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The Peak District was the UK’s first national park, and it’s packed with some of the best walks in England, from gritstone edges and moorland to limestone dales and stepping stones.
I’ve hiked extensively across the Peak District, in everything from summer sunshine to cold, foggy December days with absolutely no views. These are the circular routes I’ve walked myself, each with a map, parking details and the tips I learnt along the way.
Peak District At A Glance
| Best time to walk | April to October for the best conditions, although many walks are lovely all year round. Avoid icy days on the higher routes. |
| Best base | Castleton or Hathersage in the Hope Valley for the big northern walks, or Hartington and Ilam for Dovedale and the south. |
| Getting there | The Hope Valley train line between Manchester and Sheffield stops at Edale, Hope, Hathersage and Grindleford, close to several of these walks. |
| Getting around | A car makes it much easier to reach the trailheads. Otherwise, use the trains and local buses. |
| Parking | Popular car parks fill up fast, so arrive before 9am at weekends and in summer. |
| What to pack | Waterproof boots, a raincoat, plenty of snacks and water, and a hat. Many routes have nowhere to buy food. |
Map Of Peak District Walks
Every place on this page is pinned below. Tap a pin for a quick tip.
Start Here: The Classic Peak District Walks
The two big-name walks, both with views that are worth every step.
My Mam Tor walk is a circular ridge hike from Castleton. I rate our favourite route as moderate, and the guide includes easier and harder alternatives. Take more snacks and water than you think you need. We’ve definitely fallen short on that before, thinking “it’s only a few kilometres”.
The Kinder Scout walk from Hayfield climbs to the highest point in the Peak District. It took me around 5 hours, because I always stop to take pictures and have a bite to eat, and the guide has easier and harder alternatives too.
Walks With Big Views
Great views without a huge climb.
I searched high and low for a Winnats Pass circular walk and couldn’t find one anywhere, so I set off following nothing more than my bearings and drew up the route afterwards. Every steep incline was worth it, and it’s one of our favourite spots in the Peak District.
Bamford Edge has some of the best views over Ladybower for very little effort, but there’s nowhere to stop for food or the loo on the route. My Ladybower Reservoir walk is great all year round, and my top tip is to skip the paid car park and use one of the free ones like Derwent Overlook.
Easy And Family-Friendly Walks
Short circular routes, two of them with stepping stones.
The Padley Gorge walk is incredibly serene, and I recommend it to every type of hiker, families with children included. It takes around 1.5 hours, but leave at least 2 because there are so many places to stop by the river.
The Dovedale stepping stones walk is a short loop with a climb up Thorpe Cloud, and the Chee Dale stepping stones walk follows a river gorge. It’s mostly gentle, but there is one hill which is tough.
Walks In The Quieter South-West
Well worth the trip to the quieter side of the park.
I hiked the Thor’s Cave circular walk on a weekend in December, and it’s one of my favourite routes in the southern Peak District. What surprised me most was how busy the cave itself was compared to the rest of the trail, even on a cold, foggy day with no views.
At Lud’s Church, I spent so long at the chasm taking pictures that it added an extra hour to our walk, and I only just made it back before dark. And after heading to the Goyt Valley, I strongly believe the Shining Tor walk is one of the most underrated in the area. We did it over a bank holiday and were the only ones in the car park.
Where To Eat After Your Walk
Castleton is the best spot for post-hike food after Mam Tor or Winnats Pass. The places we’ve tried and can recommend are The George and Ye Olde Nags Head pubs, Rose Cottage café and Castleton Fish and Chips.
At Ladybower, the café near the start of the walk is handy, but if you want it as a halfway stop, start from a car park further round the reservoir.
My Top Tips For Walking In The Peak District
Get There Before 9am
Car parks at the popular walks like Padley Gorge and Bamford Edge fill up quickly, especially at weekends and in summer. Arrive before 9am, or go on a weekday.
Wear Boots With Grip
Even on a dry summer day, the limestone floor inside Thor’s Cave was damp, and I was glad I had hiking boots with decent grip rather than trainers.
Download Your Maps Offline
I use AllTrails for almost every walk, because you can download the maps before you go and signal can be patchy.
Carry Some Cash
Some trailheads, like Gradbach for Lud’s Church, have overflow parking in farm fields that only take cash.
Peak District Walks FAQs
What is the best walk in the Peak District?
For a classic, the Mam Tor ridge walk from Castleton is hard to beat. For the biggest challenge, try Kinder Scout from Hayfield, and for an underrated gem, the Shining Tor walk in the Goyt Valley.
What are the easiest walks in the Peak District?
Padley Gorge, Dovedale stepping stones and Ladybower Reservoir are all fairly easy circular walks, and great for families.
When is the best time to walk in the Peak District?
April to October usually has the best conditions, but many lower walks are lovely all year round. Avoid the high routes when it’s icy.
Can you get to the Peak District without a car?
Yes. The Hope Valley train line between Manchester and Sheffield stops at Edale, Hope, Hathersage and Grindleford, which are close to several walks. A car makes reaching other trailheads much easier.
Where should I stay in the Peak District?
Castleton or Hathersage are great bases for the northern walks like Mam Tor, Winnats Pass and Kinder Scout. For Dovedale and Thor’s Cave, stay further south around Hartington or Ilam.