Uncovering the best Peak District walks

The Peak District National Park's 200 square miles are perfect for outdoor recreation, so it’s no surprise that so many walkers choose it as their holiday destination every year. It's one of the most accessible national parks in Britain, with 16 million people living within an hour’s drive of the park boundary.

It's also particularly easy to get to, with easy access from the M1 or M6, a 90 minute train journey from St Pancras or you can even fly into Manchester’s international airport! You can stay in the park or nearby in one of the many campsites available, using your accommodation as a base from which to explore one of the many Peak District walks.

Here, we've listed some of the best walking routes available in the national park.

Avid Walkers

Keen walkers can find hundreds of routes in the Peak District, taking them over the stunning landscape and giving them beautiful views of the area. We’ve selected three of the best through the Derwent Valley, Monsal Dale and Pennine Way.

The Derwent Valley Heritage Way meanders for 55 miles, passing through the natural landscape and exploring the industrial heritage of the area. The trails along the Heritage Way can be found in leaflets from local visitor centres, so you can plan which part of the Valley walk you wish to explore.

The moderate Monsal Dale walk starts and ends in Bakewell. It is a particularly unique trail, as it runs along the former Midland railway line and passes through 6 tunnels (pictured above)! The four longest of these tunnels are lit during daylight hours, so you can see where you are walking. A huge benefit to this route is that it is completely traffic- free, making it great for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riders.

The Pennine Way National Trail follows an incredible 268 miles along the Pennine Mountain tops. It runs from the Peak District over the Yorkshire Dales and Hadrian’s Wall, right up to the Cheviots. The Pennine Way is widely considered to be one of the most spectacular upland walks in England.

Other routes and activities

Those embarking on a family holiday to the Peak District will find that linear walks are best for buggies and small children. Check out the Monsal Trail we mentioned above, the Tissington Trail or the Longdendale Trail.

A shorter but just as picturesque route can be found in the Roaches area. There are many walks available here, but we’d recommend a two and a half mile circular route passing sights such as the curious Docksey Pool and incorporating stops at Rockhall cottage and Roaches tea rooms. The Roaches are an outcrop of rock about 4 miles north of Leek, Staffordshire.

If you fancy a spot of cultural heritage, you can visit Chatsworth House, either by car or by incorporating it into your walk! We’d recommend a circular 7 mile route incorporating the Chatsworth estate. Jane Austen fans may recognise it as the set of Mr Darcy’s Pemberley in the 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice. And what Austen fan can forget Colin Firth’s lake scene in the 1995 BBC adaptation? Lyme Park, where these scenes were filmed, is also found in the Peak District.

The more active adventurers in the family can explore the Peak District from a different view in the air! Hang gliding and paragliding are popular in the area. You should be able to find lessons near your accommodation. 

Holiday checklist

It goes without saying that walkers should remember to pack comfortable walking boots! You don’t want blisters to ruin your enjoyment of the area. Plan ahead in terms of clothing and pack plenty of layers in case of colder weather.

It’s also important to stay refreshed and hydrated on your walk, so prepare a picnic or include places to eat along your route. You'll deserve a big lunch after walking all day!

Stick to the Countryside Code too. These guidelines are kept to make sure walkers are safe and the local natural environment unharmed.

The Peak District has a stunning landscape, and the rolling hills and rocky features make it a fascinating place to explore on foot. No matter which route you choose to take, you’re sure to be blown away by the landscape’s rugged natural beauty. Happy walking!

Read our other ideas for things to do in the Peak District National Park.