Family-Friendly Walks in the Peak District That Adults Will Still Enjoy
- Jen Bell I Editor I Good Life List Peak District
- May 5
- 10 min read
Walking with children in the Peak District is rarely just about the walking.
It’s snacks. Wet wipes. Stones. Sticks. Streams. Negotiations. Sudden tiredness. A rock that needs climbing. A bird that needs pointing out. Never having quite enough treats even though we have packed ten billion of them.
The trick is choosing walks with enough interest along the way. Not just miles for the sake of miles, but routes with caves, water, woods, views, stepping stones, towers, rocks, ruins or somewhere good to eat at the end.
It’s also worth having a proper map with you if you’re heading somewhere new. Signal can be patchy in places, and having something offline just makes life easier. We tend to keep an OS Explorer map in the car (either the Dark Peak or White Peak depending on where we’re heading), along with a simple waterproof case so it survives being stuffed into backpacks and pulled out with chocolate-covered hands.
This guide is for families who want walks children can manage and adults will still enjoy.
Before You Go
Ages are only a guide. Some four-year-olds will skip up hills like little goats. Some ten-year-olds will stage a sit-in after 20 minutes. Check the weather, wear shoes with grip, take layers (and caps if it's sunny). A reliable lightweight waterproof jacket for both you and the kids is worth bringing even on brighter days, as the weather can change quickly.
Packing-wise, it doesn’t need to be complicated. A small kids’ backpack (even if it just carries snacks) gives them a bit of ownership, and a reusable water bottle is a must. Layers are key in the Peak District, especially on those in-between days when the weather can’t quite decide what it’s doing.
Quick Age Guide
Toddlers and preschoolers: short nature trails, woodland, streams, farms and places with toilets or cafés nearby.
Primary school children: short hills, stepping stones, dales, boulders and routes with a clear feature.
Older children and teens: edges, trig points, caves, longer loops and walks with a bigger view or challenge.
1. Blaze Farm Nature Trail, Wildboarclough
Best for: toddlers and younger children
Distance: around 1km
Why it works: animals, woodland, carvings, ice cream
Blaze Farm is a gift for younger families because the walk is only part of the visit. You can see the animals, follow the short nature trail, look for carvings in the woods, then finish with farm-made ice cream.
It’s a good first Peak District walk for very young children because there is no pressure to cover distance. If they walk, great. If they dawdle, it still works. The reward at the end is built in.
Insider intel
Add The Potty Sheep pottery painting if you want to turn it into a half-day.
2. Padley Gorge and Longshaw
Best for: toddlers to primary school children
Distance: around 2.7km, but allow time
Why it works: water, trees, rocks, ice cream
Padley Gorge is one of the best family walks in the Peak District because children don’t really notice they are walking. There are trees to climb, rocks to clamber over, water to paddle in and paths that twist through the woodland.
Adults get plenty out of it too. The woodland is storybook beautiful in almost any weather, and the walk can be as small or as stretched out as you need it to be.
Insider intel
Take cash for the ice cream van if it’s there. Wear shoes with grip as the rocks can be slippery.
3. Stanton Moor and the Nine Ladies
Best for: primary school children
Distance: around 3km
Why it works: stone circle, rocks, open views
Stanton Moor is a brilliant family route because it feels like an adventure without being too much of a mission. There are rocks to climb and marvel at - including the imposing Cork Stone at the beginning of the walk, open moorland paths, woodland sections and the historic Nine Ladies stone circle to find.
It also has enough interest for adults, especially if you like a bit of folklore and history with your walk (stop to read the information boards near the circle, absolutely fascinating!)
Insider intel
Good for children who like climbing on rocks, but keep an eye on them around edges and boulders.
4. Chatsworth Hunting Tower and Aqueduct
Best for: primary school children and adults
Distance: around 2km
Why it works: woodland, tower, waterfall, estate views
This is a short walk that feels much bigger than its distance. You head through woodland above Chatsworth, with the Hunting Tower, aqueduct and waterfall giving the route proper moments along the way. You don't have to buy a Chatsworth ticket for this bit of the estate either - just the car parking.
It’s a strong choice when you want something adults will enjoy just as much as children.
There are glimpses of Chatsworth House, plenty of trees, and enough history to make it feel special.
Insider intel
Pair it with Chatsworth Farm Shop, the house, gardens or just a wander by the river.
5. Solomon’s Temple, Buxton
Best for: primary school children
Distance: around 2.4km
Why it works: woodland climb, tower, views
Starting near Poole’s Cavern, this walk heads through Grin Low Woods to Solomon’s Temple, a tower on the hill above Buxton. Children get a clear target, which always helps.
