Family Friendly Walks in the Peak District
Updated: Apr 16
MY URBAN TRAIL is based in New Mills, High Peak in the heart of the Peak District. Rolling hills, alluring landscapes and countless adventures, the PEAK DISTRICT has so much to offer for all abilities in embracing the outdoors.
Below are some of our top picks in terms of destinations to adventure to with the whole crew. If you want to make the walks longer or more challenging, simply checkout great apps/sites such as Komoot, All Trails and Peak District Walks for variations.
Let us make discovering new walks easier for you and the family!
Lud's Church
Make sure to visit the must-see Lud's Church! Contrary to its name, Lud's Church is no church at all but a charismatic chasm coated in moss. It was created by a landslide and has also been mythologised as having been one of Robin Hood's places of refuge. Fancy extending the walk?... embrace stunning scenery on The Roaches, a prominent rocky ridge above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir in Staffordshire.
Car parking address: Roach Road, Upper Hulme, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8TY
Top Tip: Arrive early (pre 9am) as the car park is only small but free
For More Information:
Lud's Church Walk (+ River Dane) From Gradbach | 6-Mile Route - Peak District Walks
Chatsworth
The stunning grounds of Derbyshire's most popular country houses is not to be missed. Boasting 35,000 acres of charming gardens, wide open spaces and woodland, visiting Chatsworth is a perfect family day out especially if accompanied with a nice picnic.
Car parking address: Carlton Lees, Beeley, Matlock, DE4 2NX
Top Tip: Love a farm shop, make sure to stop at Chatsworth Farm Shop, a short 5 min drive from Carlton Lees (DE45 1UF).
For More Information:
Best Chatsworth Walk: Chatsworth and Edensor (3.8 miles) (letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk)
Mam Tor
Nicknames the 'Mother Hill' with a history of landslides giving birth to many other surrounding hills, Mam Tor is no.10 in the nations Top 10 favourite walks and for good reason! A short accent from the Mam Tor car park, you don't have far to go before reaching the trig point. From the top you get a 360-degree view of Hope Valley, Edale and ofcourse, neighbouring Kinder Scout. It's an absolute must!
Car parking address: National Trust Car Park - Mam Nick, A625, Castleton, High Peak, Derbyshire, S33 8WA
Top Tip: Make a day of it in Castleton! Book lunch at The Castle and visit the Blue John Caverns!
For More Information:
Mam Tor Walk – An Easy Circular Walk in the Peak District (10adventures.com)
Fernilee & Errwood Reservoirs
Located not far from the the spa town of Buxton, Fernilee and Errwood offer beautiful scenic walks in Goyt Valley, with free parking and are open all year around. Fancy adventuring further? Discover the ruins of Errwood Hall and take in the views atop the moors at Cats Tor and Shining Tor (extended route linked below).
Car parking address: The Street, Goyt Valley SK17 6GJ
Top Tip: We recommend the Buxton Brewery Tap House for a post walk bite!
For More Information:
Errwood, Fernilee Reservoir and Taxal Circular - Derbyshire, England | AllTrails
Errwood Reservoir Walk - Explore the Scenic Peak District (10adventures.com)
Stanage Edge
The most impressive gritstone escarpment in the Peaks, Stanage Edge has spectacular views and is famous for its climbing opportunities. There is ample parking both in Heathersage and closer to the ridge line, making it a popular walking destination.
Car parking address: Hooks Carr Car Park, S32 1BR
Top Tip: Check out Robin Hood's cave on Stanage for a fun little adventure for the little ones!
For More Information:
The MIGHTY exciting Stanage Edge Walk to do with the kids (letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk)
Hayfield Reservoir
Sitting at the foot of Kinder herself, the Hayfield Reservoir allows you to take in the views of Kinder without the strenuous hike! Filled with lovely idyllic bridges and rivers, it's a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
Car parking address: Bowden Bridge,165 Kinder Rd, High Peak, SK22 2LH (bring change)
Top Tip: Fancy a bite? Hayfield has great pubs with fantastic food, especially the Sportsman right on Kinder Road!
For More Information:
Below Kinder Scout: A circular walk around Kinder reservoir | National Trust
Let us know if you go on any of these!
Enjoy!