Beautiful Winter Walks in the Peak District
Looking for perfect winter walks in the Peak District? I’ve gathered together a few walks which I think are perfect for a winter’s day. Some of them are gentle reservoir walks, some are more challenging and some are great to do after a really cold spell when the ground is frozen and there are icicles hanging off the peat hags. Here are some Peak District walks for winter.
Quick guide to winter walks in the Peak District
- Best easy winter walks: Edale Walk, Ladybower Reservoir Loop, Padley Gorge
- Best muddy-weather walks: Ladybower Reservoir, Chatsworth Park
- Best winter hikes when the ground is frozen: Margery Hill, Black Hill, Bamford Edge
- Walk lengths range from 3.5 to 14 miles
- Some routes have dog restrictions – details included below
Edale Walk -Low-Level Winter Walk for Poor Weather
When the weather is bad on the tops, it’s sometimes safer to do a low level walk. This 4-mile walk starts from Edale train station before exploring the fields and pathways in the valley bottom. The views are still beautiful, with Mam Tor and the Great Ridge on one side and the Kinder Scout massif on the other.
Ladybower Reservoir Loop – Pram-Friendly Winter Walk on Solid Tracks
One for when the paths are too muddy and wet, this 6-mile Ladybower Reservoir walk is pram-friendly and uses good tracks all the way around. You’re not too far from a couple of pubs for a warm up afterwards – the Yorkshire Bridge Inn and Ladybower Inn are a short distance away.
Bamford Edge – Winter Edge Hike with Stunning Views
Bamford Edge is a great walk whatever the season, and on a clear crisp day the views over Win Hill and Ladybower Reservoir are stunning. This 6-mile walk climbs up onto Bamford Edge before heading back down past Bamford Mills along the Bamford Touch Stone Trail.
Dogs aren’t allowed on Bamford Edge – here’s a map from Natural England showing the restrictions. Public rights of way are those shown green on an OS map.
Wessenden Valley – Quiet Winter Valley Walk with Waterfalls
I love the Wessenden Valley. It always feels so much quieter than the honeypot places in the Peak District but has so much to offer. This 6-mile walk includes a climb up to West Nab and Raven Rocks, and some of the stunning waterfalls.
West Nab is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and dogs are excluded. There is a sign on the stile out onto the road warning you of this so if you are a dog owner, don’t take your dog.
Padley Gorge Walk – Short Winter Woodland Stroll
Whilst it’s especially beautiful in Autumn, Padley Gorge is well worth a visit at any time of year. In winter the bare trees become a bit more mysterious. This 3.5-mile walk starts from Grindleford train station and passes Padley Chapel, the ruins of Padley Manor, the remains of Bole Hill Quarry (or Bolehill, depending on your spelling) and the abandoned millstones and then explores Surprise View and Padley Gorge itself. Look out for the money tree!
Stanage Edge – Scenic Winter Walk with Trig Points
Stanage Edge is another place which is stunning whatever the season. It’s got some of the best views in the Peak District, and it is one of the most popular places for walkers to go. This 6-mile walk starts from Redmires Reservoir and doesn’t involve any huge climbs, but visits Stanage Pole and High Neb, one of the two trig points on Stanage.
Chatsworth and Edensor – Winter Park and Village Walk with Deer Spotting
Chatsworth House is one of the jewels in the Peak District. In winter Chatsworth Park and Stand Wood are some of the best places to walk – you can spot the free roaming deer and in the run up to Christmas there’s a huge market just outside Chatsworth House. Edensor is a beautiful chocolate box village well worth a visit. This 8-mile walk is perfect for a winter’s morning.
Margery Hill and Outer Edge – Remote Winter Moorland Hike
This remote part of the Peak District is best visited when the bogs are frozen! This 14-mile walk visits 3 trig points (South Nab, Margery Hill and Outer Edge) and is the perfect way to spot mountain hares, which live in these quieter spots. The views from the Crow Stones down the Derwent Valley are beautiful and you’ll get a real sense of peace.
Black Hill and West Nab Walk – Long Winter Hike with Hidden Waterfall
I’ve visited Black Hill in pretty much every weather – it’s my favourite place to hike and I go there often! One of the best times to visit is on a crisp winter’s day with blue skies (when the bogs are frozen). The slabs of the Pennine Way do get very slippery with ice though. This 10-mile walk visits a hidden waterfall at Issue Clough (which looks stunning frozen!) before heading up to Black Hill, then along the Pennine Way to West Nab and back to Holme village.
Q1: Are winter walks in the Peak District safe?
A: Most winter walks are safe if you choose routes suited to your experience and check local conditions. Stick to low-level or well-maintained trails when it’s icy, and avoid boggy or high-ground routes unless the ground is frozen. Wear sturdy footwear and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
Q2: What are the best low-level winter walks in the Peak District?
A: Edale Walk and Padley Gorge Walk are ideal low-level winter routes. They are shorter, easier to navigate, and still offer beautiful views without tackling steep or exposed terrain.
Q3: Which winter walks are suitable for prams or families with young children?
A: The Ladybower Reservoir Loop is pram-friendly, following well-maintained paths and tracks. It also has nearby pubs like the Ladybower Inn for a post-walk warm-up.
Q4: Can I take my dog on winter walks in the Peak District?
A: Some areas, including Bamford Edge, Wessenden Valley, and West Nab have dog restrictions during certain seasons. Always check signage and local rules before visiting to ensure dogs are allowed. You can check the Natural England Open Access Maps for details.
Q5: What are the best winter walks for long hikes and panoramic views?
A: Margery Hill, Outer Edge, and Black Hill offer longer winter hikes with breath taking views of moorland and valleys. These routes are best when the ground is frozen and visibility is clear.
Q6: How long are the winter walks in this guide?
A: Distances range from 3.5 miles for Padley Gorge Walk to 14 miles for Margery Hill and Outer Edge, so there’s an option for a short stroll or a full day hike.
Q7: When is the best time to do these walks in winter?
A: Clear, crisp days after frost or a period of frozen ground are ideal. Avoid very muddy or icy conditions on exposed paths, and plan routes according to weather forecasts.
