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Here are three fantastic Fox House walks for autumn 2026 – each one starts at the Fox House pub and takes you to local beauty spots. Most of these walks cross some challenging terrain – including rocky moorland paths and some hill climbing so come prepared. The great thing about each of these Fox House walks is that they start and finish at the Fox house pub so you can reward yourself with a well earned pint or a hearty meal.
Having grown up in the Peak District I am so excited to share all of the TOP TIPS and Secrets to making the most out of this stunning national park.
Fox House is a great starting place for Peak District walks. You can walk North to the Burbage Edge, South towards the Longshaw Estate, East towards Blaka Moor or West towards Surprise View and Owler tor. Each of the routes we have recommended features different beauty spots to help you make the most of your trip.
You may notice that our Fox House walks have not included the Longshaw Estate and they only flirt with the top of Padley Gorge. That’s because we have already done guides on these epic areas already. You’re welcome. Our Padley Gorge walk guide is a great round walk via the Grindleford station cafe. We also recommend 3 routes around the Longshaw Estate. Ok, now we’ve got that out of the way, what do you need to know to plan Fox House walks?
Where do you park for Fox House walks?
All of our Fox House walks start at the Fox House pub. If you are a customer at the Fox House pub, there is a reasonably big car park. If you don’t plan to drop in for a pint, there is also a long section of road side parking on the west side of the A6187 (the main road leading to Sheffield). There are no official parking bays for this section of free roadside parking. Many people park along here, especially in busy periods. There is also some free roadside parking on the B6521 (an ideal spot for Padley Gorge). These roadside parking areas get quite busy during peak times.
There is a small layby for free parking near Burbage bridge south. This is almost always busy so we don’t recommend planning on parking here. Nearby there are also a couple of pay and display car parks: The closest pay and display car park to Fox House is the Woodcroft car park. The Woodcroft car park is the main car park for the Longshaw Estate. It costs £3.50 to park for up to 4 hours and £5.00 over 4 hours. Parking is also free for National Trust members. Alternatively there is also a pay and display car park located near surprise view – this would be a great alternative starting point for the surprise view walk route that we recommend.
Are Fox House walks suitable for families with children?
Yes, although the routes we recommend are pretty far for families with kids – especially if your kids are young. These Fox House walks could however be cut short a little by either taking shortcuts or adapting them into a return route. For example, it is possible to walk into the Burbage valley from the fox house and then return back up the same path – this way you get to appreciate the epic scenery but don’t need to loop the entire valley. Alternatively you could walk some of the way along the Houndkirk trail just to appreciate the views and beauty of this route. The terrain can be quite tricky too and there are some sections of challenging hill climbing too – so if you’re planning to do a Fox House walk with younger children we recommend a child carrier (sling or backpack).
Are there toilets at Fox house?
Yes, the pub has toilets. In our experience the staff are super friendly and would probably let you use the toilet even if you’re not a customer. But this is a bit cheeky. There are public toilets at the Longshaw Estate. There are no public toilets on any of these Fox house walks.
How accessible are the fox house walks?
None of these Fox house walks are suitable for prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs. Each walk covers challenging rocky paths. There are also stiles, sections of open moorland and some of the terrain can get quite muddy and boggy in rainy periods.
How far is a fox house walk?
If you are just hoping for a stroll after Sunday lunch at the pub you can walk as little as 500m to see some great scenery from the Fox House pub. But if you’re interested in doing a round walk and seeing some of the top sights in the area you will need to walk a bit further. We have suggested two 6km routes and one 10km route.
Can you buy food and drink at Fox House?
Yes, the Fox House pub serves food and drinks. There is also a cafe at the Longshaw Estate serving drinks and ice creams. Other than this you’ll need to get lucky and find an ice cream van (they can normally be found at Padley Gorge, Surprise view and the upper Burbage Bridge car park). We do recommend bringing snacks and drinks on these Fox house walks.
How do you get to the Fox House?
All of these walks start from The Fox House pub (GPS Coordinates 53.31857, -1.60158). The Fox House pub is very easy to access from Sheffield. You can either drive approximately 10km up the A625 (Hathersage road) until you see the pub on your right. Or you can get the 272 bus from Sheffield city centre. This service runs up the Ecclesall road, following it out into the hills (A625) until you reach the Fox House pub bus stop.
What do you need to bring for a Fox House walk?
These Fox house walks all cover some exposed open moorlands. The conditions can be challenging, especially in cold, windy or rainy weather. Expect the temperature to be several degrees lower than it is in the city and the wind to be much faster. Also, the weather can change quickly in this area. We recommend bringing plenty of warm layers and a good waterproof layer. Be prepared with snacks and water. We recommend good footwear suitable for rough terrain and boggy ground (ideally walking boots with ankle support). In the winter make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and spare dry clothes. In the summer consider suitable sun protection.
THE THREE ROUTES: Which of the Fox House walks is for you?
ROUTE 1 If you want to see a wild moorland valley, a little brook and a hill fort then the 6km Burbage Valley walk is the one for you. 2-3 hours.
