Recent research indicates that children experience high enjoyment and achieve high physical activity intensity during outdoor walks with their parents, with 71.3% of the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.[1]
The Peak District National Park attracts 1over 13 million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular national parks in the UK. This stunning landscape, situated between Manchester and Sheffield, offers dramatic gritstone edges, gentle limestone dales, and rolling farmland, all connected by 1,600 miles of public rights of way.[2]
The Peak District excels for family walking because it offers incredible diversity within manageable distances – from gentle pushchair-friendly trails along converted railways to challenging summit scrambles with panoramic views. Whether you’re planning a gentle morning stroll with a toddler or an energetic day out for active teenagers, there’s something for every family member in England’s first National Park.
Essential information for family walking
Find all of the essential information to prepare for your family day out – from what to pack to parking and starting points.
What to Pack for Peak District Family Walks
The Peak District weather is famously unpredictable, so being prepared makes the difference between a magical day out and a miserable trudge. Pack lots of snacks – children tend to eat more when hiking – and always carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Essential items for every family walk:
- OS Map in waterproof case – phone batteries die quickly in cold/wet weather
- Layers and waterproofs – the weather can change rapidly in the hills
- Good walking boots – essential for uneven terrain and muddy paths
- First aid kit – for minor scrapes and blisters
- Plenty of snacks – healthy options first, then treats like Haribo for motivation
- Hot drinks in a flask – hot chocolate and marshmallows work wonders on cold days
- Emergency contact details – and tell someone your route before leaving
Best Times to Visit
Timing your walk:
- Start early when children are most energetic and car parks aren’t full
- Weekday visits avoid the weekend crowds at popular spots like Dovedale
- Check weather conditions and road access before setting out
- Allow extra time for play stops, snack breaks, and muddy sections
The Peak District can get extremely busy during school holidays and sunny weekends. Popular locations like Dovedale, Chatsworth, and Mam Tor fill up quickly, so arrive before 9am to secure parking or consider less crowded alternatives.
Parking and Access Tips
Most Peak District car parks charge fees (typically £2-5 for the day), so bring coins or check if contactless payment is available. Popular spots like Chatsworth charge up to £5, but this covers a full day, allowing you to combine your walk with other activities.
Key parking advice:
- Don’t park on double yellow lines – these areas are regularly patrolled
- Use designated parking only – respect local communities and private land
- Consider public transport – buses serve many walking start points
- What3Words locations help with precise parking in rural areas
Easy family walks (under 3km)
Perfect for first-time Peak District visitors, families with toddlers, or when you want a gentle introduction to the area’s stunning landscapes.
Padley Gorge – 2.7km
- Location: Longshaw Estate, near Grindleford
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Known for: Stream paddling, boulder climbing, ice cream van, tree roots underfoot.
This magical walk feels like stepping into a fairy tale forest. Starting from Longshaw car park, the route follows babbling brooks through ancient woodland where moss-covered trees create natural tunnels and hideaways. Children love paddling in the shallow stream and climbing the smooth boulders scattered throughout the gorge.
The woodland is famous for its twisted, gnarled trees and abundant wildlife. Free National Trust parking with the legendary ice cream van (cash only) waiting at the finish. Bring spare clothes for inevitable stream play and wear boots with a good grip for the uneven, root-covered paths. Can easily combine with exploring Longshaw Estate’s heathland and visitor center.
Monsal Head – 2.4km
- Location: Above Monsal Dale, near Bakewell
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- What to know: Iconic viewpoint, steep sections, very muddy when wet, Victorian viaduct
The Peak District’s most photographed scene awaits at this classic viewpoint. The circular walk descends into Monsal Dale, passes under the magnificent Grade II* listed Headstone Viaduct, and climbs back to the famous overlook where the railway bridge spans the green valley below.
Known worldwide for its dramatic limestone scenery and railway heritage. Small car park by Monsal Head Hotel fills quickly – the hotel serves family food with outdoor seating overlooking the dale. Essential to wear footwear with an excellent grip as paths become treacherous when wet. The viaduct is now part of the traffic-free Monsal Trail cycle route.
