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12 Best Walks in the Peak District (to Do in a Day)

If you’re looking for the best walks in the Peak District, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I share 12 Peak District walking routes. All are doable in a day and cater to various fitness levels and capabilities.

best walks in the peak district
We hope you enjoy these Peak District Walks!

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15 Epic Walks in the Peak District

1. Mam Tor

woman and dog on mam tor trail walking in the peak district
Distance: 2.3km
Ascent: 147m
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: Mam Tor Car Park

Mam Tor is arguably the most famous peak in the Peak District. Set in the heart of the Hope Valley, this hike is all about the views. On a clear day, expect breathtaking panoramic vistas from the summit.

The trailhead starts on the roadside next to Blue John Cavern. It is a manageable and well-maintained trail suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.

While the classic out-and-back walking route to Mam Tor is relatively easy, there are plenty of ways to intensify your hike. My complete guide to walking Mam Tor provides all that information and more.

Click for Mam Tor Walking Route Map

2. The Trinnacle Trail

view of the trinnacle one of the best hikes in the peak district
Distance: 6.6km
Ascent: 342m
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Binn Green car park

Although one of the lesser-known routes on this list, The Trinnacle ended up being one of our favourite walks in the Peak District.

It’s a relatively short hike, but the steep ascent is a real leg burner. Those up for the challenge will reach a series of unique rock formations known as ‘The Trinnacle’.

The best time to do this hike is at sunset, where you can climb the rocks for some seriously epic photos. Find out more in our complete guide to The Trinnacle Trail.

Click for The Trinnacle Trail​ Route Map

3. Thors Cave Circular Walk

front of thors cave considered one of the best peak district walks
Distance: 6.4km
Ascent: 181m
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: Wetton Car Park

Thors Cave is one of the most famous attractions in the Peak District. A natural cavern 80 meters above the ground, it allows for jaw-dropping views over the Manifold Valley.

This circular walking route to Thors Cave starts in Wetton before continuing to Wetton Mill – a scenic picnic spot and tiny village. The final stretch traverses the hills and provides beautiful views of the English countryside.

If you want more of a challenge, I recommend adding Wolfscote Dale to your walking route. This serene riverside trail snakes alongside the River Doe. My guide to walking Thors Cave has all the details.

Click for Thors Cave Circular Walk​ Map

4. Kinder Scout Walk

kinder scout walking trail peak district
Distance: 13.1km
Ascent: 514m
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Edale Car Park

It wouldn’t be a list of the best Peak District Walks without including Kinder Scout. On a clear day, the views from the Kinder Plateau are out of this world.

If you’re in good shape, I recommend hiking to Kinder Scout from Edale. The trail involves an easy scramble alongside a waterfall, crossing the Kinder Plateau before descending via Jacobs Ladder.

Click for Kinder Scout Hiking Map

5. Winnats Pass Walk

view of winnats pass from top of cliff
Distance: 7.1km
Ascent: 273m
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Mam Tor Car Park

Winnats Pass is one of my favourite shorter hikes in the Peak District. It has incredible views and can be done in just a few hours.

I class this hike as moderate in difficulty because of one particularly steep section. Other than that, it’s a manageable trail, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it.

The pass is a limestone valley with a road snaking through the middle. Driving it is an experience in itself, but hiking to the top is even better. Read more in our guide to this Winnats Pass walk.

Click for Winnats Pass Walking Route Map

6. Cave Dale Walk

woman and dog walking through cave dale in peak district
Distance: 3.5km
Ascent: 156m
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: Buxton Road Parking

Located in Castleton Village, Cave Dale is a picturesque valley that’s perfect for a family-friendly walking adventure. It features rocky limestone crags, natural caverns, and stunning viewpoints.

The Cave Dale trail is an ideal distance for families, but you can extend the route by combining it with Winnats Pass or Mam Tor. You can even take on all three for a challenging day hike!

Click for Cave Dale Walking Route Map

7. Alport Castles Walks

woman in front of alport castles while walking in the peak district
Distance: 21km
Ascent: 636m
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Hard

Starting Point: Snake Pass Parking

I loved this route because it encounters a variety of terrains and scenery. It progresses from open moorland and scenic dales to wild forests and crashing rivers. Then, there’s the star of the show, Alport Castles.

Alport Castles is an incredible rock formation caused by an enormous landslip. The jaw-dropping structures rise from the ground like towers. You can climb onto the rocks for incredible views and epic photo ops.

