7 Easy Peak District Walks

The Peak District is filled with remarkable walking routes, showcasing incredible rural landscapes, and our guide to easy Peak District walks is perfect for everyone, no matter your fitness level or ability.

Take a relaxed approach as you leisurely stroll along some of these easy walks in the Peak District, discovering reservoirs, lakes, rolling hills and more along the way. These easy walks will tempt you into some walking boots to try them out for yourself in no time.

Discover 7 of the best easy walks in the Peak District…

North Peak District walks

1. Ladybower Reservoir Walk

Ladybower is a Y-shape reservoir, close to the Hope Valley area of the northern Peak District National Park. Ladybower Reservoir offers walkers many routes to choose from, and we have selected an easy circular walk around the reservoir.

One of three reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley, Ladybower offers stunning forest and moorland scenery, as well as the viaduct, pictured above. One of the best Peak District walks in terms of its varied and beautiful scenery, the Ladybower Reservoir Walk offers an easy stroll and wonderful day out in the Peak District for the whole family to enjoy.

Start at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre, where you can park if you’ve travelled by car; there’s cycle hire if you wish to explore any of these easy Peak District walking routes by bicycle.

There’s a well-marked path that will take you towards Ashopton Viaduct, cross the viaduct and enjoy excellent views of the Ladybower Dam. Then it’s a case of following your footsteps back towards the visitor centre. Quick, easy and beautiful.

2. Bamford Walk

This easy Peak District walk is round 5 miles in length, taking in many interesting sites through Bamford Moor, Bamford and Thornhill, before returning to the start point by Ladybower Reservoir.

This mostly easy walk does have a slightly tricky uphill climb toward Bamford Moor, but everything else is pretty straightforward. On this Peak District walk, you’ll enjoy some fantastic and varied landscapes and scenery, including Castleton Caverns, Ladybower Reservoir, and the River Derwent.

You can start and end this Peak District walk at Heatherdene Car Park, heading south towards Bamford Edge. There’s a fairly steep downhill path towards Bamford, and you’ll then begin to head towards the river.

Cross the river with care, as there are stepping stones and footbridges to negotiate; cross through fields and the track you’re following which will eventually take you into woodland,  as you follow signs for Yorkshire Bridge, one of the final points on the route.

3. Sett Valley Trail

This walk follows an old railway line and will take towards the town of Hayfield, along the River Sett. This Peak District walk is fairly easy and at 2.5 miles in length, won’t take too long to complete.

You can begin this walk at the Hayfield Visitor Centre, where you will also find parking if you’re arriving by car. The trail goes as far as New Mills, while the railway line itself goes towards Manchester.

This easy Peak District walk forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail and takes in many wonderful sites along the way, including the Torrs Millenium Walkway, which stands spectacularly on stilts above the River Goyt, and the Bluebell Wood Nature Reserve, which can be accessed easily from Hayfield.

Dark Peak Walks

4. Kinder Reservoir

The circular walk around Kinder Reservoir is just over 5 miles in length and is pet-friendly, should you wish to bring your trusty companion on this Peak District walk with you.

You can park in the car park at Bowden Bridge, which is within easy access of the Snake Path. From here, you will enjoy a scenic walk along National Trust-owned land, passing the ‘Twenty Trees’ point of interest, as well as stunning heather-clad moorland.

If you wish to head up to the reservoir, the walk does get a little more difficult but the results are worth the perseverance. Take the path towards Snake Inn and Edale, before choosing the left-hand track, which goes slightly higher up, perfect for enjoying elevated views of the reservoir.

From here, follow the track towards William Clough, where you will cross a charming bridge. Continue to follow the signs with the National Trust logo on them, which will eventually take you back towards the start point and the car park.

Of course, there is the lengthier and more challenging Kinder Scout walk, which at 636m above sea level, is the highest point in the Peak District, for those who prefer the challenge of a difficult Peak District walk.

5. Mam Tor Walk

Mam Tor’s 3-mile circular walk is possibly the most popular Peak District walk. Much like the Kinder Reservoir walk, there are tougher elements of this walk, with some uphill climbing required, but you’ll be more than rewarded by the views from the top.

Park up at Mam Nick and follow the stone footpath and signs posted with the National Trust logo. Climb some steps towards the summit of Mam Tor; at 517m high and one of the Peak District’s most loved landmarks, you’ll enjoy remarkable scenic views that stretch across Edale Valley towards Kinder Scout. The views alone make this one of the best Peak District walks.

From the view point, follow the flagstone path as it begins to get steeper, before you begin to make your descent. You’ll pass attractions such as Blue John Cavern, which you can stop off at and take a peak inside, and the cave of Windy Knoll, but don’t get too close to this one as there have been a few rockfalls lately.

White Peak Walks

6. Ilam Park to Dovedale

Another of our chosen easy Peak District walks is the 1.5-mile walk between Ilam Park and Dovedale. This dog-friendly walk means the whole family can enjoy the sites, which include Ilam Church and Bunster Hill, frequented by sheep and lambs.

Starting from Ilam Park, head towards the church, where you’ll notice its remarkable 1000-year-old Saxon crosses proudly on display. Continue through the village towards Bunster Hill, where you’ll likely spot some of the aforementioned mammals grazing.

There are moderate sections of uphill walking required, as you head towards Thorpe Cloud, the notably ‘flat-topped’ hill, after which you will head back downhill into Dovedale, walking alongside the River Dove. Dovedale is a National Nature Reserve and home to many habitats, as well as woodlands and grassland meadows, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna.

The final stop is Stepping Stones, where you can admire fossils in the stonework and enjoy your surroundings, before making the easy walk back towards Ilam Park.

7. The Monsal Trail

Another well-known Peak District walk, the Monsal Trail runs along an old railway line, and spans 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill (Chee Dale) and Coombs Road (Bakewell).

This unusual but easy Peak District walk encompasses several tunnels, including Headstone Tunnel and Cressbrook Tunnel, each around 400 metres in length and will take you towards some fascinating sites along the route, such as the dale of Water-cum-Jolly.

Don’t worry, the tunnels are well-lit and operated on a sensor, so there will be no need to scramble around in the dark! This popular trail is also great for cycling and horse riding, so you can enjoy a wide range of activities, or just stick to walking and admiring your untouched and scenic surroundings.

Interested in more Peak District walks? Take a look at our best pub walks in the Peak District and our Peak District walking guide for more information. Why not book your next Peak District holiday and experience some of these fantastic walks for yourself?

Image credit: Graham Hogg – CC BY-SA 2.0