Padley Gorge is a beautiful and atmospheric wooded valley in the Peak District National Park, near Grindleford in Derbyshire. It’s known for its ancient oak and birch trees, moss-covered rocks, and gently flowing streams that create a magical, almost enchanted feel.
This walk will take you on a 8 miles circular route combining the magical woodland of Padley Gorge with the open moors of Longshaw.
Stats
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 8 mi – 12.9 km |
| Total elevation | 1,263 ft – 385m |
| Highest point | 1,376 ft – 420m |
| Walking time | 3h50 |
| Terrain | mostly hiking paths and Footpaths |
| Equipment | Good boots, you are in The Peak District and it can get muddy in Places. Enough water to last you for 4 hours as there are no facilities en route. Plenty of snacks. a good map or gPS |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Click here for Komoot Link
Getting there
- Driving: National Trust car-park at Longshaw Estate
- Public transport: Grindelford train station
- From Manchester: Direct train from Manchester Piccadilly (c. 1h)
- From Sheffield: Direct train (c. 20 mins)
- From Preston: train to Manchester Piccadilly then train to Grindelford (c. 2hrs)
- From Leeds: train to Sheffield then train to Grindelford (c. 1h30)
Watering Holes
- The Fox House – Longshaw (at the start / end of the walk if coming by car)
A cosy country pub dating from 1773.
Beer garden for the summer and cosy fireplace in winter.
Part of the Vintage Inns group, it serves pub-classics and stocks real-ale.
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
Grindleford can be reached by public transports and there are several walks from its doorstep.
Or stay at the Fox Hound Inn in Longshaw at the start and end of this walk.
For a budget week-end: Thorpe Farm Bunkhouses – Just outside Hathersage
Several bunkhouses in the Hope Valley
On a working dairy farm. The farm makes its own ice-creams !
They can take groups and individual bookings.
Comfortable self-catering accommodation, including heating, well equipped kitchens, hot showers, toilets and drying facilities.
All mattresses are provided with a sheet, pillow and pillow case. BUT BRING YOUR OWN DUVET / SLEEPING BAG
For a camping week-end: Thorpe Farm – Just outside Hathersage
See above for details.
For a quiet and comfortable stay: The Fox House Inn – Longshaw
Dating back to 1773, this country pub offers 9 comfortable bedrooms. Food is served all-day in the pub downstairs.
For a cosy and car-free week-end: The Sir William in Grindleford
It is a historic coaching inn that has been offering warm rooms, cold beers and stunning views across the picturesque Hope Valley since 1871
There are 8 en-suite bedrooms with a mix of double, twin and family rooms.
For a romantic experience: The Maynard – Grindleford
Premium rooms ranging from from a single snug room to a luxurious suite.
There is a family room available.
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 