We think there’s something very satisfactory about a nice circular walk in the Peak District. With so many paths and tracks in the area, you’re spoilt for options of walks to go on. To help you out we’ve compiled a list of our 12 of our favourite circular walks. Some of these start in the rolling, lush White Peak area and others in the moodier, dramatic Dark Peak. All of them are great walks in their own right!
Here we’ve listed the walks in order of length and given you a brief summary description to whet your appetite. Once you’ve chosen a walk which piques your interest simply click the link to reach the full description, map and GPX of the walking route!
Let me know in the comments which walk you chose and what you thought of it!
12 Best Circular Walks in the Peak District
The Peak District is a joy to walk in all seasons. The environment almost seems to change its mood, as different colours bloom and fade. Even on a chilly day there is nothing better than a walk in the fresh air to make you feel alive and lift the spirits. These circular walks are all different lengths so, on those colder, damper days, you can always choose a shorter option. And, when you want to make a day of it, there are longer options for that too!
In the main walk posts you will find a detailed route description, as well as the map and GPX, making it as easy as possible for you to plan your time in the Peak District.
Peak District Circular Walks
Chatsworth Hunting Tower from Baslow
Distance: 3.8 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total Ascent: 229m/751ft
Make a real day of a visit to the impressive Chatsworth House with this short walk from the car park in Baslow. Chatsworth has hundreds of years of history to occupy you, both inside and out. This walk takes you to its impressive Hunting Tower, as well as the lush, wooded area around the pretty aqueduct.
This is a great walk for all weathers as the trees provide shelter from rain or sun. And, you’re never really too far from a tea room either! Enjoy your return journey along the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail.
Walk route, map + GPX hereCrook Hill from Ladybower Reservoir
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 299m/980ft
Crook Hill may be small by Peak District standards but there are still fabulous views to be had from the top. The hill is also one of the high points in the Peak District, known as Ethels. If you’re an Ethel Bagger it’s a great one to tick off your list. And, if you’ve no idea what Ethel Bagging is, you can find out more here!
Head up through the woods surrounding Ladybower Reservoir, then catch your breath on a flat section before the final push to the top of Crook Hill. As you descend back to the start you can enjoy the lovely vista of the reservoir before you.
Walk route, map + GPX hereRowtor Rocks and Stanton Moor
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent: 182m/600ft
This might be a short walk but it’s certainly not short on points of interest! With names such as Nine Ladies Circle, Cork Stone and The Tower, you know you’re going to enjoy some pretty cool places, with a lot of history attached.
There’s also Stanton Moor trig point included, for the Trig Point baggers amongst you! From here you’ll also get great views over Robin Hood’s Stride. You can learn more about the fascinating Rowtor Rocks in the full walk description – we promise it will make you want to visit!
Walk route, map + GPX hereParkhouse 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 hereGrindslow Knoll (via Ringing Roger) from Edale
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Total Ascent: 535m/1755ft
Edale is a brilliant start point for many Peak District walks, including the classic Pennine Way long-distance path. The Pennine Way is a whopping 268 miles long but this walk is a little lighter on distance at 5.5. miles.
This is a great walk for stunning views of the Kinder Plateau and the surrounding area. Along the way you visit ‘Ringing Roger’, a dramatic wind-eroded rock formation. It is said to get its name from the noise the wind makes as it passes over it. In the full route description we’ve also got options for you to extend this walk, if you’re looking for more time in the hills!
Walk route, map + GPX hereHigher Shelf Stones (+ plane crash site)
Distance: 5.8 miles
Time: 3-3.5 hours
Total Ascent: 488m/1601ft
Higher Shelf Stones is the third highest point in the Peak District. We’ve made the climbing a little easier for you, as this walk starts from Snake Pass, part of the way to the top.
As well as enjoying some excellent viewpoints on this hike you’ll also visit the wrecked remains of a B29 Superfortress plane on Bleaklow. One of many plane crash sites, from the Second World War, which are to be found dotted around the Peak District. Please be respectful of the site and its memorial.
