7 Walks in the Peak District

We’re doing a three part series covering the Peak District as we spend so much time here. This post is about all the walks we have done within the Peak District.

Black Rocks

Black Rocks is a weathered outcrop of Ashover grit which can be reached by a short, but steep climb, from the car park. The climb up onto the gritstone outcrop of Black Rocks is rewarded with superb views. Waymarked walks guide you through the Forestry Commission woodlands of Cromford Moor so that you can access beautiful and varied countryside.

Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge walk offers an easy loop from Curbar Gap car park. There are lots of Highland cattle here (you’re almost guaranteed to spot them!) Plus the views are very impressive; standing on Baslow Edge on a clear day you can see Chatsworth House to the left.

We followed directions from Peak District Kids, we didn’t do the full loop and just stayed near the edge as the weather wasn’t looking too good. The parking is not very big, it’s supposed to be free for National Trust members but the machine wasn’t scanning when we went. Luckily a kind man gave us his day ticket.

Chatsworth House

The stunning building is comprised entirely of yellow stone surrounded by gardens, fronted by the River Derwent and backed by a tree-clad hillside. It isn’t hard to see why this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Peak District. We have both come here regularly growing up, there’s a great play area for children and then the house and gardens are interesting too. We tend to stay in the parklands now so we can take Barney with us.

Chatsworth Estate currently has an exhibition on - Radical Horizons, this is an art instillation in the grounds with Burning Man artists. There are 12 pieces to see, and it’s free to access. This is running from 9 April till 1 October 2022.

Lady Clough Forest

There are miles of nice walking trails to try. It's a very pretty area with the rushing water of the River Ashop, tranquil ponds and attractive coniferous woodland.
The walk starts from the car park at Birchen Clough Bridge just off Snake Road. From here you gain direct access to the woodland trails which take you to Lady Clough Moor and Urchin Moor. There are two colour coded waymarked trails on challenging paths with stream crossings and great views of the surrounding moorland. After the walk you can refresh yourself at the Snake Pass Inn just south of the woods.

Chee Dale

Beneath the Monsal Trail, is the peaceful nature reserve of Chee Dale where the River Wye meanders through a deep limestone gorge, and two sets of stepping stones provide access to walkers through the dale. We left Barney at home for this one because of how hot it was when we did it.

We followed directions from this blog, they were great, detailed and made it really clear of where we were going. Be warned on a nice day there will be a lot of abseilers on this route you will have to navigate round. We really enjoyed this walk exploring the gorge.

Thor’s Cave

We’ve put Thor’s Cave into walks rather than hikes because you can make it short and easy. Thor’s Cave is a naturally formed cavern in the Peak District. We came here in early spring during the week and that is what we reccommend you do too. It can get very busy here.

From Whetton car park head into the village and follow the road round till you get to a fork on Leek Road, follow it to the left signposted “Concession Path to Thor’s Cave”. Follow this down till you reach a style on your right, cross over into the fields and follow the troden path along the left hand side down to the next gate leading to the front of Thor’s Cave. There are may other routes you can take to make it longer but we were only interested in the actual cave when we came.

Dovedale

Dovedale is potentially the most famous spot in the Peak District. Dovedale is known for the River Dove and it’s impressive limestone ravines, but the most iconic part of a trip to Dovedale has to be the picturesque stepping stones…

Parking is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. National Trust members park for free but please remember to bring your cards with you to scan at the machines or show to a member of staff at Dovedale car park.