Arbor Low + Monyash Circular Walk
A beautiful Peak District walk with stone circles, cosy pubs & countryside charm
Start: Arbor Low Car Park
Distance: 8.7 miles
,Elevation: 575 feet
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate with minimal elevation gain
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
If you’re after a Peak District walk that blends ancient history, peaceful farmland, and a proper pub stop (or two), this one ticks every box. Starting from Arbor Low car park, this circular route takes you through the postcard-perfect village of Monyash, past hidden gems like a donkey sanctuary and cosy pubs, before looping back via open countryside and a cute little honesty shop.
This is a really satisfying loop with a bit of everything: history, your pick of pubs and cafes,, quiet lanes, and wide-open views.
Route difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Nothing too technical here, but the distance makes it more of a half-day adventure. Expect a few gentle inclines and some uneven terrain across fields. There is also a short section at the beginning and end that follows a country road without a pavement, so take care here.
Route highlights
Arbor Low Stone Circle: Often called the “Stonehenge of the North,” Arbor Low is a prehistoric stone circle set within a henge. It’s atmospheric, a little eerie, and completely open to explore—no barriers, no crowds, just history under your feet.
Monyash Village: This is ultimate peak Peak District charm. Think limestone cottages, a village green, and plenty of places to refuel.
The Donkey Sanctuary: A slightly unexpected but wholesome highlight. A lovely little spot to pause and break up the walk. Visits are by appointment only or you can join an open day to meet the donkeys. You can check the latest schedule here.
Stone Shelter: Known as a “kažun,” the limestone round-house was a gift from the Republic of Croatia as part of a series of events to mark its accession to the EU in July 2013.
Bike Hire: Along the way you’ll follow a section of the Tissington Trail and pass Parsley Hay, where you can purchase drinks, snacks + rent bikes if you’re looking to make a full day of it.
Is this route for me?
Unlike the higher elevation routes along the neighbouring peaks, this walk is perfect for anyone seeking a lower effort walk in the heart of the Peak District.
The terrain is manageable, but nearly 9 miles means it’s better suited to beginners who are comfortable walking for a few hours.
Expect a mix of public footpaths, gates, and stiles
Key navigation points:
Start at Arbor Low → head towards Parsley Hay + Tissington Trail
Head toward Monyash village
Loop back via country lanes
Getting to the starting point
By car: Arbor Low car park (small fee may apply)
Public transport: Limited—best accessed by car
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy with gentle elevation gain
Footwear: Can get muddy after rain, especially through fields
Dog-friendly: Some sections cross working farmland, keep dogs on leads 🐕
Food and drink: You’ll find food, drink and toilet facilities regularly along this route
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step oclickn komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX fileand upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