The climb is manageable, the route is waymarked, and the tower gives everyone a reason to keep going. On a clear day, the views are excellent.
Insider intel
Pair it with Poole’s Cavern or Pavilion Gardens for a full Buxton day. Give it a swerve if the forecast is windy though as it is quite exposed up there.
6. Monsal Head and the Viaduct
Best for: primary school children and older
Distance: around 2.4km
Why it works: classic view, river, viaduct, café/pub options
Monsal Head gives you one of the most famous views in the Peak District before you even start walking. The route drops down into the dale, passes the river and brings you close to the viaduct.
It’s short, but there is a proper descent and climb back up, so it feels like a walk rather than a stroll. Adults get the view. Children get the river, the viaduct and a sense of going somewhere.
Insider intel
Good footwear is important after rain. It can get muddy on the descent and climb. Pop into the Stables Bar at the top for some of the yummiest food around and a coffee (or cheeky wine/beer!) for the adults. It is owned by the same people that run the extremely popular Packhorse Inn down the road in Little Longstone.
7. Alport to Youlgreave
Best for: primary school children
Distance: around 3km
Why it works: river, paddling, village lunch
This is a lovely river walk along the Bradford, with enough water, bridges and village interest to keep children moving. In warmer weather, it’s one of those routes where the walk becomes half-walk, half-paddle.
Youlgreave adds a good finishing point, with pubs and places to stop. It works well for families because the route feels relaxed but still has a proper sense of place.
Insider intel
Take towels or spare socks if your children cannot resist water!
8. Robin Hood’s Stride
Best for: adventurous primary school children and older
Distance: around 3km
Why it works: boulders, caves, stone circle, views
Robin Hood’s Stride is one of the best walks for children who like climbing, scrambling and exploring. The rock formations feel like a natural playground, with little spaces to duck into and plenty to clamber over.
Adults get plenty from it too. The landscape has a wild, ancient feel, and nearby spots like Hermit’s Cave and the stone circle add extra interest.
Insider intel
Take care on the rocks, especially after rain. This is one for shoes with grip.
9. Dovedale Stepping Stones and Thorpe Cloud
Best for: primary school children and older
Distance: around 2.5km for Thorpe Cloud route, longer if extended
Why it works: stepping stones, river, hill, big views
Dovedale is popular for a reason. The stepping stones are a brilliant hook for children, and Thorpe Cloud gives older ones a short, sharp climb with a real summit at the top.
This is not the one for a packed summer weekend unless you arrive early or late, but outside peak times it’s a fantastic family walk. It gives you water, hill, views and a real sense of achievement.
Insider intel
Hold hands on the summit if you have younger children. It can be steep and windy.
10. Hathersage Stepping Stones
Best for: primary school children
Distance: around 5km
Why it works: river path, stepping stones, village finish
Hathersage Stepping Stones is a quieter alternative to Dovedale and works well if you want a route with water but fewer crowds. The walk follows the River Derwent, with fields, trees and stepping stones along the way.
The stones themselves can be more awkward for smaller legs, so younger children may need help. The reward is finishing in Hathersage, where cafés, shops and the outdoor pool give you options.
Insider intel
Make a day of it with Hathersage Swimming Pool or David Mellor Design Museum.
11. Birchen Edge
Best for: primary school children and older
Distance: around 2.6km
Why it works: trig point, rocks, views, pub nearby
Birchen Edge is a compact walk with plenty packed in. There are rocks to climb, a trig point to find, views to enjoy and Nelson’s Monument to spot along the way.
It’s a good starter edge walk because it feels exciting without being too long. Adults get the landscape, children get the rocks, and the Robin Hood Inn nearby is a useful finish.
Insider intel
The descent can be slippery after rain, so take your time and wear proper shoes.
12. Baslow Edge
Best for: primary school children and older
Distance: around 2.7km
Why it works: views, Highland cattle, rocks
Baslow Edge is a good choice if you want big views without committing to a long walk. Starting near Curbar Gap, the route gives you open scenery, boulders and a good chance of spotting Highland cattle.
It’s a walk adults will enjoy because the views are excellent, especially towards Chatsworth and across the surrounding edges. Children tend to enjoy the rocks and the cattle, which helps keep momentum.
Insider intel
Give roaming cattle plenty of space and keep dogs on leads.
13. Thor’s Cave from Wetton
Best for: older primary school children and teens
Distance: around 5.6km, or shorter there-and-back option
Why it works: cave, valley, views, adventure
Thor’s Cave gives children a destination they can understand: get to the cave, climb up, explore, look out over the valley. That alone makes the walk more appealing.
