There are so many lovely family-friendly walks in the Peak District that are perfect for kids to get outside and explore.
Living close to the Peak District means we often venture there for family days out/hikes. We understand the importance of finding suitable trails for your family’s abilities; therefore, we have selected the best family walks in the Peak District for you to consider. We love them all!
When heading out, try to start your walk early when children are usually at their most energetic. Remember to pack lots of snacks and water. Packing an OS Map is a must, dress in layers with a waterproof coat, and wear hiking boots. Last but not least, check the weather!
Our top tips for walking/hiking with children
Walking with little ones can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Peak District, but a bit of preparation can make the day run far more smoothly. Here are some practical tips to help keep the whole family happy on the trail:
Get started early
Children are often at their most energetic in the morning, so setting off early gives you the best chance of enjoying the walk before tiredness sets in. You’ll also avoid the busiest times on popular routes, making the experience calmer and more enjoyable.
Pack plenty of snacks and water
Hiking uses up lots of energy, especially for little legs. Frequent snack breaks not only keep children fuelled but can also act as a great motivator. Pack a mix of healthy options like fruit and nuts alongside a few special treats. Don’t forget plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated.
Check and dress for the weather
Always check the forecast before you set out. A sunny start can quickly turn into rain in the hills, so be prepared. If the weather looks unsafe, it’s better to reschedule than to risk getting caught in poor conditions.
The weather in the Peak District can change quickly, so dressing in layers is key. A lightweight, breathable base layer, a cosy jumper or fleece, and a waterproof coat will cover most conditions. Good footwear is essential. Sturdy hiking boots or well-fitted walking shoes will make a big difference in comfort and safety.
Take a map
While many trails are well signposted, it’s always wise to carry an Ordnance Survey (OS) map. Children often enjoy getting involved in navigation, so let them have a go at spotting landmarks or following the route. It turns the walk into a little adventure.
Make it fun!
Children are more likely to enjoy walking if it feels like an adventure. Turn the hike into a game by spotting wildlife, hunting for unusual rocks, or playing “I Spy” along the way. A small reward at the end of the walk, whether it’s a picnic or a visit to a local café, can also keep spirits high.
Dovedale Stepping Stones, 5.3 km / 3.3 miles
- Distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 miles (add an extra 1.4 km if you include the climb up Thorpe Cloud)
- Route type: A circular riverside walk featuring the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.
- Parking: Start at Narlows Lane Car Park. All-day parking is £6.60.
- Time required: Around 2 hours without children, or closer to 3 hours with young kids.
- Accessibility: This circular walk is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The only accessible section is the short, flat stretch from Dovedale car park to the stepping stones. The main route includes a steady descent to the river and a short, steep climb towards the end.
- Facilities: At the main Dovedale car park, you’ll find public toilets (20p coins needed) and a small ice cream hut (card only). The Old Dog pub sits conveniently at the start and end of the walk, perfect for timing with lunch.
When I think of the Peak District, I automatically think of the Dovedale Stepping Stones. The stepping stones across the River Dove are certainly a hotspot in the Peak District National Park. We always suggest leaving early or later in the day to avoid busy crowds; this is especially true for even this quieter walk to Dovedale Stepping Stones.
This family-friendly circular walk (from Peak District Kids) begins in the pretty village of Thorpe. From here, the route takes you on a gentle loop around Thorpe Cloud, before leading you across the famous stepping stones themselves. It’s a fun, accessible trail that children especially enjoy.
For families with a little extra energy, there’s the option to climb Thorpe Cloud from the stepping stones. Although it’s a short but steep 15-minute ascent, the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking and well worth the effort.
The walk usually takes around 2–3 hours, depending on your pace. On sunny days, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, bring a picnic, let the kids paddle in the river, or just enjoy a relaxed play stop along the way.
Do bear in mind that there is a charge for parking at Dovedale car park. It fills up quickly, so plan if you’re visiting at peak times.
Robin Hood’s Stride, 4.3 km / 2.7 miles
- Distance: 4.3 km / 2.7 miles.
- Route type: Field paths, country lanes, and rocks to scramble.
- Parking: There is free street parking in the village of Elton at the start of the walk. (Please be considerate of residents)
- Time required: 2-3 hours.
- Accessibility: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, uneven terrain, and stiles along the route.
- Facilities: Although there is no pub in Elton, there are cafés and pubs in the nearby villages of Youlgreave and Birchover.
Robin Hood’s Stride is a fantastic 2.7-mile walk featuring an impressive collection of rocks perched high on a hill, which is perfect for adventurous families.
