10 Easy Peak District Walks With Kids (Under 10km)
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.
The Peak District is perfect for a family day out, offering a mix of beautiful villages, farmland, reservoirs, and rugged moorland. Walking with kids can be fun and educational, and these 10 easy Peak District walks are all under 10km (6 miles) and packed with variety. They’re slightly off the beaten path too – not just the usual Monsal Trail or Dovedale.
These are walks my 9-year-old has enjoyed (with a little “endurance” required!), and while they work well for our family, always choose walks suited to your own children’s ages and abilities.
You might also like this collection of Easy Walks in the Peak District.
Easy Peak District Walks for Kids
The Roaches – 4 Miles, Easy to Moderate
Explore this stunning area with rock formations, wildlife, and lots of places to climb and hide. The walk also passes Lud’s Church and Doxey Pool at the top. Note: The Roaches is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so dogs must be kept on a lead.
Highlights: Rock climbing, Lud’s Church, Doxey Pool, wildlife spotting.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Torside Reservoir – 4.5 Miles, Easy
This mostly flat circular walk uses part of the Trans Pennine Trail and passes through Tinsel School Woods, offering reservoir views along the way. Perfect for families looking for a gentle adventure.
Highlights: Reservoir views, woodland paths, flat and easy terrain.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Mam Tor Short Walk – 1.5 Miles, Easy
Mam Tor is one of the most popular Peak District hills for families. From the National Trust car park, it’s a short walk to the summit. You can extend the route to explore The Great Ridge for more challenge.
Highlights: Panoramic views, quick summit, Great Ridge extension.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Solomon’s Temple, Buxton – 2.6 Miles, Easy
A short, fun walk for kids that leads to the Solomon’s Temple folly. The route passes through woodland and allows kids to explore inside the tower.
Highlights: Folly tower, woodland paths, short and manageable route.
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dove Stone Reservoir – 3.7 Miles, Easy
On the edge of the Peak District, Dove Stone Reservoir offers a relatively flat and accessible walk. Paths are good, and the route can be extended for families wanting a longer outing. Pram-friendly walk.
Highlights: Reservoir views, level walking, scenic moorland edges.
Distance: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
West Nab – 1 Mile, Very Easy
A very short walk ideal for picnics or sunset views. West Nab features a rocky outcrop and a trig point for kids to explore. Perfect for a quick outdoor adventure. There is some road walking involved. Dogs are not allowed on West Nab as it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Highlights: Rocky outcrop, trig point, picnic spot, short walk.
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Very Easy
Grindsbrook Clough – 4 Miles, Moderate
For adventurous kids, this walk offers some easy scrambling. Starting from Edale, climb Grindsbrook Clough to Grindslow Knoll. Older children will love the hands-on climbing sections.
Highlights: Scrambling, summit views, moorland paths.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Waterfalls at Wessenden Head – 5 Miles, Moderate
A Dark Peak walk featuring three waterfalls along the Pennine Way. Perfect for families wanting to combine walking with natural attractions.
Highlights: Waterfalls, Pennine Way, scenic moorland.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Stanage Edge & Higger Tor – 7 Miles, Moderate
Stanage Edge is great for climbing rocks, exploring caves, and spotting historic millstones. The route also includes Higger Tor for extra adventure.
Highlights: Rock climbing, caves, historic millstones, Higger Tor.
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Shutlingsloe – 7.5 Miles, Moderate
Known as the Matterhorn of Cheshire, this walk begins in Wildboarclough and climbs to the trig point on Shutlingsloe. Steep in places, it rewards with stunning summit views.
Highlights: Summit trig point, panoramic views, rewarding climb.
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Additional Easy Family Walks
Padley Gorge Short Walk – Gentle walk with scenic woodland views.
Bamford Edge Walk – Short walk with beautiful views over Ladybower Reservoir.
Check out these Peak District Walks under 3 miles.
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.
FAQ: Peak District Walks With Kids
Q1: What’s the best age for these walks with kids?
A: Most walks are suitable for children aged 5+, though some scrambling sections (Grindsbrook Clough, Stanage Edge) are generally better for older kids. You know your children though, and their capabilities.
Q2: How long do these walks take?
A: Walk times range from 30 minutes (West Nab) to 3–4 hours (Shutlingsloe).
Q3: Are these walks dog-friendly?
A: Most are dog-friendly, but some areas like The Roaches are SSSI sites where dogs must be on a lead. There is a blanket ban on dogs at West Nab.
Q4: Can you do these walks all year?
A: Yes, these walks are suitable for year-round walking, though winter conditions can make moorland paths muddy or icy.
Q5: Are there toilets and refreshments on the walks?
A: Some walks start near villages or car parks with cafes (Mam Tor, Edale), but others like Grindsbrook Clough or Wessenden Head may not have facilities.
Happy walking!
