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Here are ten amazing Peak District family walks for 2026. We are from Sheffield, which is on the doorstep of the peaks and have spent many years exploring and trekking to help us put together the ultimate list of family walks. The Peak district spans across both Yorkshire and Derbyshire and is made up of both the dark peak and the white peak. We know families come in all shapes and sizes, but have done our best to give an idea of each walks suitability for you are your family. Which ever walk you like, make sure you watch out for the link and click through to our even more detailed guide, with maps on that guide. We love walking so we really do want to do everything we can to help you plan the perfect family walk in the Peak District.
If you have toddlers don’t miss our epic guide on THE BEST Peak District walks with toddlers. Oh yeah and don’t miss our guide on the Countryside Code.
12 amazing Peak District family walks
Peak district family walks map of starting points
1 Padley Gorge natural springs and a chapel walk
Highlights: Paddling, natural spring, mini waterfalls, historic chapel and Grindleford station cafe
Difficulty: Easy short distance – some challenging terrain
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
How long does it take to walk? 1 – 2 hours
Best time to visit: Padley Gorge can get quite busy during weekends, holidays and nice weather. We recommend arriving early for parking.
Start location: Padley gorge free roadside parking near Longshaw Estate GPS 53.31594, -1.61420
Terrain and Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Most of the route is along a rocky woodland trail with tree roots and large rocks. This walk is great for families with young kids but close supervision is necessary: There are several short very steep sections of path. At some points in the valley there is a steep drop to the side of the path. At these points the path is sufficiently wide to keep a safe distance from the edge.
Getting there: There are several parking spots at the side of the road (near Longshaw Estate). Do not park on the double yellow lines because the Derbyshire police often patrol the area. If the parking is full you can also park at Grindleford station cafe (further down the road) and start the walk there. Alternatively there is a pay and display car park at Surprise View allowing you to access Padley Gorge from the other side of the valley. From Sheffield you can also take a train to Grindleford station and then start the walk from there.
Food and drink: There is normally an ice cream van or two at Padley Gorge at the start of the walk. Grindleford station cafe also sells drinks, snacks and has an impressive selection of tasty food.
The Padley Gorge family walk description
Padley Gorge is one of our top picks for the peak district. There is a great 4km family walk that starts at Padley Gorge. Cross the bridge and follow the trail down into the woods leads to a natural spring (you can drink from it!). Don’t miss the money trees on the woodland path. Following that path up to the right past Bolehills then leads down to the historic Padley chapel. Walk along the road to see Grindleford station cafe and the Totley Railway tunnel entrance. Grab some snacks and drinks and then walk back up the valley to Padley Gorge.
Because we love this walk so much we have produced a detailed guide on the Padley Gorge walk. Padley Gorge is also a top paddling spot during hot weather and a great starting point for a number of other treks: You can head north into Burbage valley and Higger tor, cross the road and head east into the beautiful Longshaw Estate or head west towards Surprise View.
2 Monsal Viaduct and waterfall walk
Highlights: Monsal Head views, Monsal viaduct and the Monsal waterfall
Difficulty: Easy, short walk with a steep climb at the end
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 2.5km / 1.5 miles
How long does it take to walk? 45minutes – 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Afternoon – evening walks – great sunset view from Monsal Head on a clear day
Start location: Monsal Head car park. GPS 53.24079, -1.72446
Terrain and Accessibility: Trails with some steep sections and steps. The ascent and descent from Monsal Head would be challenging with a pram. There are some steps on the route. This walk is not suitable for wheelchair access. However, you could do a walk along the monsal trail to the viaduct by starting at the Hassop Station cafe and going west along the monsal trail. After approximately 3km you will reach the headstone tunnel. Follow the trail through the tunnel to reach Monsal viaduct.
Getting there: Monsal head is located around 20km southwest of Sheffield and around 5km northwest of Bakewell. When you arrive there is a carpark at the front of the pub overlooking monsal dale or there is a car park located behind the pub.
Food and drink: There are no cafes or shops on the route itself. However, the Stables pub at Monsal Head serves hearty food and drinks.