ROUTE 2 This one has the greatest variety of scenery. If you want to see Padley Gorge, Surprise View (an epic viewpoint overlooking the Hope Valley) and Millstone edge, then the 6km surprise view walk is the one for you. 2-3 hours.
ROUTE 3 The longest of our Fox House walks: If you’re up for a challenge and some epic views over Sheffield this is the one for you. This route follows an old Roman Road, goes through a pine plantation and crosses open moorland culminating with Burbage Edge. The 10km Houndkirk Trail route takes 3-4 hours.
Fox House walks ROUTE 1: Burbage Valley (6km / 4 miles)
Follow the small footpath at the back of the Fox House pub car park over the moorland towards the Burbage valley. Follow the small path down into the valley until you reach the main public footpath that runs through the valley. Turn right and follow this public footpath up Burbage valley (north).
After approximately 2.5km you will reach upper Burbage Bridge and the Ringinglow road. Cross the river here, you will see a car park and a trail leading left along the other side of the valley and towards Higger tor. From the car park follow the public footpath that leads up to Higger Tor. This section is around 1km and ends with a steady climb up Higger Tor. When you reach the top of higger tor follow the footpath across the summit. Where the path forks go left and keep following the path to the far end of Higger tor. When you reach the edge of Higger tor there is a step section of path that leads down into the Burbage valley.
Ahead of you you will see a rocky formation protruding, this is Carl Wark, an Iron age fort. Follow the path towards Carl Wark. When you join a larger path go right on the path and walk in the direction of Carl Wark. Just before Carl Wark there is another path that branches off to the left and leads down to the river in the bottom of the valley. Follow this path down to the bottom of the valley. Some sections of this path can be boggy.
Eventually that path should lead down to a small Roman bridge crossing the river. Cross the bridge and follow the path up the other side of the valley until you hit a larger path. Turn right and return to the Fox House pub along the original route.
Fox House walks ROUTE 2: Surprise view (6km / 4 miles)
This walk has the greatest variety of scenery. Start by crossing the road and then walking a short way down the B6521 (towards Padley Gorge). After a short distance there is a footpath on the right. Follow this path through the woods. When you reach the bridge cross the river and follow the Padley Gorge trail. The river should be to your left. After around 500m there is a path that leads off to the right through a small gully and through the heather. Follow this path up to the road. At the top of this path cross the road to the Surprise view car park. At the car park take the trail that leads off to the left side of the car park (towards the surprise view itself).
This is a fairly flat trail. When you get to Surprise View, enjoy the scenery before following the trail round to the right and up onto the moorland over Owler tor and along the top of Millstone edge. At the top of Millstone edge follow the trail round to the right and across the Moorland.
After around 1km further take another right. Follow the path across the moorland back to the main road. At the main road rejoin the Padley trail and follow the footpath back to Fox house (back along the route you followed at the start of the walk).
TOP TIP: This walk is stunning for Purple Heather during late August and early September.
Fox House walks ROUTE 3: The Houndkirk Trail (10km / 7 miles)
This is the Longest of our Fox House walks. If you’re up for a challenge and some great views of Sheffield this is the one for you. Start by walking back up the A6187. After around 500m the Houndkirk trail forks off to the left (this is an old Roman road). You will notice how straight this trail is. Follow the Houndkirk trail approximately 3.5km all the way to the car park at the end in Ringinglow village. At the car park look for a public footpath to the left leading up into the Lady Cannings plantation. Follow this footpath through the plantation. Although there are a few junctions, don’t turn off the main track, just keep going up the hill through the woodlands. After around 1km you will reach the top of the plantation and the moorlands. Follow the trail up over the moorlands towards the Ox Stones and then turn right.
The Ox stones are a couple of large prominent stones that afford a great view over Sheffield. You can climb onto the Ox stones for an even better view- one is a little more challenging to climb and takes a little experience on rocks. Once you have enjoyed the view follow the track across the moors (right turn from your previous path). Where the trail curves round to the right go straight ahead and follow the smaller path over the open moorlands towards the Burbage valley. You will reach a T-junction onto a main trail that leads along the top of Burbage Edge. Turn left here and follow the path along the top of Burbage Edge. After around 2.5km look out for a left turn that leads back towards the Fox House pub car park.
What else is there to see and do near Fox House?
There is so much to do in this area. Padley Gorge is a great spot for walking along the river and through woodlands. There are also loads of walks around the Longshaw Estate. Don’t miss Stanage edge – another great spot for a scenic walk in the Peak District. Stanage Edge is also home to Robin Hood’s cave. Fox House is also close to Hathersage village. If you’re interested in an amazing insta-perfect view point check out Bamford Edge. Further afield you can also visit Lady Bower reservoir, Castleton, Edale and Mam tor. Don’t miss Chatsworth house – with its stunning gardens and epic play park.
Don’t miss our ultimate guide if you’re looking for more inspiration for Amazing Peak District family walks. Or if you have little one’s you might be interested in the best tried and tested Peak District walks for toddlers.
