The Padley Gorge Walk is one of the finest family-friendly walks in the Peak District, combining ancient woodland, peaceful ponds, babbling streams, historic packhorse routes and sweeping moorland views into one unforgettable adventure.
The Ultimate Guide to One of the Peak District’s Most Beautiful Woodland Walks
Starting from Longshaw Café, this well-signposted circular route takes you through some of the National Trust estate’s most beautiful landscapes, including Granby Wood, Burbage Brook and the famous Padley Gorge, before returning for a well-earned coffee and cake.
Whether you’re looking for wildlife, history or simply a relaxing walk in nature, this route delivers it all.
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
Explore the full route below, zoom in on key landmarks and plan your adventure before setting off.
Places to stay near Padley Gorge
🥾 Walk Overview
- Location: Longshaw Estate, Derbyshire
- Start Point: Longshaw Café
- Parking: Woodcroft Car Park
- Route: Circular
- Distance: Approximately 3 miles (4.8 km)
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Friendly: Yes (short lead required in some areas)
- Family Friendly: Yes
🌳 Why You’ll Love This Walk
The Longshaw Estate offers a wonderful mix of landscapes that change around every corner.
Highlights include:
- 🌲 Ancient woodland
- 💦 Burbage Brook
- 🦆 Longshaw Pond
- 🌿 Padley Gorge
- 🐦 Fantastic birdlife
- ⛰️ Views towards Higger Tor and Carl Wark
- ☕ Excellent café at the finish
It’s one of those walks that feels much longer than it is thanks to the incredible variety along the route.
🗺️ Route Description
Start at Longshaw Café
Begin your walk from the National Trust café and cross the drive, following the clearly marked pink waymarkers.
Before setting off, take a look at the stone map of the Peak District carved into the lawn and the historic millstone that celebrates the estate’s volunteers.
Longshaw Pond
Follow the path downhill through rhododendrons until you reach the beautiful Longshaw Pond.
Created in the early 1800s, the pond was once complete with a boathouse and pier, while nearby Longshaw Lodge hosted famous guests including royalty and military leaders.
Today it provides a peaceful place to pause and enjoy the reflections across the water.
Granby Wood
Continue around the pond before descending into Granby Wood.
This peaceful Scots pine woodland is rich in wildlife and opens onto Longshaw Meadow, home to the oldest sheepdog trials in the country, first held in 1898.
Across the valley you’ll spot the ancient hillfort of Carl Wark and the impressive gritstone edges of Higger Tor.
Granby Barn & Estate History
Pause at Granby Barn to learn more about the fascinating history and wildlife of the estate before continuing towards Burbage Brook.
Please keep dogs on a lead here as livestock and ground-nesting birds are often present.
Cross Burbage Brook
Cross the charming stone bridge over Burbage Brook and take a moment to admire Hollowgate, an ancient sunken packhorse trail once used to transport goods across the Peak District.
In late summer the surrounding hillsides are covered in beautiful purple heather.
Optional Padley Gorge Detour
Just beyond the bridge lies one of the Peak District’s hidden treasures.
Padley Gorge is an ancient oak and birch woodland filled with moss-covered rocks, cascading streams and wildlife.
It’s one of the most magical places in the National Park and well worth exploring before continuing your walk.
Follow the Brook
The route now follows Burbage Brook upstream through peaceful moorland landscapes protected for their important wildlife habitats.
Listen to birdsong, watch for dippers and enjoy the tranquillity away from the crowds.
Stone-Pitched Path
Cross the next bridge and follow a beautifully restored stone-pitched path, created using traditional techniques that have helped preserve this route for future generations.
Toad’s Mouth Rock
Keep an eye out for the famous Toad’s Mouth Rock before continuing through woodland towards the white gate.
Between April and September, lucky walkers may spot colourful redstarts darting between the trees.
Return to Longshaw Café
Cross the road near the entrance lodge and return along the drive to Longshaw Café.
Reward yourself with homemade cakes, hot drinks or lunch while enjoying views across one of the Peak District’s most beautiful National Trust estates.
🌟 Highlights
- Longshaw Pond
- Granby Wood
- Burbage Brook
- Padley Gorge
- Hollowgate packhorse trail
- Toad’s Mouth Rock
- Higger Tor views
- Historic Longshaw Estate
🚗 Parking
Parking is available at Woodcroft Car Park, adjacent to Longshaw Café.
National Trust members can park free, while charges apply for non-members.
Facilities include toilets, café and visitor information.
🐶 Dog Friendly
Dogs are welcome throughout the route.
Please keep them on a short lead around livestock and in areas where ground-nesting birds are present.
☕ Facilities
Longshaw Café offers:
- Hot drinks
- Homemade cakes
- Breakfast and lunch
- Toilets
- Gift shop
- Outdoor seating
It’s the perfect place to start or finish your walk.
🌄 Summary
The Longshaw Estate Circular Walk is one of the Peak District’s hidden gems, combining peaceful woodland, flowing streams, historic landmarks and spectacular scenery into an easy walk suitable for almost everyone.
With the option to explore the magical Padley Gorge along the way, this route offers an unforgettable day out for families, dog walkers and anyone wanting to experience the very best of the Peak District.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Padley Gorge Walk?
The route is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
Is the Padley Gorge Walk worth doing?
Absolutely. It’s one of the Peak District’s most varied and enjoyable short walks, offering woodland, streams, history, wildlife and stunning scenery all within a relatively easy circular route.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The walk is beautiful all year round, but autumn is particularly spectacular thanks to the woodland colours, while late summer brings purple heather across the surrounding moorland.
What facilities are available?
Longshaw Estate has a café, toilets, gift shop and picnic areas close to the start of the walk.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome, although they should be kept on a short lead around livestock and sensitive wildlife habitats.
Is there parking at Longshaw Estate?
Yes. Parking is available at Woodcroft Car Park beside Longshaw Café.
Is the Padley Gorge walk suitable for families?
Yes. The route is family-friendly with well-maintained paths, although some sections may be uneven after wet weather.
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