Children will love exploring the unique rock formations, discovering the intriguing hermit’s cave, and taking advantage of numerous opportunities for climbing and scrambling. The panoramic views from the top are truly unforgettable. This is a natural environment with all the natural hazards that come with that. Make sure to take extra care when climbing on the rocks at Robin Hood’s Stride
The route typically takes around 2–3 hours to complete and offers a mix of gates, stiles, and squeeze stiles along the way. Expect some uneven ground and muddy patches, as well as moderate ascents and descents, so it’s best suited for children aged 8 and up who enjoy a bit of a challenge.
Mam Tor, 4.8 km / 3 miles
- Distance: 4.8 km / 3 miles.
- Route type: Mostly moderate walking on good paths, with some steps and steep climbs.
- Parking: National Trust Mam Nick car park (near Mam Tor), please note it is a very small car park.
- Time required: 2 hours.
- Accessibility: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, uneven terrain, and stiles along the route.
- Facilities: Pubs and cafes at the nearby Castleton village.
Mam Tor, its name means “Mother Hill” because frequent landslips on its eastern face have resulted in a multitude of “mini-hills” beneath it, is a perfect hill climb in the Peak District for young children to get moving those little legs!
Children will feel a great sense of achievement. The viewpoint at Mam Tor is stunning and stretches north over the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and the Derwent Moors. It gets quite windy at the top, so bear this in mind when preparing for the walk.
For adults and older children, this route is great if you want to take your bikes for a spin. It is full of jumps and winding roads, offering a natural route for any keen cyclist.
There is a National Trust car park at Mam Tor (no toilets) and non-NT pay and display car parks with toilets at Edale and Castleton.
You can read the full details of this Mam Tor walk here.
You can follow another Castleton to Mam Tor circular walk here.
Thor’s cave, 5.5 km / 3.5 miles
- Distance: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles.
- Route type: Short circular walk, small climbs and some stiles.
- Parking: Wetton car park, Carr Lane, Wetton, Ashbourne, DE6 2AF.
- Time required: 1.5-2.5 hours.
- Accessibility: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, uneven terrain, and stiles along the route.
- Facilities: There are public toilets available at the start of the walk at Wetton (open from 10 am).
Thor’s Cave is a natural cavern in limestone rock. It’s certainly impressive to look at, offers some spectacular views across Manifold Valley, and there’s a bit of a scramble in the cave for even young children to feel like they’re on an adventure, the cave can be very slippery when wet. My child loves to explore the caverns; he’ll shout to hear his echo and search for bones or fossils that may have been left behind.
This Thor’s Cave walk begins from Wetton. At the beginning, you have views of Beeston Tor, and then the main highlight is walking up to the entrance of Thor’s Cave and exploring inside it! This is a lovely walk for adults and children.
From Wetton, you begin along the road and soon head down fields towards the valley with spectacular views as you walk downhill. Beeston Tor is the first highlight, a huge limestone rock. Go across the River Manifold, then it’s a lovely and flat walk down the Manifold Valley. Be sure to look up to your right to see the first glimpse of Thor’s Cave above the trees.
Go over the bridge and up the path through the woods, including numerous steps to the entrance to Thor’s Cave. Enjoy the views down to the valley or go inside to explore, or do both! From here, it’s a short walk across a muddy path, then a track to reach the road to Wetton village.
There is a car park on Carr Lane, Wetton, Ashbourne. There are toilets here too.
Stanton Moor, 3.1 km / 2 miles
- Distance: 3.1 km / 2 miles
- Route type: Easy circular walk with small climbs.
- Parking: There is roadside parking here, but spaces can be limited. If there is no parking available, head to the small car park 300 metres down the road opposite Birchover Stone.
- Time required: Allow 2-3 hours with young kids.
- Accessibility: Option for those with mobility issues (there are no stiles)
- Facilities: There are no public toilets on this walk. It’s a ten-minute drive to either Bakewell or Matlock. But if you’re looking for somewhere to go for a pub lunch, the Miners Standard in nearby Winster is great.
This Stanton Moor walk has so much to offer! Woodland to explore, rocks to climb, beautiful views, and muddy puddles. It’s a perfect walk for a family day out as it’s quite flat, so suitable for varying abilities.
We love to wander down the old quarry to play amongst all the boulders whilst enjoying this walk. You can stop for a snack at the Nine Ladies Circle whilst you’re here, a Bronze Age circle used by the Druids. Finally, admire the views over to Darley Dale as you head back to the start.
This walk takes us about 2 hours with stops to play or picnic.
There is roadside parking here, but spaces can be limited. If there is no parking available, head to the small car park 300 metres down the road opposite Birchover Stone.
Let us know if you have tried any of these family-friendly Peak District walks in the comments! Which is your favourite?
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