It might be called the Peak District, but you definitely don’t need to break a sweat in order to see some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. Our easy walks guide will take you from a dramatic moss covered canyon, to towering limestone cliffs, crystal clear rivers, spectacular ridge lines and even a hidden cave that used to be home to bears!
Whether you’re looking for fabulous photography spots, quiet dales that avoid the crowds, or simply the well known showstoppers, we have you covered.
Here are the best easy walks in the Peak District.
The best easy walks in the Peak District
1. Bamford Edge
Distance: 1.8 mile (2.9km) circuit
Elevation gain: 130m
Area: Hope Valley, near Hathersage
The views from Bamford Edge are some of the best in the Peak District. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to photography spots, with lots of atmospheric ledges and gritstone piles which make for some lovely edge of the world type shots.
There’s a bit of a climb at the beginning, but once you get up to the ridge, it’s completely flat. It’s a lovely place to come for sunset, or to enjoy a picnic.
You can read about our easy route and where to find the ledge photography spots here.
2. Luds Church
Distance: 2.4 miles (3.8km) return
Elevation gain: 140m
Area: 15 minutes from Buxton
Walking between the towering gorge walls of Luds Church feels like you’ve strayed onto the set of Jurassic Park. The walls of the chasm are dripping in moss and there are plenty of narrow passages to explore.
You’ll also be struck by the silence, which only adds to the mysterious atmosphere. It’s easily one of the most magical places to explore in the Peak District.
The trail is generally in good condition, but Luds Church itself gets very, very muddy - don’t wear shoes you want to keep pristine. There are few short uphill sections, but nothing overly steep, and the terrain is mainly smooth.
You can read all the finer details in our Luds Church guide.
3. Padley Gorge
Distance: 3.6 mile (5.9km) circuit
Elevation gain: 190m
Area: Hope Valley, near Hathersage
Lovers of ancient forest should put Padley Gorge at the top of their Peak District hit list. This beautiful stretch of woodland has a mysterious feel, with gnarled trees dripping in moss, and hundreds of boulders scattered amongst the bracken.
The forest surrounds a picturesque gorge, which is perfect for a paddle on a hot summer’s day.
The walk has little in the way of hills, and generally good terrain - although you will encounter rocks and tree roots.
Some sections of the track can be muddy, but when we walked in summer, the rocks scattered throughout the mud meant that we could hop through any squelchy patches with ease (in other seasons the muddy sections may be larger and less easy to avoid).
You can read more in our Padley Gorge guide.
4. Chee Dale
Distance: 3.1 mile (5km) circuit
Elevation gain: 50m
Area: 15 minutes from Buxton
This easy Chee Dale circular route has so much variety. You’ll walk through a beautiful gorge, take in two sets of stepping stones - which see far fewer crowds than the ones at Dovedale - as well several fun abandoned tunnels.
The walk is almost entirely flat and generally has very good terrain. Compared to other trails in the Peaks, there’s also very little in the way of mud.
There are two very short rocky patches, which can be slippery, but it is just a few steps. The only other bit of track you might want to watch your footing on, is the second set of stepping stones, which are very uneven.
You can read more about the trail here.
5. Dovedale to Milldale
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) return - this includes side trails to the caves
Elevation gain: 140m
Area: 10 minutes from Ashbourne
The Dovedale to Milldale walk is stunning from start to finish. You’ll stroll alongside the gorgeous River Dove, past towering limestone cliffs and secret caves, before arriving in the beautiful village of Milldale.
You’ll also cross the famous Stepping Stones and have the chance to take in the stunning views from Thorpe Cloud - if you don’t mind adding in a little bit of a climb.
It’s a special walk, with great paths that make for a leisurely stroll. Unless you decide to add on the short detour to the top of Thorpe Cloud, you won’t encounter more than a couple of staircases.
You can read our full trail guide here.
6. Three Shires Head
Distance: 1.6miles (2.6km) return
Elevation gain: 100m
Area: 15 minutes from Buxton
If you’re looking for one of the Peak Districts prettiest wild swimming spots, this one is for you. The trail itself doesn’t compare to any of the others on this list, so it’s definitely about the destination and the chance to take a dip.
There are two pools which both sit beneath small waterfalls, surrounded by rolling green hills. The old stone bridge gives it a quintessential Peak District feel and the water is clear and inviting.
The track is basically all downhill on the way and then you have to climb back up - but it honestly doesn’t take long, so don’t be put off! The terrain is generally good, first through a field and then on a dirt path.
