Table of Contents
The Peak District National Park is a great spot for family walks. In this guide we will share the best Peak District walks with toddlers for 2026. Having grown up in the Peak District and also explored the Peak District with our own kids we are super excited to share some of the BEST Peak District walks with toddlers. We have included top tips and local secrets to help you make the most of your trip. There is a huge variety of walks here. Each walk has its own promises, its own secrets and its own challenges. Hopefully we can help you prepare as well as possible.
Why are these walks great for toddlers?
The best walks for toddlers have a goal. It could be a simple goal like finding a waterfall or reaching the top of a hill. Each of the walks that we have shared here has a goal to engage and motivate your kids – and we have also tried to include a well earned treat for parents too. Each of these walks covers relatively short distances and they all have easy turn back points. The terrain is more accessible – normally following clear and smooth paths and trails. Be prepared that you may encounter the odd gate or stile so we do still recommend child carriers over pushchairs and prams. We have tried to pick locations which are not too exposed and with less risks. Toddlers will always need to be carefully supervised on any outdoor walks.
Just remember the biggest challenge with toddlers is getting out the house in the first place. Once you’re going you wont regret it.
Peak District Family walks with Toddlers – MAP of STARTING locations
Here is a map of the starting locations for these walks. Click on the pins for the name of the walk.
1 Monsal dale walk – Dramatic viaduct and a waterfall
This is one of our absolute favourites. Park at Monsal Head. There is a pay and display car park behind the Monsal Head hotel and Stable bar. Alternatively there is free parking in the layby on the B6465 just north of the pub. This walk is around 3.5km or just over 2 miles. The walk will take 1-2 hours with toddlers.
Here is the route in brief: From Monsal Head walk down the trail and cross the dramatic viaduct. Follow the trail and then turn on a trail down to the road. Follow the road a short way and then take the path over the bridge and back under the viaduct. Follow this path to the waterfall. Cross the river at the bridge after the waterfall and walk back up the hill. We have also published a full guide on the Monsal viaduct and waterfall walk with a detailed route and map.
Top tips: Watch out for cyclists along the Monsal trail. Also make sure kids don’t climb up the safety railings on the viaduct. There is a short section of country road walking on this route. Supervise toddlers carefully.
2 Lud’s church walk – Spectacular woodland chasm
This is a surprisingly spectacular walk located in the south of the Peak District National Park. Park in Gradbach car park for the shortest route. You can also park on the roadside near The Roaches School for a slightly longer route allowing you to walk along the Roaches too. The full walk is approximately 3km (2 miles) and will take around 1-2 hours with toddlers.
Here is the route in brief: Walk towards the Gradbach Mill hotel and the Dane valley. Walk along the footpath opposite to the hotel that runs along the side of the River Dane. Cross the bridge over Black Brook. Take the path through the woods up towards Lud’s church. Keep your eye open for a sharp left turn back on yourself. This turn leads up to the bottom of Lud’s church. As you follow the path up, explore the rocky labyrinth until you reach the steps at the top of Lud’s church. It’s well worth walking to the top of the steps to get a view back into the chasm from the top. For maps and detailed route guides see our article on the Lud’s Church walk.
Top tip: Wear good walking shoes. The bottom of Lud’s church can get muddy and slippery. This walk is best during dry weather.
3 Calver riverside walk – Calver weir and a little sweet shop
This is a lovely peaceful short walk along the Derwent River near Calver village. Park on the A625 (the Calver-Sheffield road). There is a layby with free parking just near the bridge and the Calver Weir. Alternatively you can park in Calver village and walk to the weir. The total walk is around 1.6km (1 mile) and will take around 30minutes – 1 hour with toddlers.
Here is the route in brief: Look out for a footpath leading up the River Derwent (north) on the opposite side to the Weir. Follow this footpath up along the River Derwent until you reach the Froggatt road bridge. Cross the river at the bridge and follow the public footpath back down the other side of the River Derwent. When you get back to the A625 you can also cross the main road and find a path on the other side of the road which leads down to the Calver Weir. After enjoying the River Derwent head into Calver village to visit the little sweet shop. This is located on the B6001 (The Bakewell road) on the right just after the traffic lights in Calver village.
