12 Beautiful Walks in the Derbyshire Dales
The Derbyshire Dales are some of the finest walking country in England, and if you’ve not explored them yet, you’re in for a treat. There are so many beautiful walks in the Derbyshire Dales! Sitting within the White Peak limestone plateau, between the pastoral south and the gritstone hills of the Dark Peak to the north, this is a landscape of deep, narrow valleys carved by rivers like the Dove, the Wye, the Manifold and the Lathkill – each one different in character, each one worth lacing your boots up for.
The dales themselves vary enormously. Dovedale is the most famous, with its stepping stones, limestone spires and the steep little summit of Thorpe Cloud guarding the valley entrance. Lathkill Dale is quieter and wilder, with crystal-clear water, orchids and dippers. Chee Dale tucks itself beneath the Monsal Trail for a more adventurous walk along stepping stones above the River Wye. Monks Dale and Peter Dale are nature reserves – rough, muddy and gloriously unspoilt. And then there’s Monsal Dale, Tideswell Dale, Wolfscote Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Bradford Dale, Beresford Dale and the Manifold Valley. You won’t run out of options any time soon!
The area is well served by market towns and villages. Bakewell and Ashbourne are the two main hubs, while Monyash, Tideswell, Hartington, Youlgreave and Alstonefield all make brilliant starting points for a walk – most have a good pub, which never hurts after a few miles in the hills.
Best Walks in the Derbyshire Dales
Below you’ll find a collection of circular walks across the Derbyshire Dales, from short half-day routes to longer adventures. Hopefully there’s something here whatever your experience level – enjoy!
Tideswell 4 Dales Walk – 8 Miles
A walk exploring 4 of the beautiful dales near Tideswell, visiting Peter Dale, Monks Dale, Millers Dale and Tideswell Dale. Each dale has its own personality, with Peter Dale and Monks Dale being wilder than most.
Thors Cave Walk | 6.5 Miles
This Thor’s Cave walk starts in the pretty village of Wetton and explores the stunning Thor’s Cave before heading along the Manifold Way to Ecton Hill via the Sugar Loaf and Nan Tor cave.
Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale and Ilam Park Walk | 8.5 Miles
This 8.5 mile circular walk takes in some of the most iconic scenery in Derbyshire – the famous Dovedale stepping stones and soaring limestone pinnacles, the wooded slopes of Dovedale Woods, the open riverside path along the River Dove, and the gorgeous National Trust estate of Ilam Park. Oh, and there’s the small matter of climbing Thorpe Cloud – one of the most satisfying little summits in the Peak District with stunning views.
Three Dales Walk From Middleton-by-Youlgreave | 6 Miles
If you’re looking for a circular Peak District walk that captures the very best of Derbyshire’s limestone landscape, the Three Dales Walk from Middleton-by-Youlgreave is hard to beat. This 6-mile route leads hikers through Bradford Dale, Gratton Dale and Long Dale – three beautiful limestone valleys – offering a quiet, rewarding alternative to some of the Peak District’s more crowded trails.
Bradford Dale Circular Walk | 6 Miles
If you’re looking for a scenic White Peak walk with plenty of variety, this 6.5 mile Bradford Dale circular route from Alport is a lovely option. The walk winds through lush farmland and peaceful limestone dales, taking in the beautiful stretches of Middleton Dale and Bradford Dale along the way.
Cressbrook Dale and Peter’s Stone Walk | 6 Miles
If you’re looking for a Peak District walk with a mix of dramatic limestone scenery, peaceful dales, and a striking landmark then this 6 mile route around Cressbrook Dale and Peter’s Stone is a real gem. Tucked away near the villages of Litton and Cressbrook, it’s a walk that feels both tranquil and atmospheric, with wildflowers in spring and stunning views all year round.
Lathkill Dale Waterfall Walk | 7 Miles
This walk takes you through the beautiful Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve, packed with wildlife and waterfalls as well as lots of history. With traces of the area’s industrial past dotted around, caves to explore and stunning views from the head of the gorge, this 7 mile walk also passes the beautiful Lathkill Dale waterfall on the River Lathkill.
Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale Stepping Stones, Bunster Hill and Ilam | 5.5 Miles
Dovedale is an area of natural beauty, with limestone cliffs and scenic views. At just over 5.5 miles, this walk includes Thorpe Cloud, the famous Dovedale stepping stones and a scramble up Bunster Hill before a wander around Ilam Country Park. This is a great walk with lots to see in the beautiful White Peak area of the Peak District National Park.
Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walk | 4 Miles
Tucked away off the Monsal Trail is Chee Dale, a beautiful shady limestone gorge home to Chee Dale Nature Reserve and the Chee Dale stepping stones, hidden away beneath the huge limestone walls of the gorge. This walk is 4 miles long.
Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale | 7 Miles
This circular walk explores the beautiful Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale, and bags the Wolfscote Hill trig point too. It’s 7 and a bit miles, and starts in the pretty village of Biggin in the Derbyshire Dales.
Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud Walk | 7 Miles
This Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud walk takes you through the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, exploring caves, the Dovedale Stepping Stones and wandering through beautiful Dovedale. It also bags the Tissington Hill Ethel. At 7 miles this is one of the best walks in Dovedale.
Hartington and the Upper Dove Valley | 6 Miles
Just a short distance from the popular village of Hartington, this 6-mile circular walk escapes the crowds and is a high-level circuit through the sweeping countryside and farmland of the Upper Dove Valley. Expect big views, quiet lanes and beautiful countryside.
Which of these beautiful walks in the Derbyshire Dales will you do first?