Here are the directions as this route is not signposted.
7. Lumsdale Falls
Distance: 1 mile (1.6km) return
Elevation gain: 50m
Area: Matlock
Lumsdale Falls flows into a beautiful rugged gorge, which feels a world away from the bustling town of Matlock; in reality it’s a mere five minute drive.
The walk to the falls passes a series of ivy covered ruins, which are incredibly atmospheric and look just like a scene from an old novel.
It’s a lovely spot at any time of year, but you’ll find the falls at their best after a decent downpour.
The walk does have a few stairs to climb, but the majority is very leisurely, following a quiet country lane. You can see the exact route here.
8. Thors Cave
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4km) return
Elevation gain: 130m
Area: 20 minutes from Ashbourne
Thor’s Cave is a photographer’s dream. The cave sits high in the cliff side and the large opening perfectly frames the rolling green hills.
As well as being particularly photogenic, Thor’s Cave has been a movie location, on the cover of a Verve album (A Storm in Heaven) and was formerly inhabited by giant deer and even bears! It’s easy to see why it’s such a captivating place to visit.
The walk to get there is mainly flat, but there are several staircases to climb towards the end. If you want to get into the cave it requires a tiny scramble (no more than a few steps), but it’s very easy unless you decide to venture further in, when the terrain can get slippery.
You can read more in our Thors Cave guide.
9. Lathkill Dale
Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6km) return
Elevation gain: 180m
Area: 15 minutes from Bakewell
Lathkill Dale is the perfect choice when you’re keen to do a long walk, but still want it to be very leisurely. The walk is entirely flat and mainly on a good smooth path, with just the odd rocky section.
When it comes to scenery it’s wonderfully varied, taking you through a limestone gorge, to a pretty little waterfall, woodland, and even past a series of old mine shafts - one of which can be explored using a sturdy ladder.
Here are all the details on the route we took through the dale.
10. Stanton Moor
Distance: 1.6 mile (2.6km) circuit
Elevation gain: 40m
Area: 20 minutes from Matlock
This lovely little circular track is best walked between July and September, when the heather is in full bloom and blankets huge swathes of the moor.
As well as the incredible heather displays, you’ll also visit a bronze age stone circle, which is thought to be over 4000 years old.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle was built as a centrepiece for ceremonies and rituals, and it looks like it is still used today - it was full of petals and whole roses on our visit!
The entire walk is flat, and mainly on a dirt path or sandy trails. The only difficult bit is trying to climb the Cork Stone - a far harder endeavour than it looks!
You can read more in our Stanton Moor guide.
11. Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale circular
Distance: 5.9 mile (9.5 km) loop
Elevation gain: 155m
Area: 20 minutes from both Buxton & Ashbourne
The Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale circular walk is a gorgeous route through several of the peaks prettiest dales. It’s an easy stroll through limestones gorges, rolling farmland and alongside the picturesque river.
There’s even the chance to visit an ancient cave that used to be home to a hermit in the 19th century.
It’s also a lot quieter than many of the surrounding dales, so if you like a bit of peace and serenity, this one is for you.
There are a few short climbs, but nothing steep. Much of the track is a good gravel path, with a few sections along grass and on dirt trails.
Here’s our detailed guide to the Wolfscote Dale circular.
12. Ilam Park circular
Distance: 1 mile (1.6km) circuit
Elevation gain: 20m
Area: 15 minutes from Ashbourne
This short circular walk is an easy family favourite. You’ll begin by crossing some grazing land before making your way along the river.
It’s a peaceful walk with very easy terrain, so you can just relax and enjoy immersing yourself in nature.
As you walk beside the water you’ll pass pretty woodland which has beautiful wildflowers in spring and summer.
The trail begins and ends at a National Trust property, so you can treat yourself to tea and cake at the cafe to finish. The view over the Italian garden and rolling green hills is gorgeous.
13. Upper Derwent Valley
Distance: 1.4 mile (2.3 km) circuit
Elevation gain: 50m
Area: Hope Valley, near Hathersage
The Upper Derwent Valley is stunning at any time of year, but if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during autumn, you will be treated to a real spectacle.
The trees are the most colourful I’ve seen in any woods in the UK, and the whole walk was a dream.
As well as beautiful woodland, this easy trail takes in the famous Derwent Reservoir and some wonderful views of the River Derwent, complete with picturesque old stone bridges.
The path is excellent throughout and there is just one staircase, it’s otherwise a flat stroll.
All the details on our exact route are here.
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