Top 5 Autumn Walks in the Peak District
The Peak District National Park is a beautiful place to explore at any time of the year, but arguably it is at its best in the Autumn, with fabulous colours in all the woodlands and along the quiet lanes.
We’ve gathered together our Top 5 Peak District Autumn Walks to inspire you to kick up the fallen leaves and maybe jump in the puddles along the way!
Tideswell Walk (6 miles)
This lovely walk is dog-friendly (no stiles) and usually cow-free! It starts and ends in the pretty Peak District village of Tideswell, which is very well served with cafes, pubs and shops for refreshments before or after your walk. The route takes you through beautiful Tideswell Dale, past historic Litton Mill and then on to the traffic-free Monsal Trail. From there you head to the pretty hamlet of Miller’s Dale on the River Wye, with a lovely pub at the halfway point for a break if needed. From Miller’s Dale it heads up through classic White Peak rolling fields to return along quiet country lanes to Tideswell.
This is a walk of 6 miles. The terrain is uneven on the field paths and there are areas where the limestone rock underfoot can get slippery, especially after wet weather. There are gates but no stiles or squeeze stiles. There is ample street parking and public toilets at the start/end of the walk. Allow 2-3 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace, allowing for rest stops to take in the views.
Hathersage Fairy Woods Walk (2 miles)
This lovely short walk starts and ends in the pretty Peak District village of Hathersage, ideal for taking in autumn colour Derbyshire. It follows well-made paths up and out of the village, past the church, through beautiful beech woodlands and back down into the village on quiet country lanes.
Hathersage is very well served with cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops. There is a car park (fees payable) and public toilets are available. Allow 45 mins-1 hour to complete this walk at a moderate pace.
Padley Gorge and Surprise View Walk (4.5 miles)
This beautiful walk is a real treat, an autumn walk not too far from Sheffield, taking you through stunning ancient woodland and then onto wild open moorland for breathtaking views – all in less than 5 miles. The walk starts in Padley Gorge and traces the course of Burbage Brook as it tumbles over rocks and beneath pretty footbridges. From there, the route heads out over Hathersage Moor, around Over Owler Tor and over Millstone Edge to Surprise View, with quite possibly the best views in the whole of the Hope Valley, before returning to the start point.
As you would expect, the terrain is uneven, with rocks and tree roots. The route starts and ends at Grindleford train station, so you can leave the car behind. There is a car park if do you travel by car (fees payable) and you’ll find a great café at the start/end point for refreshments. Allow around 2 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace.
Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles)
This walk is an absolute stunner! Starting and ending in the very pretty village of Hartington, it takes through beautiful woodland into Beresford Dale and onwards into Wolfscote Dale, where the path runs beside the crystal-clear River Dove. The route then returns through the steep-sided Biggin Dale and back into Hartington on quiet lanes with superb views.
Please note that the terrain is very uneven in places through the woodland and dales, and some parts of the walk may be wet underfoot after periods of rain. There is parking in Hartington (fees payable) and the village is well served with wonderful pubs, cafés and shops, including a renowned cheese shop. There are also public toilets in the village. Allow around 2-3 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace.
Chatsworth and Edensor (3.8 miles)
This fabulous walk follows beautiful country paths on the Chatsworth Estate, passing through the charming villages of Calton Lees and Edensor. It provides spectacular views of Chatsworth House and the River Derwent, and there’s a very good chance of seeing both red deer and fallow deer en route.
This is a walk of just under 4 miles. Most of the terrain is on country lanes, although there are some field paths that will be muddy after wet weather. There are gates but no stiles or squeeze stiles. Please be aware that there are a number of steep, uneven steps down as you approach Edensor village. There is a lovely café at the Chatsworth Garden Centre at the start/end of the walk, and superb tea rooms in the village of Edensor at the halfway point. There is a public car park at the start point (fees apply). Allow 1-2 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace, allowing for rest stops to take in the views.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out our FULL COLLECTION OF PEAK DISTRICT WALKS HERE!
