Nestled amongst the jaw-dropping mountains and breathtaking scenery is Rivendale Lodge Retreat, in the heart of the Peak District. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better place to get the gang back together again.
We know you’re raring to go (so are we!) so we thought we’d give you a little inspiration for that EPIC first trip. We’ve come up with our top five favourite walks in the Peaks to get you thinking and planning for your big adventure! Take a look:
Padley Gorge
Distance: 6km
Time: 2 hours (the perfect morning dog walk!
Lunch Spot? Yep – the Old Grindleford Station Cafe is just halfway round the loop
Perfect for? Families, four-legged friends, and little ones – the whole gang
The gorgeous Padley Gorge trail is an unbeatable combination of breathtaking natural scenery and woodland estate. Located along the Burbage Valley, this beautiful ancient woodland is the ideal spot to walk and talk – our number one spot for catching up. A gentle and circular trail which leads you along riverbanks and through forest, Padley Gorge is spectacular all year round. It’s especially magical in spring, when the Yarncliffe Wood forest floor is carpeted with vibrant bluebells! A gentle, grassy walk ideal for dogs and little ones, pick this spot to make the most of family time, at peaceful Padley Gorge.
Dovedale Trail
Distance: 11.6km
Time: 3 – 4 hours (pack a picnic!
Lunch Spot? Plenty – Dovedale Car Park Cafe and Polly’s Pantry in Milldale
Perfect for? Families and friends
The Dovedale Trail is a gorgeous and rewarding trek just twenty minutes’ drive away from Rivendale Lodge Retreat. This trail incorporates the beautiful River Dove as well as the local limestone formations of Lover’s Leap, Dove Holes and Tissington Spires. The famous beauty of the Peaks, the Dovedale Trail is perfect to tackle with friends and family (though it might be a bit tough for any little ones!). When the weather’s warmer, the Dovedale Stepping Stones are the perfect place for a dip – if you’re brave enough! The summit of Bailey Hill, however, is where this walk really shines – though the walk up can be tough, the spectacular view is worth it (we promise).
Mam Tor
Distance: 10.4 km
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Lunch Spot? The Three Roofs Cafe in Castleton – reward yourself with coffee and cake
Perfect for? An epic end-of-trip trek with the team
Even if you aren’t local, it’s likely you’ve heard of Mam Tor. If you’re looking for a truly spectacular reunion, we can’t think of anywhere better than this stunning trail, designed to give you the most EPIC views over the Peaks. Famous for being one of the best ridge walks in the country, this trek over Mam Tor (locally known as ‘The Shivering Mountain’) offers dedicated walkers unbeatable views of Edale, Hope Valley and even gorgeous nearby Kinder Scout. We recommend this one for that BIG last-day celebration – see the country’s best views with the people you love and take that long-overdue selfie!
Chee Dale, Miller’s Dale and Wye Dale
Distance: 6.8 km
Time: 3 hours
Lunch Spot? There are plenty of great cafe lunch spots in Chee Dale, Miller’s Dale, and Wye Dale – like the Angler’s Rest, The Merchant’s Yard and the Refreshment Room – but you can always pack a picnic for the ultimate immersive experience!
Perfect for? Anyone with a bit of agility!
Just east of Buxton, this fantastic loop walk takes you through both deep forest and history. Following Victorian railway tracks, this is the best way to absorb the amazing legacy of this region. For little ones, the fairytale forest brings a sprinkling of magic to the occasion with crags, deep pools and stepping stones – we think it’s an ideal route for sparking interest in budding walkers!
The Roaches
Distance: 8.8 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Lunch Spot? The Roaches Tea Rooms – or enjoy a picnic at the top!
Perfect for? Keen climbers or active walkers
This heather-strewn hill is one of the most magical places the Peaks has to offer. Just half an hour’s drive from Rivendale, this is one of the top spots in the region (literally – the views from the top are incredible). Late summer sees the Roaches blossom with heather, nestled among the huge rocky features which make the Roaches so distinctive. A steep climb is worth it for the amazing views over the region – trust us!
We hope this little guide has inspired you to get planning your own BIG adventure in the Peaks. If you’d like to know more about Rivendale, The Peaks or any of our other resorts, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Have we missed your favourite walk? Let us know in the comments!