Padley Gorge – Ancient Woodland Walk From Grindleford Station
🥾 Peak District

Padley Gorge – Ancient Woodland Walk From Grindleford Station

🧡 Char & Ads 📅 July 17, 2026
📍
3 Miles
Distance
⏱️
2 Hours
Duration
💪
Easy–Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
687 ft
Elevation
🅿️
Pay & Display
Parking
🍂
Year round
Best Season
🐕
On lead only
Dogs
🌿
Woodland paths
Terrain
🚻
At the start
Toilets
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🗺️ The route

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📍 Start: S32 2JA
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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.

Best time to visit Best months: January to December
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Now Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Quieter / wet underfoot

Good to know

🅿️Where do we park?

You'll find pay & Display parking at the start of the walk. Postcode for sat nav: S32 2JA.

🚻Are there toilets?

Yes, at the start of the walk.

🐕Can I bring the dog?

On lead only.

🥾What underfoot?

Expect woodland paths underfoot.

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 Maynard, Grindleford ✦ NewPub
The Maynard at Grindleford has one of the best beer gardens in the Peak District and offers great food for visitors to…
On the route View →
Cafe 19, Calver, Peak District Cafe
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 Pub
The Ashford Arms is a quintessential country pub that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort.
6.5 miles away View →
See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it
The George Hotel, Hathersage
Hotel · 2.2 miles away
Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →
The Maynard, Grindleford ✦ NewHotel
The Maynard at Grindleford is perfectly placed for anyone exploring the Peak District with a beer garden that offers fantastic views.
On the route View →
A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering
Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District
5.4 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel
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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