Here is a selection of easy walks in the Peak District that provide lovely views, fresh air, and exercise.
Walking is a great way to connect with nature and a pivotal way to improve our physical and mental health, whether you choose a considerable hike up a famous peak or just a stroll around your local woodland. It all adds up! In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best easy walks in the Peak District that you should take advantage of. Enjoy weaving through beautiful villages and countryside brimming with wildflowers as you wander around England’s first National Park – without worrying about challenging terrains!
We have detailed the following easy walks in the Peak District for you to enjoy.
- Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk, Peak District – 5.5 miles
- Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular Walk, Peak District – 3.2 miles
- Mam Tor Circular Route, Peak District – 3 miles
- Stanage Edge Circular Walk, Peak District – 5.6 miles
- Three Shires Head Kids Walk, Peak District – 3.8 miles
Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk, Peak District – 5.5 miles
- Length: a 5.5-mile circular route.
- Time: 1-2 hours.
- Accessibility: The terrain is suitable, with well-made tracks and pavements. There are no stiles or kissing gates, but there are some gates. The route is suitable for children and prams, wheelchairs, and cyclists.
- Parking: Paid Parking at Fairholmes Visitor Information Centre.
- Facilities: There are toilets, a café, and a gift shop at the Visitor Information Centre.
Take a break from your day-to-day life with this easy walking trail around Ladybower Reservoir. Winding its way through the most beautiful views and past Derwent Dam—site of WWII’s practice runs—there’s something for everyone to appreciate here. It doesn’t require much effort, and better yet, it is suitable for family cycling (including all-terrain wheelchairs or pushchairs), hikers, and dog walkers alike!
Free parking is available along the route, but those who opt to park at Fairholmes Visitor Information Centre will contribute to maintaining local facilities and supporting charity initiatives. The Peak District National Park operates a cycle hire station at Fairholmes Visitor Centre.
You can find the entire walking route here.
Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular Walk, Peak District – 3.2 miles
- Length: a 3.2-mile circular route.
- Time: 2-3 hours.
- Accessibility: This entire route is not pram-friendly or wheelchair friendly (However, the short section between Dovedale car park and Dovedale Stepping Stones is). Be aware that the path to Dovedale Stepping Stones is a steady descent.
- Parking: Paid parking at Dovedale car park; be aware that this gets very busy at peak times.
We have included one of our favourite walks from our article, 5 of the Best Family Walks in the Peak District. The Dovedale Stepping Stones circular route is fun for all ages and easy to complete. It’s a great way to spend a day outdoors.
The Stepping Stones across the River Dove are a Peak District National Park hotspot. This route takes you from the village of Thorpe and guides you around Thorpe Cloud, then across Dovedale Stepping Stones. There’s an optional detour up Thorpe Cloud if you are up for it. It takes 15 minutes uphill, but the views are worth it. On a sunny day, it’s nice to take your time on this walk, enjoy a picnic, and even paddle.
You can read the full details of the Dovedale circular walk here.
Stanage Edge Circular Walk, Peak District – 5.6 miles
- Length: a 5.6 mile circular route.
- Time: 2-3 hours.
- Accessibility: The Stanage Edge walk has uneven and rocky paths, so watch your footing and wear suitable shoes.
- Parking: Oddfellows Road Car Park is near Hathersage Train Station, and there are free roadside spots on Station Approach. You can also park at the Hathersage train station.
Located at the Dark Peak, this easy walk offers some of the Peak District National Park’s most dramatic views of Hope Valley and beyond from Stanage Edge. There is much to explore, and the gritstone escarpment here has become a landmark.
This circular walk is one we love to complete repeatedly. Its epic rock-climbing routes are great for experienced climbers. However, those looking to explore further can experience Kinder Scout or Mam Tor – two other renowned walking spots in this beautiful part of England.
After your journey, reward yourself with some delicious pub grub near Stanage Edge village. This route is accessible by public transport.
You can follow the entire Stanage Edge route here.
Mam Tor Circular Route, Peak District – 3 miles
- Length: a 3-mile circular route.
- Time: 1- 2 hours.
- Accessibility: Suitable for children. Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Well-established footpath.
- Parking: National Trust-owned car park and non-National Trust pay and display car parks with toilets at Edale and Castleton.
Mam Tor is great if you want great views and to tick a peak of your list! There are so many routes to climb Mam Tor, ranging from 15 minutes to reach the top to 3-hour circular routes. We have included a path to Mam Tor suitable for most people.
This short walk will take you to Mam Tor’s summit and down the great ridge to Hollins Cross. You will then loop back to the car park on the old Castleton Road. If you have children, you can walk up to the summit and back down. This would only be 1km and is worth knowing if they tire quickly. It’s a great one to introduce children to hiking.
You can find this route and nine more of the best Mam Tor walking routes here.
Three Shires Head Kids Walk, Peak District – 3.8 miles
- Length: a 3.8-mile kids walk.
- Time: 3-4 hours.
- Accessibility: It is suitable for children aged six and over but not prams or wheelchairs. There are stiles and squeeze stiles, and there is some uneven terrain.
- Parking: There is free parking at the start of the walk, and a short distance from the car park, there’s a small café with public toilets.
Take the kids on an adventure to Three Shires Head, where Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire counties meet. The countryside views are beautiful, and the terrain is relatively easy, although it is uneven and rocky in places. There are moderate uphill and downhill sections.
Kids aged six years or over with stamina will love this route. Along it, you will find pools, waterfalls, and bridges in the middle of the countryside, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a picnic.
Allow around 3-4 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace for little legs. You can find more information about the entire route here.
So, there you have it—5 of the best easy walks in the Peak District National Park to get you started. The important thing is to get outside and enjoy all the countryside has to offer. We hope this article has been helpful and that you enjoy exploring the area on foot. Let us know how you get on or if you have any recommendations; you can comment below!