Top tips: Take care with toddlers by the Derwent river. The river can be deep in sections. It may be tempting to walk onto the weir if the water level is low but beware some of the rocks can be slippery and uneven.
4 Ashford in the water walk – Explore a beautiful village and park
Ashford in the water is a gorgeous quiet Peak District village. An ideal spot for Peak District walks with toddlers. It has a lovely section of river front and a play park in the village. We recommend parking in the public car park near the play park. From here you can enjoy the park and also take a walk along the riverfront. Depending on your route you will probably only walk around 1km to explore this beautiful village.
Here is the route in brief: From the park walk down Fennel Street towards the River Wye. From the River Wye walk along Church street to see the local church. You can also visit the Ashford Tea Rooms or the local pub – the Ashford Arms.
Top tip: Consider visiting Monsal Head or Bakewell which are also very close to Ashford in the Water.
5 Bakewell walk – Treats, riverside walk and a park
Bakewell is a great town for enjoying family treats. Don’t miss the Bakewell Pudding shop to try an authentic traditional Bakewell pudding and a coffee. There are also a couple of fish and chip shops and a section of river side path to stroll along. Bakewell also has a great park for kids. Depending what you want to see you will probably walk 1-2km around Bakewell.
Here is one Bakewell walk route: Park on Holme Lane near Bakewell. Walking across the field next to the river Wye towards Bakewell town. Cross the road bridge just on the edge of Bakewell. On the other side of the road bridge take the path on the left and follow the river Wye. Turn right at the Bakewell Love Locks bridge. Walk to Granby road and turn left. Turn right along Water Street and enjoy the shops. When you get back to the main street, turn left and walk up the street past the Old Original Bakewell Pudding shop (you may want to stop here for a Bakewell pudding and a well earned coffee). The Bath Gardens are on the other side of the road. At the roundabouts go straight up Church street. Walk up past the church and then turn left. Walk back down past the church and back to Holme Lane through Bakewell. For more Bakewell walks and maps don’t miss our Bakewell walks guide.
6 Longshaw Estate walk – Ice cream and beautiful views
The Longshaw estate is a great spot for Peak District walks with toddlers. The estate is FREE to walk around and there are plenty of public footpaths and lots of lovely things to see. There is a cafe at the Longshaw visitors centre and there is also an old fishing pond to see. Located next to Padley Gorge this would be a great spot for a family day out in the Peak District. This is a 3km route (around 2 miles) and will take roughly 1-2 hours with toddlers.
Here is the route in Brief: Park up at the Woodcroft pay and display car park. Walk past the visitors centre to the main trail. Turn left and follow this trail past the Longshaw Estate lodge. Turn right and walk towards the old fishing pond. Follow the footpath through the woods next to the pond. Turn left before you reach the road and follow the path out of the woods and across the fields. You will see a track to the left. Follow this track until you reach a crossroads. Go left at the cross roads to return to the car park and visitors centre. Don’t miss our Longshaw Estate walks guide for more information and maps of the Longshaw Estate walks.
Tip tips: This spot can get busy in Peak times. There is plenty of parking in the area (some great free spots too). See our guide for more information.
7 Hassop Station cafe walk – Beautiful flat trail with a great cafe
This one is as much about the cafe as it is about the walk. The walk starts and finishes at the Hassop Station cafe. The cafe serves a range of food and drinks including hot meals. This walk is as long as you want it to be – walk along the Monsal trail as far as you want and then return to the Hassop Station cafe when you’re ready.
Here is the route in brief: You can either walk northwest along the Monsal trail to reach the Headstone tunnel and Monsal viaduct (around 3.5 km each way – just over 2 miles each way). Alternatively you can walk southeast along the Monsal trail to reach Bakewell (around 2km each way – just over 1 mile each way). The trail is flat and smooth making it easy walking terrain for little choochy legs. You can also hire bikes at the Hassop station cafe.
Note: The picture above is of the Monsal viaduct (you need to walk northwest along the trail to see this)
Top tips: Watch out for bikes along the Monsal trail – this is a popular cycling route.
