Top 5 Easy Peak District Walks
Our Top 5 Pick of Easy Peak District Walks are suitable for the whole family and all should take under 4 hours to complete, these walks are classified as easy based on distance, but there is some effort required with some of the walks.
These easy Peak District walks are rated as easy, to mild/moderate, and has a time guideline, but if you want to throw in a picnic, take as long as you like and have a wonderful day in the Peak District.
#1 Easy Peak District Walks
Robin Hood’s Stride & The Hermit’s Cave (2.7 miles)
This easy Peak District walk is 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.
This is a walk of 2.7 miles. There are gates, stiles and squeeze stiles. The terrain is uneven and muddy in places, and there are moderate uphill and downhill sections. There is free street parking in the village of Elton at the start of the walk. Although there is no pub in Elton, there are cafés and pubs in the nearby villages of Youlgreave and Birchover. Allow around 2-3 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace. Be aware that you’re likely to encounter cows on this route… [see the full walk]
#2 Easy Peak District Walks
Three Shires Head (3.8 miles)
This easy Peak District walk is quite a distance but it’s very pretty and the terrain is not too challenging! Three Shire Heads is where the counties of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire meet. It’s a series of beautiful pools, waterfalls and bridges in the middle of the countryside, and on a sunny day it’s the most perfect swimming, paddling and picnicking spot. Along the way you’ll find a rope swing and a tree to climb, and there’s no shortage of wild open fields to run around in. Be aware that you are likely to encounter cows on this route.
This is a walk of 3.8 miles. There are gates, stiles and squeeze stiles. The terrain is uneven and rocky in places, and there are moderate uphill and downhill sections. There is free parking at the start of the walk, and a short distance away from the car park there’s a small café with public toilets. Allow around 3-4 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace… [see the full walk]
#3 Easy Peak District Walks
Padley Gorge (2 miles)
Padley Gorge is the perfect fairy glade; you don’t need much imagination to conjure up magical creatures living among these ancient trees that are twisted into strange, eerie shapes. A shallow stream crossed by wooden footbridges is perfect for paddling in, and there are many large, flat rocks that make great stepping stones. There are trees to climb, grassy banks to picnic on, a rope swing for adventurous types, and even a magic ‘money tree’ for you to add your coins to and make a wish.
This is an easy walk of 2 miles. There are gates and squeeze stiles but no climb-over stiles. The terrain is uneven in places, with tree roots and rocks. There are no very steep ascents or descents, but there are gentle climbs. At the start/end of the walk there are ice cream vans, and at the halfway point there’s the great Grindleford Station café with toilets. Remember to take a penny or two for the money tree! The pretty village of Grindleford, only a mile away from the start/end point, has a couple of lovely pubs that serve food, as well as a couple of cafés. Allow around 2 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace… [see the full walk]
#4 Easy Peak District Walks
Stanage Edge (2 miles)
This walk is short but the terrain is a bit challenging, so you’ll need a little bit of stamina! There are great climbing opportunities on the rocks at Stanage – it’s a natural parkour course! – but do make sure your kids stay away from the edge as there are steep drops. A little way along Stanage there’s the chance to crawl and climb into a hidden cave to emerge halfway up the cliff face.
This is a walk of just over 2 miles. There is one gate but no stiles or squeeze stiles. The terrain is uneven and rocky. There is an uphill section to get on to Stanage Edge, and obviously then a downhill section to come off again. There are toilets en route. The pretty village of Hathersage, only a mile away from Stanage Edge, is well served with cafés, pubs and shops. Parking is free although donations to maintain this wonderful landscape are appreciated. Allow around 2 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace… [see the full walk]
#5 Easy Peak District Walks
Lumsdale Valley and Bentley Brook (2.5 miles)
This lovely walk is one of our absolute favourites and it packs an awful lot of interest into a short distance! It explores the stunning Lumsdale Valley, just outside Matlock. An area with a fascinating industrial past, it’s now a peaceful, wooded valley with romantically overgrown mill ruins standing beside waterfalls. The route goes on to follow quiet paths and country lanes with fabulous views across Matlock to Riber Castle, before returning to the start point.
This is a easy walk of 2.5 miles. Most of the terrain is on country lanes, although there are some field paths that may be muddy after wet weather. There are gates but no stiles or squeeze stiles. Please be aware that there are a number of steps down through the Lumsdale Valley. There is (free) parking at the start/end of the walk, and nearby Matlock is very well served with cafes, pubs and restaurants. Allow 1-2 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace, allowing for stops to take in the sights… [see the full walk]
Interested in seeing more, 10Adventures.com has brilliant Peak District Walks
