Peak District for Family Adventures

Peak District for Family Adventures: Top 5 Walks with Children (Complete Guide)

Welcome to Muse Escapes, where we believe that a getaway should be more than just a change of scenery; it should be a memory-making experience for the whole family. The Peak District, with its stunning landscapes and charming villages, offers an incredible backdrop for unforgettable family adventures. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a list of the top 5 family-friendly walks in the Peak District, complete with practical details to ensure your outings are enjoyable for everyone.

Preparing for Family Walks in the Peak District

Before diving into our recommended walks, here are some essential tips to ensure your family adventure goes smoothly:

• Weather Preparedness: Peak District weather can change rapidly. Pack layers regardless of season, waterproofs even on sunny days, and always bring sun protection. Check the forecast the morning of your walk and have a backup indoor activity planned just in case.
• Essential Packing Checklist:
  • Water bottles for everyone
  • Energy-boosting snacks (more than you think you’ll need!)
  • Basic first aid kit with plasters and blister treatments
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothes for younger children
  • Map and compass (don’t rely solely on phone apps)
  • Cash for parking (many machines don’t accept cards)
• Footwear Matters: The varied terrain of the Peak District demands proper footwear. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots provide essential support and grip for all family members, including children. Trainers offer insufficient protection for most walks, while wellies are generally unsuitable for longer distances.
• Engaging Children: Show kids photos of the walk highlights before setting out. Create a simple scavenger hunt for natural items or landmarks to keep them engaged. For older children, give them responsibility for navigating certain sections using a simplified map.

Now, let’s explore our top 5 family-friendly walks, each offering a unique Peak District experience!

1. Dovedale Valley: A Riverside Stroll

Route Options & Length:

• Short & Accessible Path: Dovedale Car Park to Stepping Stones: Approx. 0.5 miles each way (1 mile return), taking 20-30 minutes each way with children.
• Popular Circular Route: Dovedale Car Park > River Path > Milldale > Return via Bailey Hill: Approx. 6-7 miles, 3-4.5 hours with children.

Difficulty: Easy (Car park to stones), Moderate (longer circular routes)

Accessibility: The flat path from the main car park to the stepping stones is suitable for robust prams/strollers, but access ends at the stones. Beyond this point, the route includes stepping stones, stiles, steps, and uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Key Highlights:

• The famous stepping stones crossing the River Dove (iconic photo spot)
• Limestone cliffs and formations including Ilam Rock and Tissington Spires
• Dove Holes and Reynard’s Cave (steep access, not for young children)
• River Dove (paddling possible in shallows, but swimming not advised)
• Optional climb up Thorpe Cloud for fantastic views (steep, better for older children)

Hazards to Be Aware Of:

• Stepping stones can be slippery or even submerged after heavy rain
• Some steep ascents/descents on circular routes
• Uneven, rocky, and potentially muddy paths
• Very busy during weekends and school holidays

Parking:

• Dovedale NT Car Park (DE6 2AY): Main access point. Pay & Display (£5 for 4 hours, £7 all day, NT members free). This car park fills extremely early on weekends and during school holidays – arrive before 9am if possible.
• Ilam Park NT Car Park (DE6 2AZ): Alternative start. Pay & Display (£5 all day, NT members free). Requires a 1.5-mile walk across fields to reach Dovedale.

Facilities:

• Toilets at Dovedale NT car park (20p charge)
• Toilets at Ilam Park
• Refreshments: Ilam Park (NT Stableyard café), seasonal refreshment van at Dovedale car park

After your Dovedale adventure, return to your Muse Escapes accommodation to relax and share stories of your day by the stepping stones.

2. Monsal Trail: Tunnels and Viaducts

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Route & Length: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) full length between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell, but easily enjoyed in shorter sections:

• Hassop Station to Headstone Viaduct: Approx. 2 miles each way (4 miles return). Very accessible and perfect for families.
• Millers Dale Station to Hassop Station: Passes through tunnels and over viaducts.

Difficulty: Easy. The trail surface is flat and well-maintained (compacted surface).

Accessibility: Highly accessible and suitable for prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs (manual and powered), mobility scooters, and cyclists of all ages, including young children. Key easy access points with level entry include Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, and Millers Dale Station.

Key Highlights:

• Iconic Headstone Viaduct near Monsal Head with stunning views down Monsal Dale
• Passing through four long, lit railway tunnels (each approx. 400m long, great for echoes!)
• Scenic views of the River Wye and limestone dales
• Railway heritage features (old stations, goods sheds)
• Seasonal wildlife (spring wildflowers, summer birds and butterflies)

Hazards: Standard trail etiquette (sharing the path with walkers, cyclists, horse riders). Occasional temporary closures for maintenance (check the Peak District National Park website for current status).

Parking:

• Hassop Station (DE45 1NW): Large car park next to trail, cafe, bike hire. Pay & Display.
• Millers Dale Station (SK17 8SN): Mid-point car park with facilities, EV charging. Pay & Display.
• Bakewell Station (DE45 1GE): Small car park at trail end with additional parking in Bakewell town centre nearby.

