10 Easy Peak District Walks With Kids (Under 10km)

April 15, 2022 CIRCULAR WALKS, PEAK DISTRICT WALKS, PEAK DISTRICT WALKS WITH KIDS

The Peak District is a brilliant place to spend a day out with kids. Here’s a few easy Peak District walks for kids you might like to try.

We all know the Peak District is a beautiful place to explore, and walking is one of the top things to do in the Peak District, but where are the best Peak District family walks? Here’s a few of my favourite Peak District walks with kids for you to try. They’re all under 10km long and offer lots of variety and things to see.  They’re not the usual walks like the Monsal Trail or Dovedale either – sometimes it’s nice to try somewhere a bit different!

 

These are all walks my 9 year old has been on and enjoyed (although she would say she endured them!). We do walk a lot as a family though, so what suits us might not suit you.

 

Also, I should probably revisit these and take some summery photos – we walk all year round in most weathers so the photos on the walks reflect this!

 

You might also like this collection of Easy Walks in the Peak District.

Easy Peak District Walks

 

The Roaches – 4 Miles

The Roaches is a fabulous place to explore with the kids. There are lots of rocks to climb on, places to hide and wildlife to spot. You can also explore the mysterious Lud’s Church and see the Doxey Pool on the top of The Roaches. This walk at The Roaches is 4 miles in total. Please note this is a SSSI and dogs must be on a lead to protect wildlife.

Torside Reservoir – 4.5 Miles

Torside Reservoir is a lovely place to explore with the kids, and there are a few walks around here. Our Torside Reservoir circular walk is mostly flat and uses part of the Trans Pennine Trail. At 4,5 miles, it takes in spectacular reservoir views as well as a wander through the festively named Tinsel School Woods.

Family Walks in Derbyshire

 

Mam Tor Walk – 1.5 Miles

Mam Tor is one of the most popular places to visit in the Peak District, and it’s a lovely easy walk with kids. The actual summit of Mam Tor is a short walk from the car park, and you can extend the walk if you wanted to make it more challenging or see more of the beautiful Great Ridge. Starting from the National Trust Car Park at the base of Mam Tor, this Mam Tor short walk is 1.5 miles in total (there and back).

Solomon’s Temple – 2.6 Miles

Solomon’s Temple is a folly on the outskirts of Buxton that kids will love to explore. Our walk starts in Buxton and heads through some woodland before emerging on the Solomon’s Temple site. You can go inside the tower, and kids will love playing there. This short walk in Buxton is only 2.6 miles in total.

Short Walks in the Peak District

 

Dove Stone Reservoir – 3.7 Miles

Dove Stone Reservoir is on the edge of the Peak District and is a great place to go walking with kids. It’s a stunning part of the Peak District, and this walk around Dove Stone Reservoir is relatively level, there are decent paths and it’s 3.7 miles long. You can also extend this if you want to explore further.

West Nab – 1 Mile

Not too far from Dove Stone Reservoir is West Nab, one of Holly’s favourite places to go for a chipnic and a sunset. It’s a relatively short walk (less than one mile) along the road from the car park and once you’re there there’s a whole rocky outcrop to explore, as well as West Nab trig point!

Adventurous Walks with Kids in the Peak District

 

Grindsbrook Clough – 4 Miles

For more of a challenge, why not try a route with some easy scrambling? There are lots of places to try scrambling in the Peak District. One of our favourites is Edale to Grindslow Knoll via Grindsbrook Clough. This is a steep scramble but great fun for older and more adventurous kids to try.

Waterfalls at Wessenden Head – 5 Miles

If you want to find some waterfalls in the Peak District, why not try this Wessenden Valley walk? At just under 5 miles long, this walk in the Dark Peak takes in three waterfalls and uses part of the Pennine Way.

Stanage Edge & Higger Tor – 7 Miles

Stanage Edge is another firm favourite place to explore with kids. With rocks to climb, caves to explore and historic old millstones littering the site, this Stanage Edge walk is 7 miles long but takes in Higger Tor as well.

Shutlingsloe – 7.5 Miles

Shutlingsloe, also known as the Matterhorn of Cheshire, is a great walk with kids. There are a few places to park but our walk to Shutlingsloe is 7.5 miles long and starts in Wildboarclough. There’s a steep climb up Shutlingsloe itself but there’s a trig point on the top to reward you.

You might also like this short Bamford Edge walk for a short walk with amazing views over Ladybower Reservoir.

Hiking with Kids

Hiking with kids can be challenging but very rewarding! I hope you liked this collection of 10 easy walks in the Peak District, and you can read 15 Tips on Hiking with Kids here. You can also see 21 Short and Easy Peak District Walks if you need some more inspiration for Peak District walks with kids, or check out Peak District Walks under 3 miles.

 

You can also follow me on Instagram for more walking inspiration, as I post photos from all our walks with Hols on there.

 

Happy walking!