PEAK DISTRICT ROAD TRIP • 7 WATERFALL STOPS

Peak District Waterfall Road Trip

A two-day road trip through ancient woodland, hidden gorges, dramatic falls and seven of the Peak District’s most memorable waterside stops.

DistanceSeven-stop driving route

Time2 days

DifficultyEasy strolls to challenging hikes

StartFlexible — Matlock is a practical starting point

ParkingSeparate parking at each stop; restrictions and charges vary

Best forWaterfalls, gorges & photography

The route at a glance

Why this road trip is worth doing.

The Peak District Waterfall Road Trip is a weekend shaped around wild water. It links seven very different places: ruined mills and woodland cascades at Lumsdale, the stream-filled beauty of Padley Gorge, a hidden clough waterfall, the exposed drama of Kinder Downfall, historic Three Shires Head, seasonal Waterfall Swallet and the classic river scenery of Monsal Dale.

Allow two full days. Some stops are short woodland visits while Kinder Downfall is a serious moorland walk, so the route works best when you choose the stops that suit the weather, daylight and your group.

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See the route before you set off.

The genuine route overview and live map sit together, so you can understand the whole journey before opening the detailed directions.

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Route overview

The route brings together seven major stops across the Peak District:

1. Lumsdale Falls — woodland cascades and historic mill ruins
2. Padley Gorge — ancient woodland and a clear tumbling stream
3. Middle Black Clough Waterfall — a rougher hidden-valley adventure
4. Kinder Downfall — the National Park’s tallest and most exposed waterfall walk
5. Three Shires Head — packhorse bridge, pools and small cascades
6. Waterfall Swallet — a secluded seasonal fall best after sustained rain
7. Monsal Dale Weir — a gentle finish beneath Headstone Viaduct

The Google My Map shows the complete road-trip shape. Split the route across two days and check driving times before leaving, as narrow roads, parking and busy villages can slow progress.

Follow the route

1. Lumsdale Falls, DE4 5NA. Begin near Matlock with the atmospheric cascades, old mill ruins and moss-covered woodland. Paths can be slippery and access arrangements may change, so follow local signs and stay out of restricted ruins.

2. Padley Gorge, S32 2JA. Continue north to the Longshaw area for an ancient woodland walk beside Burbage Brook. Longshaw Estate is the most practical parking base; allow extra time during busy weekends.

3. Middle Black Clough Waterfall, SK13 1JE. This is the roughest short adventure on the route, involving uneven ground and stream crossings. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended and the visit should be avoided when water levels are unsafe.

4. Kinder Downfall, SK22 2LJ. Make this the main walk of the trip. The waterfall sits on exposed high moorland and requires proper navigation, suitable clothing and enough daylight. Do not treat it as a quick roadside stop.

5. Three Shires Head, SK11 0BD. Visit the old packhorse bridge and waterside scenery where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. Park responsibly and expect narrow lanes and limited spaces.

6. Waterfall Swallet, S32 5AD. This hidden seasonal waterfall is most impressive after prolonged rain. The approach can be steep, muddy and slippery; follow local access signs and turn back if conditions feel unsafe.

7. Monsal Dale Weir, DE45 1NL. Finish with an easier valley walk from the Monsal Head area towards the River Wye, weir and Headstone Viaduct. Extend the visit along the Monsal Trail if daylight allows.

Before you go

Practical information.

Timing: Allow two full days. A sensible plan is to combine the eastern and northern stops on day one, then visit the western and central stops on day two. Kinder Downfall needs the largest time and weather window.

Parking: Every stop uses a different car park or roadside arrangement. Charges, restrictions and access can change, so check signs on arrival, never block gates or verges and have a backup stop when small parking areas are full.

Terrain: Conditions range from gentle surfaced paths to mud, steep woodland steps, stream crossings and exposed moorland. Wear sturdy footwear and carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and offline navigation.

Water safety: Waterfalls, weirs and plunge pools can become dangerous very quickly after rain. There are no lifeguards. Never enter fast-flowing or flooded water and keep children and dogs close.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome on many paths but should be controlled around livestock, wildlife, cliff edges and fast water. Follow seasonal and site-specific signs.

Accessibility: This complete road trip is not fully accessible. Individual stops vary; Monsal Trail and parts of the Longshaw estate offer easier options, while Middle Black Clough, Kinder Downfall and Waterfall Swallet involve rough terrain.