Facilities:

• Hassop Station: Café, toilets (accessible), bike hire, book/gift shop
• Millers Dale Station: Café, toilets (accessible), Changing Places Toilet (Radar key needed)
• Bike Hire: Available at Hassop Station and Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire

Back at your Muse Escapes property, unwind in comfort and plan your next adventure along this former railway line, perhaps hiring bikes for a different experience tomorrow.

3. Tissington Trail: A Journey Through Time

Route & Length: 13 miles from Ashbourne (Mapleton Lane) to Parsley Hay. Connects to the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay, allowing for longer rides/walks or circular routes.

Difficulty: Easy. The surface is well-maintained, mostly flat or with gentle gradients. Slight uphill direction from Ashbourne towards Parsley Hay.

Accessibility: Good accessibility overall. The trail is well-surfaced and largely flat, making it suitable for robust prams/strollers and wheelchairs. Forms part of the ‘Miles Without Stiles’ network.

Key Highlights:

• The “picture book” village of Tissington with its hall, church, duck pond, and tearoom
• Passing near Thorpe village (with views of Thorpe Cloud)
• Railway heritage (old station platforms, signal box at Hartington)
• Attractive White Peak scenery, especially the open views north of Alsop station
• Wildflowers along the verges in spring and summer

Parking:

• Ashbourne (Mapleton Lane, DE6 2AA): Southern terminus, bike hire
• Tissington Station (DE6 1RA): Parking, toilets, kiosk, access to Tissington village
• Parsley Hay (SK17 0DG): Northern terminus, junction with High Peak Trail, bike hire, cafe, toilets

Facilities:

• Bike Hire: Ashbourne (Mapleton Lane) and Parsley Hay (standard, e-bikes, adapted bikes, tandems, kids bikes)
• Toilets: Available at Ashbourne, Tissington Station, Hartington Station, Parsley Hay
• Cafes/Refreshments: Kiosks/cafes at key points, Tissington village tearoom
• Picnic Areas: Located at Thorpe, Tissington, Alsop, Hartington, Parsley Hay

Return to your Muse Escapes accommodation, where you can relish in the day’s discoveries and perhaps plan a visit to one of the picturesque villages you glimpsed along the trail.

4. Curbar Edge: A Rocky Adventure

Route Options & Length:

• Short Curbar Edge Loop: Approx. 3.3km / 2.1 miles. Includes the main edge viewpoint path and returns via lower woodland path. Takes 1-2 hours with kids.
• Curbar, Froggatt & White Edge Circular: Approx. 9.4km / 5.8 miles. A classic loop taking in three edges and moorland. Takes 3.5 hours (adult pace) up to 5+ hours with kids.

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging depending on the route. The rocky terrain and potential for scrambling make it best suited for older children or families with experience on uneven ground.

Accessibility: Not suitable for prams, strollers, or wheelchairs. Paths are uneven, rocky, stepped, potentially muddy, and involve inclines.

Key Highlights:

• Spectacular panoramic views from the gritstone edges across the Derwent Valley
• Fun of boulder climbing and scrambling on the gritstone outcrops (very popular with kids, but supervise carefully near drops)
• Potential to spot Red Deer on Big Moor (on longer routes)
• Opportunity to watch rock climbers in action
• Great sunset location

Hazards (important to note):

• Significant steep drops along the edges (constant supervision of children is essential)
• High exposure to weather (wind, rain, sun can be intense on the edges)
• Uneven and rocky paths present tripping hazards
• Paths can become very muddy and slippery, especially after rain

Parking:

• Curbar Gap Car Park (Clodhall Lane, S32 3YR): Main starting point. Pay & Display (£4 for 4 hours, £6 all day). Free for National Trust / RSPB members. This car park gets extremely busy on weekends and holidays – arrive before 9:30 am.
• Limited free laybys on Clodhall Lane near the car park

Facilities: Very limited. No public toilets at Curbar Gap car park or along the main edge paths. A mobile coffee/cake van is sometimes present at Curbar Gap on weekends/holidays. The Grouse Inn pub is located on the longer circular routes.

After your exhilarating day exploring the dramatic edges, Muse Escapes’ comfortable retreats await, offering the perfect place to rest tired legs after your rocky adventure.

5. Ladybower Reservoir: Waterside Wonder

Route & Length: Popular circular walk around the southern half of the reservoir, passing Derwent Dam: Approx. 5 miles / 9.1 km. Shorter, accessible options available:

• Short Dam/Plughole Visits: Easy walks from Fairholmes or Heatherdene car parks

Difficulty: Easy. The main circular route follows well-surfaced paths (tarmac and compacted gravel) that are flat or gently undulating. The 5-mile circuit typically takes 2-2.5 hours at an adult pace; allow 3-4 hours with children.