Monsal Viaduct family walk description
Monsal dale is one of the gems of the peak district. A steep dramatic valley with a stunning viaduct overlooked by a pub and hotel at Monsal Head. And it even has its own waterfall if this isn’t enough. This is the perfect place for a stunning family walk. The Monsal trail provides a flat accessible route that is ideal for families of all ages. You can also use the trail for biking. Walk down the steps from Monsal Head and turn left, following the trail down to Monsal viaduct. At this point you can also check out the Headstone Tunnel which is open for pedestrians to walk and cycle through. Cross the monsal viaduct. After crossing the viaduct, walk a further 500m until you see a small disused shelter on the right. There is a little gate behind the shelter to a path that goes under a tunnel below the main trail. Follow the path down to the river Wye. Cross the bridge and walk up to the road. Turn right and walk along the road around 500m (walking back towards the Monsal Head direction). This is a narrow country road with no footpaths so take care with kids. Turn right at Brushfield lane and walk back down to the river. Cross the bridge and follow the trail that leads by the river and under the monsal viaduct. Keep following this trail for another 500m after the viaduct and you will come to the Monsal Waterfall. Cross the bridge just after the monsal waterfall and follow the trail back up through the woods to Monsal Head. This is a narrow woodland trail with a steep drop to the side so take care along this section.
Don’t miss our FULL route guide with of the Monsal Head walk. We have included EVERYTHING you need to know – maps, parking details and directions.
Why this route? Although the route meanders around a little, this enables you to see the viaduct from above, walk along the viaduct and then walk under the viaduct and finally walk to the waterfall before you ascend to the pub for a victory drink!
There are other great walks in the area, keep following the monsal into Cressbrook dale, Miller’s dale and Chee dale. Alternatively if you keep following the valley past the waterfall you can walk to Deep Dale.
3 Lady Bower reservoir viewpoint
Highlights: Great views of the Derwent and Ladybower reservoir
Difficulty: Easy terrain and distance – challenging climb up steep hill
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 3km / 2 miles
How long does it take to walk? 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Best time to visit: Get here early for parking at weekends and during holidays. After rainy spells, especially in the autumn and winter the Derwent reservoir has a very impressive overflow system; water cascades down the front of the dam creating a remarkable man made waterfall.
Start location: Fairholmes pay and display car park (or free layby on the road leading to Fairholmes car park) Fairholmes car park GPS 53.40058, -1.74160
Terrain and Accessibility: Flat trails around the reservoirs. Woodland paths and fields to climb the hill. This walk would be fine for an active family with younger children. You may need to carry toddlers for sections of the walk so consider a carrier. However, there are lots of walks in the area that are suitable. This walk is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. For example you can start at Fairholmes car park and walk along the path by the side of Ladybower reservoir. Alternatively walk up past Derwent dam (near Fairholmes car park) and walk along the upper Derwent reservoir. Although there are steps leading up the side of the dam, you can also take a slightly longer route to avoid the steps.
Getting there: Ladybower reservoir is around 10 miles west of Sheffield. If you are driving west (along the A57) away from Sheffield, cross the bridge and then turn right. A small road leads to the Fairholmes car park. Along this road you will see laybys for parking. In some cases the laybys are pay and display (if there is a blue P symbol) and if there is not a machine you may need to walk to one. Other laybys are free to park. Be aware that the carpark and laybys can be busy at weekends and during school holidays. You can also get here by bus from Sheffield: Take the 272 bus from Sheffield and get off at the Bamford turning (just after Hathersage village) and then take the H1 bus to Derwent via Bamford.
Food and drink: There is a small kiosk at the Fairholmes car park selling snacks, drinks and ice cream. There are a lot of picnic benches around the Fairholmes car park and around the Derwent dam. We recommend bringing a picnic as the nearest restaurants are only available in pubs (10 minute drive away).
Ladybower reservoir family walk description
This is a beautiful short walk near Derwent dam giving you great views of the Ladybower reservoir and the Derwent reservoir. The walk starts at Fairholmes car park. There is a small path leading out of the car park just opposite to the food kiosk. Follow this path along to the road and then walk along the road to Derwent Dam. Walk up the hill at the far side of Derwent dam until you reach the track that goes along the east of the reservoirs. Turn right along the trail and keep you eye out for a left turn. It is a small steep path up through a field. Follow this path to complete a round walk loop of Pike Low hill. This walk can be extended by walking along the Upper Derwent reservoir.