The full circular route has more variety, but you can shorten it by walking to the cave and back. It is not ideal after heavy rain, as the path up can be muddy and slippery.
Insider intel
Take a small torch or head torch. The cave feels much more exciting when children can explore it properly.
14. Lud’s Church
Best for: older primary school children and teens
Distance: around 5km depending on route
Why it works: woodland, gorge, folklore
Lud’s Church feels like stepping into a story. The route leads through woodland to a deep, moss-covered chasm created by a landslip, with enough folklore and history to make it feel more than just a walk.
It’s a strong choice for older children who like atmosphere, stories and places that feel a bit different. Adults will enjoy it too, especially if you want something with drama that is not just another view.
Insider intel
Parking can fill quickly. Go early and wear footwear with grip.
15. Hartington to Beresford Dale
Best for: primary school children and older
Distance: around 4.5km
Why it works: village start, river, dale, cave tunnel
Starting in Hartington gives this walk a good beginning and end. You head out towards Beresford Dale, with the River Dove, limestone scenery and a small cave tunnel that children tend to love.
It’s a good family route because it has variety without feeling too serious. You can add food in Hartington before or after, which always helps.
Insider intel
Take a torch for the little tunnel section and allow time for the village afterwards.
16. Lathkill Dale from Monyash
Best for: older primary school children and teens
Distance: around 6.6km, with shorter options
Why it works: dale, river source, caves, limestone scenery
Lathkill Dale is one of the most beautiful dales in the Peak District, and the Monyash route gives you a proper family walk with enough drama to keep it interesting. You can visit the cave where the River Lathkill emerges and follow the dale before returning across fields.
It is better for children who can manage a longer route, but you can shorten it by walking to the cave and back. The dale itself is worth the effort.
Insider intel
Do not paddle in the protected sections. Look out for signs and stick to paths.
17. Chee Dale Stepping Stones
Best for: older children and teens
Distance: around 5km
Why it works: stepping stones, gorge, Monsal Trail tunnels
Chee Dale is exciting because it feels tucked away beneath the Monsal Trail. The route takes you through a limestone gorge, along the River Wye and across stepping stones built into the rock.
This is not one for toddlers or wet weather. The path can be rocky, narrow and awkward, but older children who enjoy a more adventurous walk will love it.
Insider intel
Only attempt the stepping stones when water levels are safe. After rain, they may be submerged.
18. Stanage Edge Short Walk
Best for: older primary school children and teens
Distance: can be adapted
Why it works: views, boulders, millstones, drama
Stanage Edge is one for children who like climbing and big views. You don’t have to do a long route to enjoy it. Even a shorter walk from the car park gives you boulders, views and that huge edge stretching across the landscape.
Adults will love it too, especially on a clear day. It’s one of the Peak District’s most iconic places, but it is exposed, so choose conditions carefully.
Insider intel
Keep children well back from the edge. Wind can be much stronger up top.
19. Mam Tor Short Summit Walk
Best for: primary school children and older
Distance: around 1.1km there and back from the closest car park
Why it works: quick summit, trig point, major views
Mam Tor is popular because it gives a big reward for a short climb. From the National Trust car park, the summit route is short but steep, with steps leading up to the trig point.
It’s a good confidence-builder for children who want to say they climbed a Peak District hill. The views across the Great Ridge are excellent on a clear day.
Insider intel
Avoid busy weekends if possible. It can be packed, especially in school holidays!
20. Bakewell to Ashford-in-the-Water
Best for: older primary school children and teens
Distance: around 7km
Why it works: river, villages, food stops, views
This is a longer family walk but a good one if your children can manage distance. Starting in Bakewell, it follows the River Wye to Ashford-in-the-Water before looping back through fields and lanes.
It works because there are proper rewards along the way: river sections, village stops, cafés, pubs and the chance to finish back in Bakewell for pudding or a tart.
Insider intel
Start with snacks packed, but plan a food stop in Ashford or Bakewell.
Best Walks by Age
Best for toddlers: Blaze Farm, Padley Gorge, Chatsworth Hunting Tower, Solomon’s Temple.
Best for primary school children: Stanton Moor, Monsal Head, Birchen Edge, Alport to Youlgreave, Hathersage Stepping Stones.
Best for older children and teens: Thor’s Cave, Lud’s Church, Chee Dale, Stanage Edge, Lathkill Dale, Bakewell to Ashford.
In our humble opinion, the best family walks are not always the shortest ones. They are the ones with something to do, something to find, and somewhere to aim for.
A cave. A tower. A stream. A trig point. A café. A view worth the snacks.
That’s what makes everyone keep going. And if the walk ends with cake or a pub, even better!
