Padley Gorge hike
View Photos
Padley Gorge hike
Difficulty Rating:
A fantastic hike starting from the beautiful Longshaw estate, following a bustling brook through the Burbage Valley to the village of Grindleford, and finally walking you back through the Yarncliffe Wood. Family friendly.
Please note this area is seeing a significant increase in litter, illegal fires, off-lead dogs, irresponsible parking, and overcrowding. Due to this, we encourage you to consider visiting another area in the Peak District at this time or ensure you are respecting the rules outlined by Peak District National Trust during your visit.
Getting there
Starting Point is Longshaw Estate. For drivers, access is via the A6187 between Sheffield and Hathersage. Follow the brown signs from the Fox House to the Woodcroft car park( Pay and Display).
About
| When to do | All Year |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | At the trailhead and Grindleford Cafe |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Padley Gorge
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Padley Gorge
From the main Woodcroft car park, follow the signs to the Estates National Trust tearoom and the beginning of the hike. Follow the path left and through a small gate then take the right fork in the direction of the estates pond. Curve right around the pond and then continue slightly downhill into Granby Wood.
You will emerge at a stone barn (Granby Barn) by a road (B6521). Carefully cross the road and make your way through the small gate straight opposite. Descend down the path keeping slightly right and cross the wooden bridge over Burbage Brook. Immediately turn left and follow the path parallel to the brook as it descends into Padley Gorge.
The path stays on the right hand side of the brook all the way to the bottom of the Gorge when you reach another wooden bridge. Cross and continue along the footpath to the Totley Tunnel and Grindleford Station. At 3.5mi long the Totley Tunnel is one of the longest in the country!
At this point you can choose cross over the railway bridge and have a break at the Old Grindleford Station Cafe or continue on your hike.
On the return, follow along the brook until you see the path fork right uphill. Follow this pleasant track through Yarncliffe Wood until it emerges at the B6521 again, by an old disused quarry, often used for training climbers.
Go around the right hand side of the Quarry basin until you reach the top and the edge of Granby Wood. From here you can pick up the footpath across the Longshaw estate back to the pond and the Shooting lodge where you began.
Want to find a more challenging walk in the Peak District? Check out the Stanage Edge Walk or the Dovedale Walk.
2024 Padley Gorge walking tips
Padley Gorge in the Peak District continues to be a popular destination for the 2024 walking season because of its scenic and relatively easy hiking routes. While there are limited facilities directly on the trail, nearby Longshaw Estate and Grindleford Station still provide amenities like cafes and toilets, enhancing the convenience of your visit.
Insider Hints
On a sunny day there is a little ice cream van that waits on the B5621 by Granby Barn. Pick up a 99 and relax by one of the brooks many pools.
Consider a visit in May when Yarncliffe wood is covered in a beautiful blanket of bluebells.
Padley Gorge is the best place in the Peak District to see Pied Flycatchers. These rare migratory birds arrive back to the UK from West Africa every April.
You can also choose to park for free along the road by the Fox House. For public transport take the 272 Sheffield – Castleton or the 214 Sheffield – Matlock and alight at the Fox House.
Similar hikes to the Padley Gorge hike
Valehouse Reservoir Circular
The Valehouse Reservoir Circular is a 3.1mi lollipop trail near Glossop that travels around the edge of the…
Edale Rocky Ridges Walk
The Edale Rocky Ridges Walk is just that - an adventurous walk along a rugged ridgeline. While out on the…
Ladybower Reservoir & Derwent Edge Walk
The Ladybower Reservoir & Derwent Edge Walk is a fantastic route that offers gorgeous views across the Peak District Landscape.…
Jamie d 3 years ago
Very nice walk but took longer than expected because we had kids with us
Andy pandy 3 years ago
loved the variety of this walk. from the gorge and its stunning setting, to the little wooden bridges, the water walls, the views. We were very spoilt with the amazing Autumn colors. it was so good will go back again. Must thank admin for sorting out my map down loading problem last night so we could go.
waqaas 4 years ago
This was a great walk, beautiful scenery and views. Great to see some animals up close, Sheep especially! First walk I've done personally, so took a few moments to work out which direction to take at a fork in the path when looking at the map but wasn't too difficult to work out. Took a bit longer with the family, going slow and stopping for photos.
Melister87 4 years ago
This is a national trust park, so you can park for free if you’re a member. The kids really enjoyed it and it was an amazing day out, so much to explore and sit down to have a picnic by the stream.
Anna 4 years ago
Beautiful route. Peaceful place. Easy to walk. Highly recommend :)
tessaspencer17@gmail.com 4 years ago
Beautiful!
Karl 4 years ago
A nice little hike. Ideal as a taster. Good area to have a dip in the brook or have a picnic.
Ruth Ellen 4 years ago
Hey i am looking to do who's walk tomorrow, but can dogs go off lead here or is there somewhere I can take them? Thanks
pikina74 4 years ago
Charliechoco 4 years ago
easy as a walk in the park. peaceful surroundings.