The wonderful Peak District is just on our doorstep in Derbyshire and it’s truly one of the most glorious places in the whole of the UK. One of the most popular things to do in the Peak District is to go walking, taking in the stunning scenery as you stroll by.

But as the Peak District encompasses over 500 square miles of countryside, deciding where to go on a ramble can be a little tricky. As we’re so passionate about the local area here at KLG Rutland, we have put together this guide detailing some of the best walks in the Peak District so that you can lace up your walking boots and see all that this beautiful area has to offer.

The Top 5 Best Peak District Walking Routes

Let us start our tour of the Peak District by taking you through the most popular walking routes in the area, many of which you may already be familiar with.

  • Kinder Scout: The highest point in the whole of the Peak District, Kinder Scout is a must-do for any hiker. Sat within the heart of the National Park, the iconic plateau offers breathtaking views as far as Manchester on a clear day, sitting over 2,000 feet above sea level.
  • Mam Tor and the Great Ridge: Another popular high vantage point in the Peak District is Mam Tor, near Castleton. With a name derived from ‘mother hill’, it’s no surprise this hill sticks out from the smaller mounds it surrounds. While you’re here, you can visit a number of caves nearby, including the Blue John Cavern where the Blue John mineral is mined for jewellery.
  • Dovedale Stepping Stones: Ah, the Dovedale Stepping Stones…  is there a more iconic image of the Peak District than a family traversing the River Dove with Thorpe Cloud in the background? There’s many lovely walks you can take in the Dovedale area that will include these famous stepping stones.
  • Stanage Edge: On the border of Derbyshire and Yorkshire is the rather dramatic Stanage Edge – a gritstone cliffside loved by local climbers and adventurers. It can be a difficult hike to the top, but Stanage Edge provides some truly spectacular views and is probably the most instagrammable spot in all of the Peak District.
  • Thor’s Cave: You won’t find Chris Hemsworth in his Marvel costume in Thor’s Cave, but what you will find is an amazing karst cave cut into a steep hillside, accessible via steps from the bottom or rambles over nearby fields. The best views are to be had from inside the cave looking outward over the surrounding woods; views which early human-like animals over 3 million years ago will have enjoyed from their Palaeolithic cave dwelling.

The Top 5 Less Crowded Peak District Walking Destinations

On weekends, those top five Peak District walks can get rather busy. For those who would prefer a quieter walk through the fields, valleys and hills of the area, the following suggestions may be a little more up your street.

  • Lathkill Dale: This hidden gem near Bakewell offers peaceful walks through a limestone gorge formed by the River Lathkill. Largely untouched, the surrounding area offers dramatic waterfalls, crystal-clear streams and abundant wildlife. Jacob’s Ladder – a rare wild purple flower – is often seen growing in the valley.
  • Cressbrook Dale: Near to the village of Litton lies Cressbrook Dale, dry in the summer but forged by a winterbourne stream which fed the Cressbrook Mill. This is a less-visited valley that is bordered by dramatic limestone cliffs and includes the striking Peter’s Stone. For a serene yet exciting walk, Cressbrook is a great choice.
  • Padley Gorge: If you prefer less open air and more woodland, Padley Gorge is the place for you. This wooded narrow valley was created by the Burbage Brook near Grindleford, having once formed the Derbyshire-Yorkshire border. Now it’s a popular choice for woodland adventurers looking to get away from the modern world, with the gorge forming part of many walking routes in the area.
  • Longshaw Estate: Not far from Padley Gorge is the Longshaw Estate, where explorers can experience moorland, woodland and farmland in the same area. The area is believed to date back to the Bronze Age thanks to various artefacts uncovered, but now boasts a discovery centre named Moorland Discovery Centre alongside a tea room and shop.
  • Bamford Edge: Bamford Edge is yet another highly picturesque part of the Peak District, where an overhand of gritstone has formed an incredibly striking sight. There’s many local walks which take in Bamford Edge, which is part of the wider Hope Valley area famed for its beauty and diverse walking routes.

Also in Derbyshire you will find the KLG Ilkeston showroom, designed to help the people of Derby and the wider Derbyshire area see our wonderful glazing products and be inspired to take on a home improvement project. KLG Rutland is the place for windows, doors and conservatories in the East Midlands.