Stanton Moor – 3.1km
Location: Between Matlock and Bakewell
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
What to know: Ancient stone circle, flat terrain, rock formations, no stiles
Combine 4,000 years of history with natural adventure on this fascinating circular walk. The route features the Bronze Age Nine Ladies stone circle and the famous ‘corkscrew’ rock formation that draws climbers from around the world. The largely flat terrain makes it accessible for families with varying abilities.
Known as one of the Peak District’s most important archaeological sites, the stone circle sparks children’s imagination about ancient peoples. Free roadside parking, though spaces are limited. The mix of heathland, woodland edges, and old quarry areas offers excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. No stiles make it particularly family-friendly.
Dovedale Stepping Stones – 1.8km
Location: Dovedale, South Peak District
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
What to know: Famous stepping stones, cash-only parking, jam-packed weekends, limestone gorge
England’s most famous stepping stones provide an irresistible challenge for children hopping across the clear River Dove. The walk continues through dramatic limestone gorge scenery with towering rock formations, including Ilam Rock and Lover’s Leap.
Featured in numerous films and photographs, it has become incredibly popular. £3 cash-only parking that fills by mid-morning on busy days – arrive before 9am or after 4pm to avoid crowds. The stepping stones can be slippery when wet. Extends upstream through increasingly dramatic limestone scenery for those wanting a longer walk.
Chatsworth Hunting Tower – 2km
Location: Chatsworth Estate, near Bakewell
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
What to know: Historic tower, woodland paths, £5 parking, estate access
A woodland adventure on England’s most famous estate, leading to the 16th-century Hunting Tower built for the Cavendish family. The route winds through Stand Wood’s jungle-like summer vegetation to discover the tower and the impressive four-arch Chatsworth Aqueduct, featuring a dramatic waterfall.
Part of the magnificent Chatsworth Estate with £5 parking that covers full-day access to the grounds. Perfect for combining with a visit to the farmyard, adventure playground, or house and gardens. Estate paths aren’t all marked on OS maps, so follow detailed route descriptions. The aqueduct is particularly spectacular after rain.
Moderate family walks
Step up to more adventurous walks with longer distances and some hill climbing. These routes offer spectacular viewpoints for families with children aged 8+.
Mam Tor – 4.1km
Location: Above Castleton, Hope Valley
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Duration: 2-3 hours
What to know: Stone steps to summit, ridge walk, very busy weekends, early parking essential
The Peak District’s most famous family walk climbs the ‘Shivering Mountain’ via stone steps to 517m summit. Spectacular views over Hope Valley before continuing along the ridge to Hollins Cross and descending past the landslide-damaged ‘Broken Road’ from the 1970s.
National Trust car park fills by 10am weekends. Can shorten to summit-only from Mam Nick car park.
Stanage Edge – 4.9km
Location: Above Hathersage, Dark Peak
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours
What to know: Dramatic cliff edge, bouldering, Robin Hood’s Cave, very exposed, millstones
England’s most impressive gritstone escarpment with 6km of cliff-top walking. Children love the massive boulders, hunting for Robin Hood’s Cave, and Victorian millstones. Views to Mam Tor and Ladybower Reservoir.
Free parking is available at Hooks Carr (the closest option) or £4.75 at Hollin Bank (with toilets).
Win Hill – 6.2km
Location: Above Ladybower Reservoir, Hope Valley
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3-4 hours
What to know: Steep forest climb, 360° summit views, crosses famous dam, coins needed
Rewarding climb to 462m summit with spectacular reservoir views. The route crosses Ladybower Dam with spillway towers before a steep ascent through pine forest to the trig point.
£3 parking at Heatherdene (coins only). Fills early busy days. A relentless initial climb, but a gentler forest descent. Famous Dambusters training location.
Pram and buggy-friendly walks
The Peak District offers excellent pram and buggy routes, mostly following converted railway trails and reservoir paths with smooth surfaces and gentle gradients. Perfect for families with babies and toddlers.
