12 Peak District Walks (Routes + Maps) [2021 Guide]

Distance: 2.1 miles/3.4 km

Elevation gain: 160 metres

Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: Glutton Bridge

Starting and ending in the tiny village of Glutton Bridge, this route to the top of Chrome Hill and back is one of the most scenic Peak District walks.

This Chrome Hill walk is perfect for those seeking the best sunrise or sunset spot in the Peak District. Additionally, as the walk takes just 2 hours, it’s also perfect for beginners to countryside or hill walking.

Try this route on a weekday evening for the best chance of being the only person on Chrome Hill!

Distance: 5.6 miles/9.0 km

Elevation gain: 396 metres

Walking time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: Castleton

Mam Tor is one of the most popular hills to climb in the Peak District National Park. And, for good reason – the views are truly beautiful!

Undoubtedly, my favourite part of this Mam Tor walk is the (pretty much) flat ridgeline to Back Tor for more incredible views. Makes the long slog to the top of Mam Tor even more worth it – two peaks for the hard work of one!

Head to Mam Tor for some of the best Peak District views including Kinder Scout and the Hope Valley.

Distance: 3.6 miles/5.8 km

Elevation gain: 160 metres

Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Start point: The Roaches Parking

On the western edges of the Peak District is the unique and stunning Roaches ridgeline. Once the steep climb to the ridge is complete, you’ll enjoy over 1 km of pathway with incredible views over the Staffordshire countryside.

Given that there’s an easy-to-follow path, this 3.6-mile walk is a good option for beginners to countryside walking or those wanting to build their fitness. You’ll not be thinking about how hard the ascent was when you have views like these!

Distance: 3.9 miles/6.2 km

Elevation gain: 154 metres

Walking time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: Glutton Bridge

This circular walk in the heart of the Peak District takes you up and over Chrome Hill before looping back around into Glutton Bridge.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the vast Peak District countryside including many working farms and varying landscapes. What’s more, although Chrome Hill is a great sunrise and sunset spot in the Peak District, this walk can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Perfect for those looking for a mid-length walking route or a weekend stroll.

Distance: 4.7 miles/7.6 km

Elevation gain: 142 metres

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: The Quiet Woman, Earl Sterndale

This Chrome Hill circular route from Earl Sterndale is a slightly longer version than the one above from Glutton Bridge.

Starting from The (currently closed) Quiet Woman pub and with parking available in the village, this walk is perfect for weekend warriors and sunset seekers.

While the main attraction is certainly Chrome Hill, this route will take you through several miles of Derbyshire countryside with the rolling Peak District hills in the background.

Distance: 2.1 miles/3.4 km

Elevation gain: 53 metres

Walking time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Starting point: Hazelwood Road

Many walks to Lud’s Church start and end in Gradbach – which is also the starting point of the Three Shires Head walk. But, this route starts south of Lud’s Church where the car parks aren’t so quickly full.

Lud’s Church is an 18-metre deep and 100-metre long chasm. With moss-covered walls and its own microclimate, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an alien planet!

This mostly flat 2-mile walk is the perfect Peak District family day out or for those seeking an other-worldly experience!

Distance: 3.6 miles/5.8 km

Elevation gain: 160 metres

Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Start point: The Roaches Parking

The Roaches is not a particularly well-known spot in the Peak District. Which, is surprising since the views from the top rival many other popular peaks.

The protruding and overhanging rock formations of the ridgeline make for incredible photos. This is a must-visit for anyone who loves landscape photography!

Plus, as the walk takes just 2 hours, it is perfect for weekends, bank holidays and sunny summer evenings. A great way to feel productive on slower days.

Distance: 6.2 miles/10.0 km

Elevation gain: 435 metres

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: The Street Car Park

As both the longest walk featured and the one with the highest elevation gain, this walk is for those seeking a Peak District hiking experience.

This circular route to Shining Tor takes you along Foxlow Edge before making the ascent to the Peak District’s 7th highest hill. The return leg takes you via Errwood Hall and past Errwood Reservoir.

A challenging route that is suitable for experienced walkers and/or those wanting to build their fitness for more demanding walks.