There are also lots of other alternative Peak District family walks in the area. Check out our guide for more Ladybower reservoir walks. You can do a loop walk of the Derwent section of the Ladybower reservoir. Just walk along the small track running parallel to the road, down the side of the reservoir. At the end you can walk across the footpath to cross the road bridge and then return to Fairholmes car park up the other side of Ladybower. Oh yeah, and if you want an AMAZING view point over Lady Bower reservoir make sure you get up to the Bamford Edge view point.
4 Curbar Edge with cakes and coffee
Highlights: Beautiful cliff views over Curbar and calver village
Difficulty: Easy
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 5.7km / 3.5 miles
How long does it take to walk? 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening to see the sunset over the valley.
Start location: Curbar Gap car park (pay and display car park or free laybys nearby_ GPS 53.26847, -1.60393
Terrain and Accessibility: Rocky paths and woodland trails. Initial access to route is not wheelchair friendly. For a determined parent with a pram you could do a return walk along the path above Curbar Edge the but the loop would not be possible. If you are doing this with young children we strongly recommend taking a sling. Not accessible for a typical wheelchair.
Getting there: Plentiful parking in the carpark and laybys. Don’t park on the double yellow lines because this area is patrolled regularly. From Sheffield take bus number 218 from Moorhead (stop MH2). You can either get off the bus at Bar Brook Bridge and walk around 2km up Clodhall lane to Curbar Gap (start of the walk). Alternatively get of the 218 at Curbar village (Calver bridge stop) and walk up Curbar Hill road to Curbar Gap.
Food and drink: A van selling amazing coffees and snacks is situated at the carpark at the start of the walk. Bring food and water for the walk. If you are looking for a meal in the area check out the Derwent Water Arms and the Eyre Arms pubs.
The Curbar edge family walk description
This is one of our favourite Peak District family walks. The Curbar Edge walk starts at the pay and display car park at Curbar Gap. The walk starts by following the trail along the top of Curbar Edge. Enjoy stunning views of the Derwent Valley. This is a great walk for families. The path is a safe distance from the cliff edge, but keep a close eye on young children who invariably head towards danger. Keep an eye out for the small stone circle to the right of the track (after around 3km and just before you turn off). Turn off the path to the left and follow a small beautiful woodland trail below the Curbar edge cliffs. There are also several variations and different walking routes that you can access from the Curbar Gap car park. If you keep heading north (rather than turning off the main track) you can extend the walk along Froggatt edge. Alternatively, cross the road and south of Curbar edge you can enjoy family walks along Baslow edge, a great spot to look down on Chatsworth house.
Don’t miss the FULL route guide for the Curbar walk. Oh and you don’t want to miss this one. Chatsworth House is also a fantastic spot for a family day trip in the Peak District. They have an awesome farm, play park and gardens. You can book tickets on their website.
5 Eyam historical village round walk
Highlights: Riley Graves, Mompesson’s Well, the boundary stones, Eyam village centre
Difficulty: Easy
Route Type: Round walk, village and fields
Distance: 5km / 3miles
How long does it take to walk? 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Best time to visit: You can visit easily any time
Start location: Although you can start anywhere in the village we recommend starting at Eyam Parish church where you will find unrestricted roadside parking. Next to the church you can see the Plague cottages, Eyam Hall gardens and Eyam hall. GPS 53.28398, -1.67498
Terrain and Accessibility: Small country lanes, pavements and footpaths along rolling hills. This route is very accessible for prams and wheelchairs. The route is appropriate for families with children of any age. The nature of the route means that the walk can be cut short at several points if little one’s get tired. Take care on country roads supervising little ones.
Getting there: There is plenty of parking in and around Eyam village. You can also take buses to Eyam. Eyam is a short walk from Calver village.
Food and drink: Depending on the timings of your walk in Eyam you can find traditional tea rooms, cafes and pubs. Some places may be closed on Sundays.