Monsal Trail – 8.5 miles total
Location: Bakewell to Blackwell Mill
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Choose your distance
What to know: Traffic-free, tunnels, spectacular viaduct, cycle hire available
Former Victorian railway line through limestone dales with incredible views from the iconic Headstone Viaduct. Well-surfaced throughout with fascinating tunnels to explore. Start from Hassop Station Café (excellent coffee, playground, pay and display parking) for the most scenic 4km section to Monsal viaduct.
The old railway stations at Hassop and Millers Dale have cafés and accessible toilets. Changing Places facility at Millers Dale. Be cautious of cyclists on weekends – keep to the left. Multiple access points allow you to choose your preferred distance.
Tissington Trail – 13 miles total
Location: Ashbourne to Parsley Hay
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Any distance
What to know: Converted railway, picture-book villages, cycle hire, gradual gradient
Another converted railway line runs through classic White Peak countryside. Passes through Tissington – a perfect picture-book village with a duck pond and historic hall. Bike hire is available at both Ashbourne and Parsley Hay with mobility equipment options.
Well-surfaced and traffic-free throughout. Connects with the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay for even longer adventures. Good car parks at multiple access points, including Tissington village itself.
Ladybower Reservoir – 9km circuit
Location: Upper Derwent Valley
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 3 hours full circuit
What to know: Famous spillways, woodland paths, can be shortened, £5 parking
Circuit around the famous reservoir with dramatic spillway towers (the ‘plugholes’). The route combines tarmac paths, woodland tracks, and quiet lanes. Famous as a Dambusters training location with plenty of historical interest.
£5 all-day parking at Fairholmes (fills early on busy days). Free lay-bys are available on the approach road. The Yorkshire Bridge Inn offers family-friendly refreshments along the route. Can shorten to the West Bank only for an easier option.
Longshaw Estate – Various distances
Location: Near Grindleford
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
What to know: National Trust estate, visitor center, heathland views, free parking
A mix of estate paths through heathland and woodland with spectacular moorland views. National Trust visitor center with café and toilets. Well-maintained paths suitable for most pushchairs, though with some rougher sections.
Free National Trust parking. Can be combined with Padley Gorge if you’re feeling adventurous. There is a good playground at the starting point. The estate offers shelter and facilities, making it an ideal retreat on uncertain weather days.
Walks with extra activities
Combine your family walk with additional attractions to make a full day out. Perfect for keeping different age groups happy and extending your Peak District adventure.
Farm Visits and Animal Encounters
- Chatsworth Hunting Tower – Combine your woodland walk with Chatsworth’s farmyard, adventure playground, house, and gardens. £5 parking covers full estate access.
- Longshaw Estate – Free National Trust estate with visitor center, café, and often grazing Highland cattle and sheep to spot during your walk.
Pub Walks with Playgrounds
- Win Hill – Yorkshire Bridge Inn at the halfway point offers family meals, local ales, and outdoor seating overlooking Ladybower Reservoir.
- Monsal Head – Monsal Head Hotel provides refreshments with spectacular dale views, perfect for post-walk celebrations.
Historical and Educational
- Stanton Moor – Discover a 4,000-year-old Nine Ladies stone circle and Victorian quarry remains, sparking conversations about ancient peoples and industrial heritage.
- Mam Tor – Explore Castleton’s famous show caves (Blue John Cavern, Peak Cavern) before or after your ridge walk. The village offers shops, pubs, and ice cream.
Stream Play and Paddling
- Padley Gorge – Natural paddling pools and boulder climbing, plus the legendary ice cream van (cash only) waiting at Longshaw car park.
- Dovedale – Famous stepping stones provide a natural playground, with potential to extend upstream through increasingly dramatic limestone scenery.
Seasonal Extras
- Tissington Trail – Time visits for Tissington’s famous well dressing displays (May-June) or combine with Ashbourne’s gingerbread shops and market town charm.
- Stanage Edge – Visit during late summer for the heather blooms, or combine it with Hathersage village below for connections to Robin Hood and outdoor gear shops.
Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/14/1721
- https://reports.peakdistrict.gov.uk/sotpr/docs/adventure-&-exploration/visitor-surveys.html