On your route back to your start point you’ll descend to follow a meandering stream before ascending back up to Snake Pass.
Walk route, map + GPX hereLud’s Church and River Dane from Gradbach
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Total Ascent: 429m/1407ft
We can’t deny that Lud’s Church is the biggest highlight of this walk but it certainly isn’t its only delight. It also has beautiful views towards the Roaches, before visiting the Hanging Stone, exploring woodlands and looping down alongside the River Dane.
Lud’s Church itself isn’t actually a church but a moss covered chasm in the rock, which is thought to have been used as a place of worship in ancient times. Nowadays you can feel the history and mystery as you descend into its stone walls. This walk is a great length for a morning or afternoon, but we have options for shorter or longer hikes which take in Lud’s Church in the full route description.
Walk route, map + GPX hereMam Tor and Lose Hill from Castleton
Distance: 6.8 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Total Ascent: 535m/1755ft
Walking up Mam Tor from Castleton is a real classic among Peak District walks but adding Lose Hill in makes this walk a little different. As you head along the Great Ridge, between Lose Hill and Mam Tor, gives you fantastic sight down into the valleys on both side.
You’ll also be able to see many other surrounding peaks, including Kinder Scout. This is a busy route to take, so it’s best hiked early or late in the day, or on a quieter weekday. There’s a large car park in Castleton and plenty to explore in the village on your return.
Walk route, map + GPX hereDerwent Edge via Lost Lad and Back Tor
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
Total Ascent: 493m/1617ft
As much as this walk is lovely at any time of year, it really is stunning in late spring/early summer, when the purple heather bursts into colour against the surrounding greenery.
Heading up from your parking spot beside Ladybower Reservoir you’ll reach Lost Lad cairn before the trig point at Back Tor. You’ll then head along a flagstone path to visit some impressive rock formations, with even more impressive names (you’ll have to look at the map!). The end of your walk takes you back past Derwent Dam as you head back to the car.
Walk route, map + GPX hereAlport Castles from Ladybower
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Total Ascent: 794m/2604ft
This is another great route to do from Ladybower Reservoir. Heading out to Alport Castles takes you away from the busier routes in the area. You’ll enjoy an upward stroll through woodland before emerging out onto the flagstone path towards Alport Castles and the impressive rock formation called The Tower.
The striking landscape feature of Alport Castle was formed by a landslip, with the ‘castle’ part of the name coming from the gritstone boulder stacks in the ridge. It’s a great place to take a moment to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.
Walk route, map + GPX hereShining Tor via Goyt Valley
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Total Ascent: 695m/2280ft
Shining Tor is the highest peak in the Cheshire part of the Peak District and it really is one of our top picks for a walk. This 10 mile option, which also takes in the Ethel of Cat Tor, has jaw-dropping views across the valley to the neighbouring hilltop of Shutlingsloe.
You’ll also enjoy walking alongside the rushing River Goyt and through lush, green forested areas. In the full description there is an option to shorten the walk by a couple of miles, if you park in a different place to start.
Walk route, map + GPX hereStanage Edge, Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir
Distance: 14miles
Time: 6.5-7.5 hours
Total Ascent: 712m/2335ft
Looking for a really satisfying full day walk? This beauty is the one for you! Best pack a good lunch for this 14 mile hike which gives you fabulous views from all angles, as well as a visit to the fascinating Wheel Stones rock formation. Wheel Stones is also known locally as Coach and Horses, due to the shape of its outline on the horizon when viewed from the A57 road below.
You’ll also enjoy walking down through lush woodland to reach Ladybower Reservoir. Enjoy the mesmerising site of Ladybower ‘plug hole’ as you head back to your start point at Bamford Station.
Walk route, map + GPX here
Do you have any more questions about our circular walks? Ask me in the comments below.
Ordnance Survey Walk Maps
For these walks, there are two maps that 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
Love these circular walks in the Peak District? Here’s a couple more to add to your list.
Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here
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Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here).
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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.