8 Higger tor walk – Scrambling and great hill top views
This is a great walk for an adventurous family with toddlers. You can either just walk up to Higger tor and enjoy exploring the rocks and enjoying the view. Alternatively you can extend this to a round walk of the Burbage valley. A round walk in the burbage valley is approximately 5km or 3 miles and will take 1.5 – 2.5 hours with toddlers
Here is the route in brief: Park at the upper Burbage Bridge car park. From here walk along the footpath towards Higger tor. Ascend Higger tor. There is a rock section to the left (north east side of higger tor) which is great for scrambling. Toddlers should be well supervised in this area as there are some big rocks and drops. Cross the path over the Higger tor summit. Take the path down to Carl Wark. Turn left and follow the path down to the Roman bridge in the bottom of the valley. Be aware that some sections of the path can be quite boggy. Cross the bridge and follow the path up the hill. When you hit the main path that runs up and down the valley turn left. Follow the main path back up to Upper Burbage Bridge. Don’t miss our article for a full route guide and map of the Burbage Valley walk. If you want to start this walk from the south of Burbage valley you can also park at Fox House a great spot for more awesome family walks in the Peak District.
Top tips: This is suitable for a more adventurous family with toddlers. The terrain can be a bit more challenging on this walk. The area is also exposed so dress appropriately for the weather (lots of layers, waterproof clothing and good footware). This area can also be quite busy especially during peak times. There are some cliff edges on Higger tor so toddlers will need very close supervision in this area.
9 Padley Gorge walk – Paddling and ice cream
This is an absolute top spot for Peak District walks with toddlers. There is normally an ice cream van located on the roadside near Padley Gorge. Walking down to the river you will find loads of paddling spots. This is a very popular spot on hot summer days – don’t be put off – this gives the area a nice vibe.
The route in brief: You can take a very scenic walk down through the woodlands to Grindleford Station cafe to find more ice creams and also a range of hearty British food. If you are walking down the right side of the river you actually pass a natural spring. Walking back up the other side of the woodland valley affords more great scenery and brings you back to Padley gorge. Because of the epicness (is that a word?!) of this walk we have produced a Padley Gorge walk guide with maps and a full description of the route… you’re welcome!
Top tip: Parking on the roadside near Padley gorge is free but it can be busy. Only park in marked bays as there are double yellow lines and the police love to fine people for parking on the yellows. There are lots of other parking spots nearby if you can’t find one on the roadside. Try these spots: Woodcroft pay and display at Longshaw, Surprise view Pay and Display. Parking on the road driveway leading to Grindleford Station cafe allows you to start the walk from the bottom of the valley.
10 Ladybower Reservoir walk – Nature trail and amazing views
This is a stunning location for a variety of Peak District walks with toddlers. You can do a short walk staying close to the visitors centre and just enjoy the Derwent dam and nature trail. If you’re feeling more adventurous you can climb hills nearby and walk along the side of the reservoir. A walk along the side of the Derwent Reservoir is around 2km.
Here is the route in brief: From the visitors centre follow the public footpath towards the Derwent dam. On the right of the road (opposite Derwent dam) there is a small nature trail which is great for toddlers. Once you have explored the nature trail walk up the steps to the right of the Derwent dam. At the top of the steps follow the trail along the side of the Howden reservoir enjoying the view. Turn back whenever you are ready. A full loop of the Howden reservoir is a long walk (16km or 10 miles). Don’t miss our guide of Lady Bower reservoir walks.
Top tips: This area can get very busy especially during holidays and weekends. Arrive early to find parking. During rainy periods if the water level is high you can see water cascading down the front of the Derwent dam.
11 Chatsworth walk – Gardens and a play park
This is a bit of a cheeky one because it’s not strictly a walk. But Chatsworth is just too good to skip in a blog for toddlers. You can of course walk around the grounds – and thanks to the kind Estate managers this is FREE of charge. If you do a Chatsworth grounds walk we recommend that you park up at the Calton Lees car park. From here you can often see stags roaming in the area. If you want to enjoy the farm, play park, house and gardens you will need to book an entry ticket from the Chatsworth website. The play park really is EPIC for toddlers. Don’t miss our full guide on the Chatsworth house, play park and gardens.
