If you’re looking for some inspiration for a 5-mile walk in the Peak District, then you are in the right place! We’ve bought together 10 of our best walks of around 5 miles in one place for you here.
These walks are perfect when you’ve just got a few hours to spare, or if you’ve managed to head out for an evening walk. There’s plenty of variety in what you’ll see and how many hills you will climb, depending on which walk you choose. And you can always decide to tick off all 10.
Here you will find a list of the walks, plus the full route guides so you can complete the walk by yourself.
Let me know in the comments which of these walks is your favourite and why!
Our 10 BEST 5-Mile Walks in the Peak District
The Peak District is commonly split into two areas; the White Peak and Dark Peak. The White Peak, southern area, gets its name from its paler limestone rock and is known for its lush dales and valleys and gently rolling landscape. The Dark Peak is the more northern area, filled with darker gritstone and romantically rugged moorlands.
Here we’ve split our 5-mile walking routes into the White Peak and Dark Peak areas, to help you pick your walk of the day.
The terrain and difficulty vary between the walks too, so you can take a read of the walk summaries and make your choice. Once you’ve chosen which route you’re going to do simply click the ‘Walk Route, Map and GPX’ button to find all the information you’ll need to enjoy your walk, including a step-by-step guide and parking and public transport information.
White Peak 5 Mile Walks
Bradford Dale from Youlgreave
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 320m/1049ft
Let’s start our list with this charming walk near Youlgreave, which has a hidden secret part of the way around. Heading out along the Limestone Way and dropping down into Bradford Dale, you’ll be keeping a lookout for a very unique feature in a stone wall about halfway around. This 5 mile route takes in lush wooded areas as you head down to walk alongside the pretty River Bradford.
For the wild swimmers among you, there’s also the chance to dip in a popular spot in the river!
Walk route, map + GPX hereErrwood Hall + Shining Tor
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Total Ascent: 357m/1833ft
This White Peak walk has a bit of a Dark Peak feel to it at times with a good uphill to Shining Tor to gain views for miles. For the trig and Ethel baggers among you, Shining Tor is also one to tick off your list.
You have the chance to explore the ruins of the once magnificent Errwood Hall and stroll the edges of Errwood Reservoir to warm your legs up before your ascent. Don’t forget to turn around and appreciate the vista behind you as you’re hiking up though!
Walk route, map + GPX hereThor’s Cave and Manifold Valley from Wetton
Distance: 4.7 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 343m/1125ft
A proper adventure 5-mile walk for the whole family to enjoy! Who doesn’t love exploring a cave and imagining the lives of the people who lived there during the Stone Age?!
Starting from Wetton, you will explore Thor’s Cave, before heading downhill to walk along the Manifold Valley. On your way back to the start, you’ll pass Wetton Mill, with more caves to explore, finishing your circular walk across fields back to Wetton.
You might recognise Thor’s Cave, even if you’ve never been before, as it has been used as a location in several films and music videos in the past.
Buy the PDF guide of this walk here.
Walk route, map + GPX hereShutlingsloe Hill from Wildboarclough
Distance: 5.4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 383m/1256ft
If you’re looking for a walk with varied terrain and scenery this route from Wildboarclough could be a winner. You get the climbing out of the way at the start with your ascent to the top of Shutlingsloe Hill, before heading into the shade of Macclesfield Forest.
From the trig point on top of the hill, you will get lovely views across surrounding hills and valleys. In the forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the lush canopy of trees. And at the start and finish you can take in the serenity of nature surrounding Trentabank Reservoir. What more could a walker ask for?!
Walk route, map + GPX hereChee Dale from Miller’s Dale
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 358m/1174ft
We think Chee Dale is one of the Peak District’s most wondrous places to wander! This walk takes you along the Monsal Trail before ascending to higher ground for a different aspect of the area.
The beautiful path takes you on many twists and turns before delivering you to some stepping stones for a fun crossing of the River Wye.
If you want to do the route with much less ascent there’s also the option to stay with the Monsal Trail throughout.
Buy the PDF guide of this walk here.
Walk route, map + GPX hereWolfscote Dale + Biggin Dale from Hartington
Distance: 5.4 miles
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Total Ascent: 262m/859ft
This gently undulating walk from Hartington takes you through three dales; Wolfscote, Biggin and Beresford and is relatively easy to navigate. Perfect for a sunny summer evening or a crisp spring day.
Wolfscote Dale is so named for the very creatures which once roamed along it. You won’t see any wolves there now but you will be rewarded with a lovely landscape, dotted with jutting limestone rocks.
Buy the PDF guide of this walk here.
Walk route, map + GPX hereThree Shires Head from Gradbach
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Total Ascent: 287m/941ft
Three Shires Head is so-called as it is the point where the boundaries of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire meet. It’s known as a popular spot for both walkers and wild swimmers to visit, due to its pretty waterfalls and stone bridge at Panniers Pool.
In the past Panniers Pool would have been a stopping off point to water the packhorses carrying goods across the Peak District. A chance for the weary horses to shed their heavy load (panniers) for a short while and refresh themselves with an icy cold drink.
Starting from Gradbach, whether you’re visiting Three Shires Head for its cool waters or its cool scenery, we know you’ll love this walk.
Walk route, map + GPX hereParkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 466m/1528ft
This popular 5-mile walking route starts from Earl Sterndale and takes in two hilltops with eye-popping views of the area! Both hills were once part of a huge coral reef and if you stop and look carefully you may even find some fossils embedded in the rock.
Parkhouse Hill itself looks a lot like a jagged shark tooth as you approach it. There are some steep ascents and descents on this walk, so make sure you read the full walk description to make sure you take the right route for you.
Walk route, map + GPX hereDark Peak 5-Mile Walks
River Derwent from Hathersage
Distance: 4.8 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 182m/597ft
This walk along the pretty River Derwent and up onto Offerton Moor is a great introduction to the Dark Peak area. Hathersage is a popular Peak District village, packed with outdoor shops and good pubs and cafes offering pre and post-walk shopping and refreshments.
If you do this walk be sure to take the little detour at the start, which you’ll find in the full description, for a lovely extra feature. There’s a second fun, extra feature a couple of miles in – will you cross the stepping stones just for the joy of it??
With less ascent than many of our walks, but equally nice landscapes, this is a walk not to be missed.
Buy the PDF guide of this walk here.
Walk route, map + GPX hereCave Dale + Mam Tor from Castleton
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 412m/1352ft
What an absolute Peak District classic! Many people come to the Peak District to hike up Mam Tor but not everyone knows about the more hidden valley of Cave Dale. This walk, starting from Castleton, takes both of them in.
Heading up through the rocky yet lush track of Cave Dale it’s hard to imagine this was once underwater and formed part of a coral reef. Imagine those prehistoric creatures swimming above your head! What you will now see above your head is the majestic remains of Peveril Castle.
Once you exit Cave Dale you’re well on your way to reaching the stone-flagged path which leads to the summit of Mam Tor. From here it’s downhill all (most) of the way back to your start point and the delights Castleton Village has to offer.
Walk route, map + GPX hereDo you have any more questions about any of our 5-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 Peak District walks too.
- Magpie Mine from Ashford in the Water, 5.5 miles
- Lose Hill from Castleton, 5 miles
- Alderman’s Hill from Greenfield, 3 or 5 miles
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.