Eyam – a historical Peak District family walk
Walk east along Church Street, past Eyam Square on your right. At the junction go straight over and follow the small lane (Called the Lydgate). When you get to the fork junction at the end of the Lydgate go right down the footpath. Keep following the footpath over the fields around 1km until you reach the boundary stone. The boundary stone is a small stone in the ground with holes in. When Eyam village went into a state of self isolation the villagers would trade with other villages leaving coins in pools of vinegar in the holes. You will see an information board at the boundary stone so it is easy to find. Follow the path back up into Eyam village. Walk back to the Eyam square junction and turn right up The Causeway. Keep following the road up to Riley lane. When you see a fork in the road go left (up Riley lane) until you reach Riley graves which are to the left of the road. After visiting Riley graves walk back towards Eyam and turn right up Riley Back lane before you get back into town. This road turns into a footpath that leads up to edge road. When you get to Edge Road go right up to Mompesson’s Well. After this follow edge road back into town past the Eyam museum. If you have longer you can also walk to Calver weir from Eyam village.
6 Stanage edge and Robinhood’s cave family walk
Highlights: Open moorland, cliff views, Robin hood’s cave, stanage
Difficulty: Medium level of challenge due to distance
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
How long does it take to walk? 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Best time to visit: The parking at upper burbage can get busy during weekends and public holidays. Arriving early is recommended.
Start location: Burbage bridge upper car park (free parking) 53.34326, -1.61043
Terrain and Accessibility: This route follows a rocky path along stanage edge. To enter Robinhood’s cave requires a very good level of competence and skill climbing down to it. There are also some woodland trails and a section along the North Lees road.
Getting there: There are no public transport connections to the Upper Burbage car park. This Peak District family walk is ideal for anyone staying or living in Sheffield, located only around 10km from the city centre.
Food and drink: Bring a picnic. There are no restaurants, cafes or shops on this route. We also recommend bringing water.
Stanage edge – an adventurous Peak District family walk
Starting at the carpark walk along Ringinglow road away from Burbage Bridge. There is a sharp left bend in the road. Cross the road and walk up the trail leading across the moorlands. You will see stanage edge ahead of you. Keep following the trail up to stanage edge and past the trig point. Follow the path along the top of stanage edge. Robin Hood’s cave can be quite difficult to spot. It is located around 1.7km from the carpark (roughly 30 minutes walk). The cave itself is half way down the cliff edge and so can not be easily accessed from the path. We have climbed down to the cave ourselves on many occasions but we would not do this with young children. It is even possible to sleep in the cave (it is dry, with a sandy floor and affords great protection from the elements). After visiting Robin Hood’s cave continue walking along the path above stanage edge a further 1.2km (you will pass the plantation on your left) until there is a fork junction. Take the left path down the hill and follow the path round until you reach a carpark at the corner of the road. Walk left along the road until the end of the plantation. You should see a path to your right, follow this path until you reach a farm. Turn left at the farm and walk along the trail through the woods until you reach Hollin Bank Public toilets at the side of the road. Once you reach the road turn right along the road and walk back along North Lees road. You should see stannage up to your left. After a long straight section of 500m you will see a trail to your left leading back to Stanage edge. Take the path back down to Burbage Bridge car park. This walk can easily be adapted by walking along the edge and then returning by the same path. You could also take a right of the Stanage edge path to see Stanage Pole and Redmires Reservoir.
Don’t miss out our full route guide for the Stanage Edge walk. As ever we have maps and parking info and more. And if you’re on Stanage edge – don’t miss our guide showing you how to find Robin Hood’s cave. Be warned – to get into the cave itself you need to be able to rock climb a little – so we only recommend this for people with some skill and experience of climbing. Better safe than sorry.
Near Stanage Edge you can also visit Hathersage Bird cafe and Stepping stones – a great walk if you have younger kids.
7 Castleton and Winnats pass round walk
Highlights: Cavedale and Peveril Castle, Amazing views, Mam tor ridge and trig point, Iron age forts, Mam tor landslide road and the stunning winnats pass
Difficulty: Medium
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 10km / 6miles
How long does it take to walk? 3 – 5 hours
Best time to visit: On a clear evening expect amazing sunsets. At peak times (weekends and school holidays) parking can be difficult in the area.
Start location: GPS coordinates of castleton car park 53.34276, -1.77887
Terrain and Accessibility: This walk is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. This walk has quite a lot of hill climbing and would be challenging with younger children. After trekking up to mam tor trig point the ridge is relatively flat with some sections of gentle gradient. Take care at Mam Tor trig point with children – there is a section of cliffs to the south east.
