TOP 10 PEAK DISTRICT HIKES PERFECT FOR STUNNING LEAFY VIEWS
These stunning Peak District walks are perfect to save for your next cosy season stroll
Falling leaves, spiced lattes, and your favourite cosy scarf. Autumn is here, which means it’s time to head for the trail and seek shelter in the forest.
Check out our favourite Peak District walks, perfect to save for cosy season.
Snake Woodlands, Hope Valley (3 miles)
Easily missable as you drive along Snake’s Pass (A57), this magical wonderland is hidden from view until you venture down into the woodland adjacent.
This stunning pine forest landscape will have you feeling like you’re in the depths of a Canadian national park, much less on the outskirts of Glossop…
Surrounded by rolling hills, pine trees and babbling streams, you won’t be short on fairytale-like scenery on this short circular walk. In fact, this route has a mix of everything: magical woodlands, eerie moorland and even some spooky ruins to boot.
Follow the full route here.
Fairy Wood, Hathersage (4 miles)
Starting and ending in quaint Peak District village, Hathersage, this is a perfect route if you prefer your walks to start and end in a country pub or cosy cafe.
The route follows well-made paths up and out of the village, past the church, through beech woodlands, and up over the tops towards Stanage Edge, before meadnering back down into the village on country lanes.
Follow the full route here.
Alport Castles, Hope Valley (9 miles)
Located in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District, Alport Castles is the national park’s best kept secret. Due to its remoteness, it’s less popular compared to other hikes in the Upper Derwent Valley, located to the east, or even the B-29 ‘OVEREXPOSED’ crash site, located to the west of Alport Castles. So if you enjoy being far away from everything with the craziest landscapes and views to match, then you definitely need to add this one to your Peak District hiking bucket list.
At the start of the route you’ll pass Derwent Dam, a massive structure that towers 34m overhead and is flanked by twin Victorian-Gothic towers at either end. Building the dam in the early 1900s was such an intense and laborious process that an entire town was built here to house the 1000-odd workers involved in its construction. A specially created railway was also built to bring the enormous stones it’s made from to the valley from the Bole Hill quarries.
And if you catch the dam when the water cascades over it, you’ll witness a spectacle like no other.
Follow the full route here.
Robin Hood’s Stride, Birchover (6 miles)
Mystery and myth await on this 7 mile adventure to some of Derbyshire’s best landmarks, including Nine Ladies Stone Circle and Hermits Cave.
This easygoing walk has slowly become one of my all-weather favourites — atmospheric in winter, magical in spring, and a great place to pause in summer. But visit in autumn, and you’ll see the mystical surrounds of Nine Ladies truly come to life.
Follow the full route here.
Crowden, High Peak (5 miles)
A lesser-known trail starting from Tintwistle up to Seven Falls near Crowden. Explore the historical landmarks of the Holybank and Tintwistle Knarr Quarries, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Along the way, visit the Hawker Hurricanes crash site from 1945, where remnants of the tragic collision can still be found on the hillside.
Follow the full route here.
Lud’s Church, Gradbach (6 miles)
This 6-mile walk from Gradbach takes you through two of the Peak District’s highlights: the mystical Lud's Church and the scenic Three Shires Head, perfect for wild swimming. The route offers a mix of easy-to-moderate terrain, with towering gorge walls, woodland paths, and a refreshing dip at the waterfalls. With a café stop along the way, it’s a great family-friendly adventure combining natural beauty, history, and jaw-dropping views.
Follow the full route here.
Poynton Coppice > Lyme Park, Disley (4 miles)
This lesser-known walk begins at Poynton Coppice and leads through beautiful ancient woodland, avoiding the need to pay for parking at Lyme Park. The 4-mile trail takes you through woodland to Lyme Park, where there's plenty to see, do, and enjoy, while also connecting with long distance paths like The Middlewood Way and The Macclesfield Canal.
Follow the full route here.
Padley Gorge, Hathersage (5 miles)
This Padley Gorge loop offers a peaceful 5-mile circular walk with gentle waterfalls, scenic views, and a pub stop, starting from Upper Burbage Bridge. It includes highlights like Higger Tor, Carl Wark, and Burbage Edge, and takes you through less crowded paths for a more tranquil Peak District experience.
Follow the full route here.
Linacre Reservoirs, Chesterfield (5 miles)
This easy 5.5-mile walk in the Peak District offers beautiful views, peaceful trails around Linacre Reservoirs, and a visit to the charming village of Barlow, known for its cafés and pubs. Along the way, you can enjoy bluebell woods, serene waterside paths, and even visit the Barlow Sunflowers trail during summer for a unique, nature-filled experience.
Follow the full route here.
Chee Dale, Upper Wye Valley (5 miles)
Chee Dale gorge, featuring two sets of stepping stones along the River Wye. Starting from Miller's Dale Car Park, the route follows a limestone gorge, climbs up to the Monsal Trail, and offers stunning valley views. With fewer crowds than Dovedale, it's a great off-the-beaten-path adventure, though boots are essential due to slippery terrain.
Follow the full route here.
