The Peak District really is a place for everyone and you don’t need a full, or even half a day to get out and enjoy it. If you’ve only got a short amount of time or you’re wanting to build up to longer walks, these 3 mile walks are sure to inspire you.
Some of these walks are classed as easy but others will still give your legs a good workout! Using the descriptions below you will be able to choose a 3 mile walk that suits you. You can then click through to the full walk description and get the GPX of the route on its own page.
Let me know in the comments which of these walks you’ve tried!
6 Best 3-Mile Walks in the Peak District
The Peak District is one of the UK’s beloved National Parks. It’s a mixture of the rugged, gritstone escarpments and windswept moorland of the Dark Peak area, alongside the lush greenery and limestone cliffs of the White Peak. Most of these walks are in the White Peak area, as the terrain tends to be a little gentler, but we do have a beauty in the Dark Peak area which we’ll start with.
Take a read of our short descriptions here and, if a walk sparks your interest, click the link to read more, see the map and find the walk GPX. If you’re looking for something shorter or longer than 3 miles you can find all our 2 mile walks here, or our 4 miles walks here.
Dark Peak 3-Mile Walks
Aldermans Hill Walk from Greenfield
Distance: 2.8 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total Ascent: 211m/692ft
This walk takes you away from the more crowded paths around Dovestone Reservoir and up to some spectacular views from Alderman’s Hill. Although there is some uphill on this walk it is not too steep. If you’re wanting to go a little further and visit a trig point, there is a two mile extension in the walk description too.
Walk route, map + GPX hereWhite Peak 3-Mile Walks
High Wheeldon from Earl Sterndale
Distance: 3.4 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total Ascent: 268m/879ft
If you want a short walk to blast away the cobwebs this one should suit you perfectly. It’s a short but sweet (or is that steep?) hike, bringing you to the top of High Wheeldon. High Wheeldon is great for those bagging trig points and/or Ethels, as it ticks the box for both!
You’ll also get some fabulous views of nearby Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill. If their iconic outlines take your fancy you can always go back another day and take 5 mile our walk up those too!
Walk route, map + GPX hereBaslow Edge From Curbar Gap
Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Total Ascent: 151m/495ft
Take a delightful walk up onto Baslow Edge, with the chance to spot deer and Highland cows amongst the gorse and heather. This walk has a relatively small amount of uphill (although there is a bit!) in order to reach a great panorama of the surrounding area. You’ll also visit Wellington’s Monument and the rugged expanse of Big Moor as you loop back to your start point.
The ground can be boggy over Big Moor, so make sure you have good hiking boots on. But don’t let it put you off going in the wetter months. The amazing changing colours of the plants more than make up for the muddy hiking boots!
Walk route, map + GPX hereMilldale Short Walk (Dovedale + Ilam Rock)
Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Total Ascent: 247m/810ft
Some walks are meant to be taken at a slower pace so you can absorb your surroundings. This is certainly one of them. You’ll follow the pretty River Dove, with its abundance of natural delights, before heading uphill to Hill Dale.
In addition to the joys of bustling wildlife and lush greenery, there are caves to explore and dramatic rock formations to admire. Take your time and enjoy the journey!
Walk route, map + GPX hereShutlingsloe Hill from Wildboarclough
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Total Ascent: 262m/859ft
Head over to the part of the Peak District which is in Cheshire for this short walk up Shutlinglsoe Hill. This walk may be short distance but it’s not short on ascent, so don’t expect an easy one. The effort is worth it though as you get delightful views both from and of the summit of Shutlinglsoe. You’ll also get a chance to catch your breath as you stop to bag the trig point on top of the hill halfway round.
Walk route, map + GPX hereThor’s Cave from Wetton
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total Ascent: 225m/738ft
If we had a list of ‘must do’ walks this one would be on it. It’s sure to bring out the child in you as you head up and in to explore Thor’s Cave! The huge, arched entrance to the cave is sure to draw you in and spark your imagination as you think about those who have passed through and even lived in it over thousands of years.
You’ll also get to stroll alongside the charming River Manifold before gaining views back down into the valley as you head to and from the cave.
Walk route, map + GPX here
Do you have any more questions about our three mile walks? Ask me in the comments below.
Ordnance Survey Walk Maps
For these walks, two maps cover them OL1 – Peak District (Dark Peak Area) and OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)
Shop online at Ordnance Survey
And don’t forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition or the Silva Classic compass.
For online maps, I recommend the OS Online App (I have been using it for many years and it is worth getting if you want to start walking more). Check prices here for the one-month or annual option with the OS Online App. All the walks on the website are created using OS Online + you can download them to the App.
Check prices here for the one month or yearly option with OS Online App.
More walks in the Peak District
Do you love the walks in the Peak District? You might like these fantastic collections of Peak District walks too.
Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here
*Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here.
Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. Are you enjoying the walks? You can say thank you and buy me a coffee here. Thank you very much 🙂
Peak District charity patches
Read about the charity here.
Charity Patches
Charity Patches
Charity Patches
Charity Patches
Charity Patches
Charity Patches
Need more help planning your Peak District trip?
Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for inspiration.
More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources.
Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak District and find the best walks direct from your accommodation.
Find out what maps you will need for your trip here.
Top tips - Read our useful guides on hiking tips here.
Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here).
Visit our hiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit).
Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :).
Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Read more here.