Getting there: You can get to castleton by car. There is plenty of parking in the main pay and display car park and there is also some free streetside parking around town. For free streetside parking try Church street or a short distance up Pindale Road (which is near the entrance to Cavedale). You can also access Castleton by bus from Sheffield (take bus number 272 which runs up the A625)
Food and drink: Bring food and drinks on the walk. The nearest food and drink can be found in castleton. There are pubs, cafes, restaurants and a fish and chip shop in Castleton.
Castleton and Winnats pass round walk
This 10km round walk takes you on a tour of all of the main highlights of the Castleton area. The walk starts by going up Cavedale and past Peveril Castle. At the top of Cavedale the path crosses fields towards Mam tor. Walk up to Mam tor following a steep path. Near the trig trig point you can see an ancient Iron age fort (these look like unusual bumps in the landscape). From the Mam tor trig point follow the ridge path in the direction of Lose Hill. After about 1.3km there is a right turn just before a gate. A small path leads almost back on yourself down the hill and towards the old road. When you reach the old road you will see the remarkable effect of the landslide on the road. Follow the road up to the right. At the top of the Old Road you will see a new road and a bus turning point. Follow the road a little further until you see a left turn leading toward Blue John cavern. At Blue John cavern go left and walk up the grassy field until you reach a fence and a stil. Cross the stile and turn right following the top of the ridge. After a short distance you will reach another stile. Cross the stile. At this point you will see Winnats Pass in front of you. You can either turn right and take a path that leads down to the Winnats Pass road or follow the path down to the left which leads down the top of Winnats Pass. Both routes afford spectacular views of the pass. The top path (left) is a little more steep and does have some big drops. If you are doing this walk with children it is very important to take care along this section. When you get to Speedwell cavern at the bottom of Winnats pass, cross the road and walk down past the cattle grid. There is a footpath on the right that leads back into Castleton across the fields.
Don’t miss our FULL route guide to the Castleton walk. If this is too far check out the shorter Mam Tor walk for families.
8 Bakewell
Highlights: Bakewell pudding shop, All Saint’s church, Bakewell bridge, the riverside, Thornbridge Brewery
Difficulty: Easy, footpaths
Route Type: Round walk (town)
Distance: 2km / 1.2 miles
How long does it take to walk?
Best time to visit: You can visit any time but be aware that Bakewell becomes busy at peak times (weekends and school holidays).
Start location: Park on Holme Lane. This is a small beautiful road just north of Bakewell with parking down one side of the road. It can get busy at peak times so you may need to find alternative parking. GPS location of Holme Lane 53.21818, -1.67475
Terrain and Accessibility: Bakewell is accessible for families with children of any age. The footpaths are fine for prams and wheelchairs. The hill up to the church is a little steep.
Getting there: You can get to Bakewell by car (although parking can be tricky in busy peak times). You can also get to Bakewell by bus from Sheffield.
Food and drink: There are plenty of pubs, cafe’s, restaurants, tea rooms and a couple of fish and chip shops in Bakewell town. We strongly recommend a visit to the traditional Bakewell pudding shop. They bake and sell Bakewell puddings using the stodgy traditional recipe!
Bakewell family walk
The great thing about a town walk is you can wander around at your own pace and if you happen to get lost in a coffee shop or a pub or two it’s all part of the experience. Bakewell has something for everyone in the family. A walk by the river affords an opportunity to feed the ducks and enjoy an ice cream. We recommend parking up on Holme Lane (normally quiet free roadside parking) and then walking across the field by the river. This is a very scenic short walk into Bakewell. Cross the Bakewell bridge and you will find yourself on the main Bakewell high street. Turn left at this point to explore the riverside. Along the high street you will find shops. As you walk along, keep your eye open for the Traditional Bakewell Pudding shop on your left. When you reach the roundabout check out the Bath garden to your right. If you keep going straight ahead you can walk up the hill past the church and get some great views back over Bakewell.
Want to find more walks around Bakewell? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Bakewell walks guide. You’re welcome. If you’re visiting Bakewell you might also be interested in going a bit further to visit Thor’s cave.
9 Burbage valley walk
Highlights: Burbarge bridge, higger tor, Carl Wark Iron age hill fort and the Roman bridge
Difficulty: Easy
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 6km / 4miles
How long does it take to walk? 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Best time to visit: This walk is very beautiful during the evenings. Be aware that it can be very busy here during school holidays and weekends.
