the NT Longshaw Estate and after approx half a mile find a parking space on your right hand side. The entrance to Padley Gorge is on the opposite side of the road to the Granby Discovery Barn.
If travelling from Grindleford, take the B6521 out of the village , past The Maynard pub on your right, and the entrance to Padley Gorge is on your left after approx 500 metres.
If the ancient woodland and tumbling waterfalls of Padley Gorge captivated you, the Peak District has many more beautiful woodland walks and natural attractions to explore. Wyming Brook offers a similar experience with its wooded ravine and tumbling stream, while the dramatic Stanage Edge provides a contrast with its wild gritstone escarpment. The beautiful village of Hathersage is nearby with independent shops and excellent walking routes, and Froggatt Edge offers equally stunning walking. Discover more routes at our Walking Guide.