Distance: 6.0 miles/9.6 km

Elevation gain: 50 metres

Walking time: 2 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start point: A57 by Ashopton Viaduct

Ladybower Reservoir is one of the gems of the Peak District. Supplying water to the people of Derbyshire, the reservoir is set in the pristine countryside with incredible scenery.

Under the shadow of Bamford Edge and Win Hill, a walk around the shores of Ladybower Reservoir is enjoyable all year round – come rain or shine!

This relatively flat walk ascends only to the Derwent Dam viewpoint on the reservoir’s northwest tip. Perfect for families, couples, solo hikers and dog walkers.

Distance: 5.6 miles/9.0 km

Elevation gain: 396 metres

Walking time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: Castleton

This Mam Tor circular walk is one of the most scenic Peak District Hikes. From Castleton, you’ll pass several caverns on the slow climb to the summit before enjoying vast and stunning views of the beautiful Peak District.

From the summit, the walk continues along the Great Ridge to Back Tor. And, after a short but steep climb, you’ll have incredible views over Edale and towards Kinder Scout.

This walk is perfect for those looking for a challenge or a full day out in the Peak District.

Distance: 2.1 miles/3.4 km

Elevation gain: 160 metres

Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start point: Glutton Bridge

This short walk provides stunning views from the summit of Chrome Hill. Best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset, this walk is great on fairly clear days all year round.

This 2-mile route is perfect for those short on time – in fact, it’s best enjoyed on a weekday evening. A great way to relax after a hard day at work. Additionally, photographers of all levels will love this walk for the spectacular views. It’s not one to be missed!

Distance: 4.0 miles/6.5 km

Elevation gain: 167 metres

Walking time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start point: Pym Chair Car Park

Shining Tor is the 7th highest peak in the national park. So, the fact you can walk to the summit in just one hour each way is quite impressive! And, once you’re there, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Manchester, the Cheshire plain and Wales.

This walk is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. A stone path runs most of the way to the summit, so it’s not too muddy of a walk after rain either!

Distance: 0.7 miles/1.1 km

Elevation gain: 70 metres

Walking time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Start point: Mam Nick Car Park

The shortest of all the walks featured, this route takes you to the summit of Mam Tor in just 15 minutes!

Since the drive to Mam Nick Car Park covers most of the elevation gain, there’s just a short but steep climb up the steps to Mam Tor. At the summit, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views over the Peak District including Edale and Castleton.

This walk is perfect for those passing through the area but short on time or those with younger children.

Distance: 5.9 miles/9.5 km

Elevation gain: 62 metres

Walking time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start point:

As one of the only featured walks with waterfalls (well one main one), a walk along the River Lathkill is a great weekend outing.

This mostly flat walk also features a cave at the source of the river and abandoned mines – one of which you can climb down a ladder into. The river is quite seasonal though, in the summer months it can dry up completely in most of Lathkill Dale, whereas after rainy periods the pathway can be one big puddle! Make sure to wear wellies or walking shoes if visiting then.

Distance: 5.3 miles/8.6 km

Elevation gain: 56 metres

Walking time: 2 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start point: Path behind Hartington public toilets

From the small village of Hartington in the south of the national park, this walk takes you along the River Dove. You’ll pass through the towering Beresford Dale and Wolfscote Dale and each time you cross the river, you’ll switch between Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

In Wolfscote Dale, climb the valley walls to explore the caves and gain a fantastic vantage point. This walk is suitable for all the family and can be enjoyed in all weathers and seasons.

Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could just continue along the River Dove. The path carries on all the way to Dovedale stepping Stones and Dovedale Valley!

Ilkley Moor Walks (West Yorkshire): 4 Circular Routes

Old Man of Coniston Walk (Lake District): Circular 4-Peak Route

A Lesser-Known Malham Circular Walk (Avoid the Yorkshire Dales Crowds)

Buckden Pike Walk (The Perfect Yorkshire Dales Day Out)

Grimwith Reservoir Walk, Yorkshire Dales (Circular Route)

A Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls Walk (4 Waterfalls in 1 Mile)