Start location: Upper burbage bridge car park (free parking) GPS coordinates 53.34326, -1.61090. If the car park is full, keep driving up ringinglow road. Go left when the road forks. You may be able to find parking at the bottom of Higger tor. An alternative starting point is Fox House pub – there is parking available at the pub or nearby roadside parking.
Terrain and Accessibility: This walk is comprised of trails which are mostly clear and well marked. At points the trails are steep. The trails are rocky for most of the route and this walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Getting there: There are no public transport connections to the Upper end of burbage valley. However you can take buses to the lower part of Burbage valley (the 272 bus runs from Sheffield up the A625 and past Fox house).
Food and drink: Bring food and drinks. The closest location to buy food and drinks is the Fox House pub on the corner of the A625. Alternatively there are cafe’s, restaurants and pubs located in Hathersage.
Burbage valley Peak district family walk route
This wonderful walk starts at the upper Burbage bridge car park on Ringinglow road. Note there are two Burbage bridges because there is also a road bridge at the bottom of Burbage Valley. From the carpark take the trail up around the right hand side of the valley (this is the west side of the valley). The footpath is roughly parallel with the road which you should see up to your right. The path takes a steep ascent up onto the top of Higger tor. Be aware that there are cliff edges on Higger tor. Follow the track across the top of higger tor. Where the path forks go left and follow the path. It should lead to a steep rocky section where you start to descend into Burbage valley. Follow the trail to Cark Wark, which is a rock prominence locate in the Burbage valley. After Carl Wark take a trail towards the small plantation in the valley. There is a small Roman Bridge just below the plantation and this is the perfect place to cross the valley. If you try to walk down towards the lower bridge (which looks more direct) the trails become small and lead through some very boggy ground. Once you have walked down to the Roman bridge, cross the bridge and follow the trail back up the other side of the valley. You will come to a main path (T-junction) and take a left following this path back up the other side of the valley.
Check out our full guide of the Burbage Edge walk with maps. If you’re starting from the south side of Burbage Valley have a look at our detailed guide on Fox House walks.
10 Kinder Downfall via Jacob’s ladder
Highlights: Jacob’s ladder, stunning views of Edale and Manchester, Edale Rocks and Kinder Low trig point, undulating peat bogs of Kinder plateau and stunning views of the Kinder Downfall waterfall.
Difficulty: Hard: Long route, challenging climbs and tough terrain
Route Type: Ascent, return along same route for shortest distance
Distance: 14km / 8.5miles
How long does it take to walk? 4-8 hours
Terrain: Some sections along a small road. Steep rocky paths, undulating terrain.
Best time to visit: Start early and visit in the summer so you have sufficient light. Navigation can be tricky in the dark or in cloudy conditions. Keep an eye on the weather and come well prepared.
Start location: Barber Booth car park near Edale
Terrain and Accessibility: This walk would be suitable for families with older children or teenagers. A good level of stamina and fitness is required and we recommend being well equipped for the weather as the route is very exposed. This walk is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Getting there: The easiest way to get to the Kinder downfall walk is to drive. The Barber Booth car park is located around 2km west of Edale. The carpark is essentially a large layby and is free to park. Due to the limited nature of parking here we recommend arriving early. If you are not able to access the walk by car there is a train station in the village at Edale. This would add around 4km to the total walk distance.
Food and drink: Bring plenty of water and high energy foods for this walk. There are no shops, cafes or restaurants on the route. The closest location for food is Edale village where you can find a couple of charming pubs.
Kinder downfall walk description
This walk starts at the Barber Booth car park. Start by following the road up towards the hills. The road is very quiet and beautiful. After around 2km you will reach a gate where the small road turns into a trail. You will see Jacob’s ladder on the hill ahead. Keep following the trail until you come to a bridge. Cross the bridge and follow Jacob’s ladder up the hillside. Jacob’s ladder is a very steep path leading up the hillside. You will notice there are actually two routes. The newer trail to the right is steeper and a slightly shorter distance. When you reach the top of Jacob’s ladder follow the path until you reach a right turn. Follow the path up the hill to the right. You will reach a fork junction, take a left and follow the trail up to Edale rocks, a stunning view point. From here keep following the trail to the Kinder Low trig points. There is then a trail that leads around the west side of Kinder Plateau. You will see Kinder Head reservoir in the valley to your left and Mermaids pool. You can also see Manchester on a clear day. Keep following the trail around the edge of the plateau until you reach the stunning Kinder Downfall. Take care near the cliff edges. The location is very exposed leading to strong winds. For the return journey the shortest option is to return down the same route. However if you have time (and energy) there are many trails around the Kinder Plateau. If you return to the Edale Rocks you can take an alternative trail that leads back to Edale via Grindsbrook Clough.