Top tips: Get here early to make the most of your day trip to Chatsworth. It would be easy to spend an entire day at the farm and play park with toddlers. The Chatsworth gardens would also be great for toddlers – it even has a bush maze.
12 Castleton walk – Quaint village and a castle
Castleton is a fantastic option for Peak district walks with toddlers. Equipped with cafes, a fish and chip shop, pubs and a castle on the hill you could spend an entire day here. In the area you can also explore the Winnats Pass (a spectacular steep hillside valley) and Mam tor – one of the most prominent peaks in the area.
The route in brief: This is a short tour of Castleton village. You can sometimes find free roadside parking along Back street or on Pindale road near the entrance to Cavedale. Starting at the car park near the Castleton visitors centre, walk east along the main road back through Castleton village. Turn right on Back street and walk up the road to the war memorial. From here you can take a stroll up Cave Dale. You can also explore Peveril castle up on the hill. Walk along the Stone road past the fish and chip shop. Explore the backstreets by the river before returning to the car park.
If you’re up for more of a challenge we have also produced a guide on a 10km (6 mile) Castleton round walk which includes Cavedale, Mam tor, the old mam tor road and Winnats pass. Alternatively you can do a shorter Mam tor route starting near the top of Mam tor (Mam Nic).
Top tips: Castleton is a great place to admire the Christmas lights in the evenings running up to the festive season. Also keep your eye open for events in the Peak Cavern cave- they occasionally have events like carol concerts and even movies.
13 Hathersage stepping stones – Paddling and the Bird cafe
Ok, this one is not so much about the walk itself (which is around 0.5km down a main road). This one is about the awesome little Bird Cafe and the Hathersage stepping stones. This is a great spot for toddlers – especially if the weather is nice and your kids enjoy paddling. The Bird Cafe is a great spot to enjoy a delicious drink and food and support local business. They sell a range of local art, crafts and conserves. From the Bird Cafe you can walk around 500m back down the main road towards Hathersage to find a public footpath on the right leading to the Hathersage stepping stones.
Don’t miss our guide if you would like more information and a longer walk near the Hathersage stepping stones.
14 Grindleford walk – Paddling and wildlife
Last but not least the Grindleford walk. Due to the paddling spot this is another great one for balmy summer days. If you’re looking for less obvious Peak District walks with toddlers this is a great one to consider. It is a short walk across a nature reserve, up into some woodlands and to a lovely little paddling spot. Even in busier periods it is normally pretty easy to find parking spots in Grindleford village – and the paddling spot is not well known. The walk is only around 2km (just over 1 mile) and will take around 1 hour with toddlers plus paddling time.
The route in brief: Park up in Grindleford village. If you park on the south west side of the bridge on the B6521 you will find free roadside parking. You can normally find spots along here. If not just explore some of the side roads nearby. Walk back across the road bridge to the East side of the River Derwent. On the other side of the bridge you will see a public footpath to your right. You will notice two paths. The path to the right is slightly more prominent and follows the river round. The path to the left cuts across the field. Take the left path diagonally across the field. This area is actually a nature reserve. Keep your eye open for awesome wildlife here. Keep following this path. At the end of the field the path crosses a small stream and leads up the hillside into the woodlands. Keep following the path into the woods. After approximately 500m you will see the path crosses a wide section of stream. The stream is slow flowing and provides a perfect spot of paddling and picnics. Return to Grindleford following the same route.
Looking for more inspiration?
The Peak District is packed with LOADs of amazing things to see and do. If you are looking for something more CHALLENGING than Peak District walks with toddlers – check out our ultimate guide on Amazing Peak District walks. We also have complete guides on things to do in Sheffield with kids – and indoor activities in Sheffield for kids. OR if you just can’t stay away from the great outdoors don’t miss the updated countryside code.
If you have enjoyed this guide please take a MOMENT to tell a friend about the Backpacking Family. The more wonderful readers we have the more epic content we can make. Thank you and happy adventures.
