Walking

There are many special places to explore on foot in the Peak District.  As a starting point, we have provided details below on the most popular places for walking alongside some of our favourites.

Walks from the Door

We are lucky to be located just 100 metres from the footpath which links to Over Haddon in one direction and Sheldon in the other.

Within our welcome folder which is provided to you in your cottage, there are full details of the walks from the door, maps and of course recommendations of pubs stops too! Places to walk to include:

  • Over Haddon
  • Magpie Mine & Sheldon
  • Over Haddon & Lathkill Dale
  • Ashford & Sheldon
  • Lathkill Dale & Monyash
  • Bakewell, Ashford & Sheldon

The trails in the park and Stand Wood are open to walkers throughout the year – many paths for you to discover and explore. Think grand and opulent.  We have included maps and details for a couple of walks provided by Chatsworth within the grounds

Tea rooms can be found at Edensor as well as a number of food options at Chatsworth itself (a good variety).  The Flying Children’s Restaurant serves afternoon tea for something extra special.

These dramatic gritstone escarpments can be included to form a walk of magnitude through the pretty villages of Curbar, Calver, Froggatt and Grindleford as well as various country lanes, field tracks and shady woodland paths alongside the River Derwent.

At certain times of the year, look out for the rock climbers – we only wish we could be that agile!

The north east corner of Derbyshire are home to these vast reservoirs which are worthy of consideration for circular walks – an option if you are looking for a walking without any styles to clamber over.  Stunning views and atmosphere.

There is parking at a number of locations around the Dams, including a visitor centre with: shop, cycle hire, refreshments and toilets at Fairholmes.

Probably the most famous dale in the Peak District, Dovedale is famous for the stepping stones at the foot of Thorpe Cloud.

There is more to explore in this area – one idea is to follow the river Dove from the stepping stones up to the pretty hamlet of Mildale, which houses an idyllic ice cream shop.

The stepping stones and the surrounding area can get very busy on warm summer days.

Located just to the north of Buxton, the Goyt Valley combines picturesque valley, moorland, river and reservoir scenery.  It comprises of the River Goyt flowing through the valley as well as two reservoirs.

It is a place to enjoy walking in all seasons. In summer, it features thousands of Rhododendrons around the ruined Errwood Hall. In Autumn, the moors turn purple as the heather starts to flower before the leaves on the trees start to turn magnificent shades of oranges, yellows and reds before they drop-off.

Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District at over 600 metres above sea level. True Peak District walking/scrambling which provides a real sense of achievement.

There are several different routes up Kinder, it can be a challenging walk (or even scramble!) – not for the faint hearted but the views from the top are worth it!

Consists of beautiful moorlands with less challenging terrain.

Part of the National Trust, the Longshaw Estate joins onto Padley Gorge (including both together is a real treat). Car park on-site.

There are a number of circular routes provided by the National Trust which are easy to follow around the estate.  Look out for the spectacular heather on the moorlands throughout the Autumn.

A mystical, moss laden route which as the name suggests, has links to worship but not perhaps as you may imagine. Other than Luds Church’s religious history, there are also some myths that come with the area such as that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck are reported to have stayed in the cleft whilst hiding from the authorities

Stone steps and dark green colours a plenty – tranquil.

Whilst the ‘chasm’ is only 100m long it is certainly an interesting walk and can be combined with other surrounding walks to increase duration. Lud’s Church is accessible via the Roaches, the Back Forest and via Gradbach (all of which are scenic with many terrific walks).

Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, is a 517-metre-high hill near Castleton and it one of the most famous and popular walking routes in the Peak District.

Mam Tor sits on the edge of the Dark Peak (gritstone) and the White Peak (limestone) which means you see far reaching views of the limestone parts of the National Park, such as the dry gorge of Winnats Pass.

Padley Gorge is an ancient, beech tree lined gorge.  In Autumn when the leaves change to their golden colour, Padley Gorge becomes a magical place to walk.

A marvellous walk is to start at the Grindleford Station Café (superb), follow Padley Gorge up to the National Trust Longshaw Estate and loop back round.

Often a pleasant, shaded walk on a hot sunny day albeit with some challenging terrain.

Walking along Stanage Edge takes you through a beautiful valley landscape, which inspired many of Charlotte Bronte’s classics.

This is one of the top climbing and bouldering locations in Britain. It features gritstone crags which provide access to multiple short climbs along Stanage’s 4-mile length, Excellent views over the Dark Peak area and the Hope Valley. One of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes in England.