There’s always more: Check out our MEGA guide on Edale walks exploring Kinder Scout from different areas.
11 Lud’s church family walk
Highlights: Lud’s church chasm
Difficulty: Easy: Short distance
Route Type: Ascent, return along same route for shortest distance
Distance: 3km return route
How long does it take to walk? 1-2 hours
Terrain: Some steep sections of path.
Best time to visit: Dry warm conditions make the chasm easiest to walk through
Start location: Gradbach car park
Terrain and Accessibility: The footpath through Lud’s church chasm can be muddy and the rocks can get wet and slippery. This walk is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Getting there: There are no public transport connections to Gradbach so you will need to drive.
Food and drink: Bring food and drink with you.
Lud’s Church walk description
Start by parking at the lay by or car park in Gradbach. Walk along the road towards the Gradbach Mill hotel. Follow the footpath opposite to the hotel that runs along the side of the River Dane. Cross the bridge over Black Brook river and follow the public footpath through the woods up towards Lud’s church. Around 500m after the bridge keep your eye open for a sharp left turn. This turn leads up to Lud’s church. The route leads 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. Once you have explored this magical landmark just retrace your steps back to Gradbach.
Check out our guide on 3 Family walks at Lud’s church. If you are in the area you may also be interested in checking out The Roaches – a prominent edge with spectacular rock formations – located right next to Lud’s church (er hem a few kilometers from Lud’s church!)
Keep your eye out for more Peak District Family walks from the Backpacking family. For more information and family inspiration visit the Official Peak district website
12 Longshaw loop walks
Highlights: Beautiful estate, information boards for teaching moments with your children, coffee and ice cream shop, ducks at the pond and secret offshoot nature trails.
Difficulty: Easy, short distances.
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 3km to 6km
How long does it take to walk? 40 minutes to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Longshaw can get super busy during weekends and holidays. We recommend arriving early for parking if you want a free spot. There is however a huge carpark you can pay for too, so either way you should be fine for parking and accessibility.
Start location: There are several start points and many ways to enjoy looping Longshaw Estate. We have put together 3 beautiful walks for you.
Terrain and Accessibility: Longshaw Estate is one of the most accessible walks in the Peak district. It is rocky and bumpy in places, but at least one of the loops is suitable for most wheelchairs or prams.
Getting there: There are several parking spots near Padley Gorge but do not park on the double yellows. Despite being out in the countryside, they are closely monitored and sadly you will often see people getting tickets. (Not what you want on a family day out). As mentioned, there is also a huge pay and display carpark, so should never be stuck for parking, even when it is busy. If you are travelling by bus from Sheffield, at the point of writing this, the 272 stops in the Longshaw Estate / Fox House area.
Food and drink: The Longshaw cafe itself is lovely and has lots of seating areas. They serve a good range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. There is normally an ice cream van or two at Padley Gorge too.
Longshaw Estate walk description
Longshaw Estate is such a great option for families in terms of accessibility and variety, it is probably the best of the peak district family walks. So, we have written a dedicated post on it to help you pick the best Longshaw walk for you and our family. This great little guide has pictures and maps quickly outlining the 3 best walks around Longshaw Estate. They are all loops and all lovely! Longshaw Estate offers some of the most perfect family walks you will find in all of Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Easy to access, yet so varied and of course, one of the best cafes with a view for miles.
If you’re visiting the Peak District you may be interested in Sheffield
Don’t miss our extensive guide on unique and fun things to do in Sheffield with kids. For those rainy days we have also made a special guide of fun indoor activities in Sheffield with kids. For those of you who love a good freebie we have some ideas of great FREE Sheffield activities with kids.
We prioritise the accuracy of all of our content. So if you spot any mistakes in any of the Peak District family walks that we recommend please do let us know.
