Padley Gorge – Ancient Woodland Walk From Grindleford Station
πŸ₯Ύ Peak District

Padley Gorge – Ancient Woodland Walk From Grindleford Station

🧑 Char & Ads πŸ“… July 17, 2026
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3 Miles
Distance
⏱️
2 Hours
Duration
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Easy–Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
687 ft
Elevation
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Pay & Display
Parking
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Year round
Best Season
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On lead only
Dogs
🌿
Woodland paths
Terrain
🚻
At the start
Toilets
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Best time to visit Best months: January to December
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Good
Quieter / wet underfoot
Padley Gorge – Ancient Woodland Walk From Grindleford Station

Often seen as a photographers paradise, Padley Gorge has been named as one of the best walks in the UK and in this 3 mile circular route from Grindleford station, its easy to see why, but don’t leave it just for autumn like the crowds, this place is beautiful year round.

Padley Gorge pool shaded in the trees
Water running over the rocks at Padley Gorge

What to expect

The perfect walk for any weather with plenty of shade from the hot sun in summer and shelter from rain in winter.

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The paths on this route can get muddy in the wetter months but take a drink and enjoy the sound of running water and the wind in the trees, this place really is as peaceful as it gets.

Through the trees looking towards the fence at Padley Gorge
Curved wooden bridge at Padley Gorge over the stream

Getting there & parking

Grindleford station car park – S32 2JA – There is also limited parking just before the station along the roadside if you arrive at a quiet time.

The route

This route starts at Grindleford train station, meaning it’s a great option for those relying on public transport. You’ll first cross the train bridge and head up into the woods where you’ll follow the little steam through thie ancient woodland. At the top you’ll cross the road into the Longshaw Estate, pass the pond on your left before heading right through fields and into more woods to loop you back around

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Cows just off the path on the Longshaw Estate
Woodland path through the trees

Tips & what to bring

After heavy periods of rain and in the winter this route can get muddy, so walking boots are advised. Padley Gorge is very popular with photographers in the autumn but it is beautiful all year round, its even great on a rainy day.

Eat & drink nearby

At the end of your walk you’ll pass The Maynard, this place is a wedding venue so it looks quite posh and you could probably think they wouldn’t want muddy boots in here, but the staff were so welcoming and the food was amazing. If you just want a drink, the beer garden is probably one of the best we’ve ever seen in the Peak District. There is also a cafe at the station, although were yet to try this place.

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves.
The George Hotel, Hathersage ★ Featured
The George at Hathersage, a stunning 500 year old inn with a hidden courtyard and some of the best food in the…
2.2 miles away View →
Cafe 19, Calver, Peak District ✦ NewCafe
Cafe 19 at Calver crossroads, a Peak District cafe with great coffee and frankly amazing cakes. The kind of place you stop…
2.6 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell ✦ NewPub
The Ashford Arms is a quintessential country pub that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort.
6.5 miles away View →
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop ✦ NewCafe
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is one of the only places you can try this early 19th century recipe.
6.7 miles away View →
See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner
Make a weekend of it

Pair this walk with somewhere we have stayed and rated nearby.

The George Hotel, Hathersage
Hotel · 2.2 miles away
The George at Hathersage, a stunning 500 year old inn with a hidden courtyard and some of the best food in the Peak District.
Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend around this walk →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell ✦ NewHotel
A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…
6.5 miles away View →
See all places to stay on the map →

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