This hike is not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. Many sections require unparalleled attention. You’ll also need to allow yourself plenty of time to avoid getting caught in the dark.

Click for Alport Castles Hiking Map

8. Ladybower Reservoir Walk

woman standing on viewpoint while hiking in the peak district
Distance: 12.5km
Ascent: 396m
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Cutthroat Bridge Layby

One of the best family-friendly walks in the Peak District, the classic Ladybower Reservoir walk circles the water at ground level. Its accessible path allows for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and cyclists.

For more of a challenge, I recommend this route via Derwent Edge. A climb up to the gritstone ridge allows for unrivalled views over the reservoir but from above and away from the crowds.

The trail itself is manageable, but I’ve classed it as moderate for the distance and total ascent.

Click for Ladybower Reservoir Walking Route Map

9. B29′ Overexposed’ Crash Site Walk

wreckage of airplane crash in the peak district
Distance: 5.5km
Ascent: 139m
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: Snake Pass Parking

This next popular Peak District walk is quite unusual. It involves the wreckage of a B-29 Superfortress, which remains a part of the memorial site in the moors.

The fated plane was part of the United States Air Force. It crashed here on 3rd November 1948 whilst descending in poor visibility. All 13 crew members died instantly.

It sounds a bit morbid, but we were really moved by the memorials around the site. The walk is lovely and is suitable for hikers of all ages. Read more in our guide to the B29′ Overexposed’ Crash Site.

Click for B29 ‘Overexposed’ Crash Site Route Map

10. Stanage Edge Circular Walk

couple sitting on Stanage Edge viewpoint
Distance: 3.6km
Ascent: 72m
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: The Dale Parking

A walk along Stanage Edge is a must for an epic viewpoint without a monstrous hike. Made famous by its appearance in Pride & Prejudice, the gritstone ridge overlooks sweeping views of the Hope Valley.

While this circular walk is only 3.6 km, Stanage Edge continues for over 4 miles. Discover all kinds of interesting rock formations, stunning viewpoints, and what’s believed to be Robin Hoods Cave.

Besides a short climb to get onto the ridge, the walk is relatively flat. This makes it a popular family-friendly walk. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Click for Stanage Edge Circular Walk Map

11. Goyt Valley Walk

view of reservoir on best walks in the peak district
Distance: 16.5km
Ascent: 502m
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: The Street Parking

This circular walking route in Goyt Valley is one of the hidden gems on this list. I loved the immense variety of the trail, which includes two reservoirs, various peaks, pretty woodlands, and the ruins of a historic estate.

The walk has no especially tricky or technical areas, and the trail is easy to navigate. However, there’s a fair bit of ascending and descending, with some parts steep and slippery.

If you have time, you can make a short detour to the Cat & Fiddle. This was once the highest pub in England, but it’s now a whiskey and gin distillery providing tours.

Click for Goyt Valley Walking Route Map

12. Monsal Head Circular Walk

view from monsal head one of the best peak district walks
Distance: 2.4km
Ascent: 276ft
Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: Monsal Head Car Park

This final Peak District walk takes less than an hour to complete but still offers great views and an interesting trail. It’s also a steep hike in sections, so you’ll feel like you’re getting a bit of a workout.

The trailhead starts at Monsal Head Car Park. Monsal Head is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Peak District, overlooking Monsal Dale and the iconic Headstone Viaduct.

This Monsal Head walk then descends gradually through a woodland area before reaching the banks of the River Wye, where there’s a waterfall and plenty of spots to stop for a riverside picnic.

Click for Monsal Head Circular Walk Map

winnats pass view point peak district
Winnats Pass – One of our favourite view points in the peak district!

My Top Tips for Walking in the Peak District

Are dogs allowed on the trails? All of these Peak District walks are suitable for dogs.

Facilities on the trails: Facilities are rare on the trails unless you pass through a village. Take enough food and water for your hike, and take your rubbish home.

Weather: The weather can change quickly and dramatically. Be prepared for all the seasons.

Maps: It’s handy to have a map when walking in the Peak District. We use All Trails or you can buy a Peak District OS Map from Amazon.

Hiking Essentials: Don’t leave home without the hiking essentials. These include hiking footwear, a waterproof jacket, a power bank, a water bottle, hiking snacks, and a head torch.

couple walking in the peak district
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Enjoy these Best Peak District Walks!

I hope you have as much fun as we did walking in the Peak District. If you’re visiting the area soon, you might find some of our Peak District articles helpful.

If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, we wish you happy and safe travels.

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