🗺️ The route
Free to viewPadley gorge is a beautiful narrow valley walk in an ancient forest and this route will take you down one side and up the other. This place is a photographer’s dream in autumn.
Got more time? Our Padley Gorge Circular from Grindleford Station is a 3-mile loop up the gorge and round the Longshaw Estate, starting from the train station.
What to expect
The path through the woodland is easy to follow and well trodden but it is uneven in places with tree routes coming through.
Although this is a popular spot, the busiest time here is definitely autumn when the golden leaves bring all the photographers out and it’s easy to see why, its absolutely beautiful.
Getting there & parking
On the road lay-by parking – S32 2JA. There’s also alternative parking at Grindleford train station or on the Longshaw Estate.
Good to know
No, there aren't any on this route.
On lead only.
Expect woodland & riverside paths underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 1.2 Miles
- 1 Hour
- Easy–Moderate
This is a short circular route and from the lay-by you’ll see a footpath on the same side as you that takes you through the wall and towards Burbage Brook, stay on this side and follow the water down into and through the woods. You’ll pass amazing gnarly trees and come across a bridge at the bottom, simply cross it and head back up the other side and back to the car.
Step-by-step
- From lay-by parking, head through the wall and towards Burbage Brook.
- Follow the waters edge downstream and through the woods for about half a mile.
- You'll see a bridge crossing the brook after about half a mile you want to take this.
- Head up the steep bank and turn right.
- Follow the main path through the woods and once you're in the open at the top you'll see another bridge which will lead you back to your car.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
The colours of the trees in the autumn are amazing and this is definitely our favourite time to visit.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Always in the pack Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for water & snacks Char usesDeuter Speed Lite 23
Lightweight, low-bulk pack for fast, lighter days.