Accessibility: Very accessible. The main paths around the reservoir are suitable for prams/strollers, wheelchairs (including all-terrain wheelchairs), mobility scooters, and family cycling.

Key Highlights:

• Impressive architecture of Derwent Dam and Ladybower Dam
• Historical significance – Derwent Dam was used for practice runs by the RAF’s 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) during WWII
• Iconic Ladybower Plugholes (shaft spillways, 24m diameter)
• Beautiful waterside views across the reservoir to surrounding hills
• Wildlife spotting opportunities
• Crossing of Ashopton Viaduct

Parking:

• Fairholmes Visitor Centre (Upper Derwent Valley, S33 0AQ): Located at the northern end of the main circular walk. Pay & Display (£3.50 up to 2 hours, £6.00 all day).
• Heatherdene Car Park (A6013, S33 0BY): Located at the southern end, near Ladybower Dam/plugholes. Pay & Display (£3.50 up to 2 hours, £6.00 all day).

Facilities:

• Fairholmes: Visitor Centre (information, shop), Toilets, Cafe/Refreshment Kiosk, Picnic Sites, Bike Hire (including adapted bikes/wheelchair hire)
• Heatherdene: Toilets, Picnic Benches, Boot Washing Station, Water Refill Point

Your Muse Escapes accommodation will be your cozy haven at the end of the day, perfect for relaxing after your waterside adventure.

Summary of our Top 5 Family Walks at A Glance

The magic of the Peak District changes with each season, offering unique experiences year-round:

• Spring (March-May): Witness the valleys burst into color with wildflowers and young wildlife. Dovedale and Monsal Trail are particularly stunning with their carpet of bluebells in late April. Paths may be muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is essential.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for water play and picnics along Dovedale Valley. Start walks early to avoid peak crowds and heat. The Ladybower Reservoir walk offers cooling breezes even on hot days. Bring extra water and sun protection.
• Autumn (September-November): Experience the spectacular golden colors along Tissington Trail and Curbar Edge. The clear air offers the best photography opportunities, especially during the golden hour before sunset.
• Winter (December-February): Enjoy the crisp air and peaceful atmosphere of Monsal Trail, which remains accessible year-round. After a light snow, Curbar Edge transforms into a winter wonderland, though extra caution is needed.

Keeping Children Engaged and Happy

• Make it Interactive: Play trail games like “I Spy,” create a nature scavenger hunt list, or sing walking songs.
• Choose Engaging Routes: Select walks with features that appeal to children: opportunities for scrambling on rocks (Curbar Edge), stepping stones (Dovedale), tunnels (Monsal Trail), streams for paddling (where safe), or caves to peek into.
• Pacing and Breaks: Walk at the child’s pace, not yours. Plan for frequent short breaks for drinks, snacks, and rest. Don’t push them too hard, especially on their first few hikes.
• Rewards: Positive encouragement goes a long way. Celebrate milestones like reaching a viewpoint or completing the walk. Strategic use of favourite snacks can work wonders when energy dips.

Where to Stay for Your Peak District Adventure

At Muse Escapes, we understand that a memorable family vacation involves not only the places you visit but also where you rest your head. Our properties in the Peak District are carefully chosen to enhance your experience, providing comfort and convenience for families of all sizes.

• Our Recommendation: Foxlow Grange, Buxton – Offering stylish luxury self-catering accommodation  with easy access to trailheads, Foxlow Grange provides the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. The Crescent Suite and Opera Suite both feature relaxing hot tubs—ideal for soothing tired legs after a day of exploration.

After your Peak District adventures, return to the comfort of your Muse Escapes accommodation, where spacious living areas provide the perfect setting for sharing stories of your day’s discoveries and planning tomorrow’s expedition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Peak District walk is best for toddlers? The short section of Dovedale (car park to stepping stones) and the Hassop to Headstone Viaduct section of the Monsal Trail are ideal for toddlers. Both have relatively flat, manageable terrain and interesting features to keep little ones engaged.

Are dogs allowed on these family walks? Yes, dogs are welcome on all these walks, but must be kept on leads in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Muse Escapes offers dog-friendly accommodation options at Foxlow Grange.

What should we pack for a family day out in the Peak District? Essentials include: water bottles, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, waterproofs (even on sunny days), first aid kit, camera, and a spare change of clothes for younger children. A small backpack for each child with their own water and snacks can also make them feel more involved.

Which walks are accessible by public transport? The Monsal Trail can be accessed via bus services to Bakewell, while Castleton (near Mam Tor) has bus connections from Sheffield and Hope. Buxton itself has good public transport links, making it an excellent base for car-free exploration.

Conclusion

The Peak District’s natural beauty and family-friendly walks are waiting to be explored, and Muse Escapes is here to ensure your stay is extraordinary. From the iconic stepping stones of Dovedale to the engineering marvel of the Monsal Trail tunnels, each walk offers unique experiences that children and adults alike will treasure.

So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of the Peak District. Book your stay at Muse Escapes today and start planning your perfect Peak District family getaway!