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▶Padley Gorge
Ancient woodland gorge carved by Burbage Brook, beloved for family walks and stream paddling.
Loop
About
Stream-carved gorge wrapped in ancient woodland, with easy circular walks starting from Grindleford station and paddling pools in Burbage Brook.
Padley Gorge is a spectacular deep valley in the Peak District National Park, renowned for its enchanting ancient woodland featuring oak, birch, beech and alder trees. The gorge is carved by Burbage Brook, which tumbles over gritstone boulders and creates pools perfect for paddling and picnics. The terrain is atmospheric and moss-covered, especially striking in autumn when beech leaves turn colour, and in May when bluebells blanket nearby Yarncliffe Wood. Multiple circular routes start from Grindleford railway station or nearby car parks, ranging from easy 2-mile strolls through the gorge itself to more ambitious 9.5km loops with moorland views and tors. The site is part of the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate; dogs must be on leads and there are no entrance fees.
Why go
- An enchanting ancient woodland experience with moss-covered trees and gritstone boulders carved by Burbage Brook's cascading waterfalls.
- Multiple easy-to-moderate circular routes suitable for families with children, from 2-mile strolls to 9.5km loops with moorland vistas.
- Stunning year-round woodland: bluebell-carpeted in May, atmospheric beech-golden in autumn, magical moss-draped in rain.
- Free to visit with excellent access: Grindleford railway station (15 mins from Sheffield) serves the main trailhead with cafe and toilets.
- Safe environment for paddling and play-Burbage Brook's pools are ideal for children, with good picnic spots among the trees.
Before you go
- Start from Hathersage Road/Owler Bar Road parking or Longshaw Estate. Descend into Padley Gorge through ancient woodland following Burbage Brook, cross moorland to views over surrounding peaks, ascend gritstone edges.
- Autumn colours at their best; May bluebells in Yarncliffe Wood; can be boggy and slippery after rain-good boots essential.
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5Beautiful place, great for kids to paddle in the stream. Lots of trees to provide shade or open space if you want to sunbathe. Free parking on the road in the allocated bays. Often there's an ice cream van there that accepts cash only. Would recommend getting there early for a parking space as it does get very busy.
Great walk through the woods then over the higher ground to several of the Tors before heading back. I actually thought the parking was reasonably priced at £4.50 for the day. Will definitely go again in the future as there are plenty of routes to tackle 👍🏽
Tips
0Is there an entrance fee for Padley Gorge?+
No, entry to Padley Gorge is completely free. It is part of the National Trust's Longshaw Estate but there are no admission charges.
Are dogs allowed at Padley Gorge?+
Yes, dogs are welcome at Padley Gorge. They must be kept on leads throughout the site.
Is Padley Gorge suitable for young children and families?+
Yes, Padley Gorge is suitable for all ages and is popular with families. The brook has pools ideal for paddling and there are easy 2-mile routes through the gorge for younger or less experienced walkers.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Start from Hathersage Road/Owler Bar Road parking or Longshaw Estate. Descend into Padley Gorge through ancient woodland following Burbage Brook, cross moorland to views over surrounding peaks, ascend gritstone edges.
- Park at Hathersage Road or Longshaw Estate car park.
- Head towards Longshaw Estate and follow the pond trail southbound.
- Enter ancient woodland and descend steeply into Padley Gorge.
- Follow Burbage Brook through the gorge over stepping stones and footbridges amid moss-covered boulders.
- Emerge onto open moorland and ascend gently towards moorland trails.
- Head west across Hathersage Moor and pass under Burbage Edge cliffs.
- Climb to viewpoints over White Edge Moor and surrounding tors.
- Return via woodland and field paths back to Longshaw Estate.
- Retrace to car park.
Family-friendly route starting from Grindleford railway station car park, through ancient woodland in Padley Gorge with paddling pools and picnic spots.
- Start at Grindleford Station car park on B6521 near Upper Padley.
- Cross the station road and take the left path through a gate into woodland.
- Follow the wooded path downhill towards Burbage Brook.
- Enter Padley Gorge and follow the stream through ancient moss-covered woodland.
- Cross footbridges over Burbage Brook and explore the gorge floor.
- Ascend gently out of the gorge via woodland paths.
- Return via alternate route back to Grindleford Station.
Panoramic moorland walk incorporating Padley Gorge, Owler Tor, and Millstone Edge with views to Stanage Edge.
- Park at Surprise View car park or roadside near Owler Bar Road.
- Ascend to Over Owler Tor and enjoy panoramic views across the Hope Valley.
- Descend moorland paths towards Padley Gorge.
- Enter ancient woodland and follow Burbage Brook through the gorge.
- Cross footbridges and ascend gently out of the gorge.
- Head south towards Millstone Edge and secondary moorland views.
- Return to start via moorland return path.
Trail details
- Route typeLoop
- TerrainWoodland, Riverside, Moorland, Rocky paths
- Best seasonSpring (bluebells May/June), Autumn (beech colours)
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Autumn colours at their best; May bluebells in Yarncliffe Wood; can be boggy and slippery after rain-good boots essential.
Getting there
- ParkingFree roadside parking at B6521 junction near Padley Gorge; Longshaw Estate car park (paid); Grindleford Station car park (paid); Surprise View car park
- Parking costFree at roadside; £7 all day at Longshaw; £2 all day at Grindleford Station
- PostcodeS11 7TZ
Features
More information
Getting there
- ParkingFree roadside parking at B6521 junction near Padley Gorge; Longshaw Estate car park (paid); Grindleford Station car park (paid); Surprise View car park
- Parking costFree at roadside; £7 all day at Longshaw; £2 all day at Grindleford Station
- PostcodeS11 7TZ
Reviews
5Beautiful place, great for kids to paddle in the stream. Lots of trees to provide shade or open space if you want to sunbathe. Free parking on the road in the allocated bays. Often there's an ice cream van there that accepts cash only. Would recommend getting there early for a parking space as it does get very busy.
Great walk through the woods then over the higher ground to several of the Tors before heading back. I actually thought the parking was reasonably priced at £4.50 for the day. Will definitely go again in the future as there are plenty of routes to tackle 👍🏽
Lovely little brook (Burbage) flowing through a scenic gorge. Tina has difficulty walking on uneven ground so didn't do a huge amount of it, but can see it is very picturesque and in good weather, the children love paddling and playing in and around the brook.
Padley Gorge is absolutely stunning and easily one of the highlights of the Peak District. The whole area has a really peaceful, almost magical feel to it, with winding woodland paths, moss-covered rocks, and beautiful streams running through the valley. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk, with plenty of great photo spots along the way — especially around the stepping stones and along the water. The scenery feels a bit more secluded and intimate compared to some of the busier spots in the Peaks. Definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for something scenic, calming, and a little off the beaten path.
On my way back from Longshaw Estate, I walked through Padley Gorge, and it was a peaceful and beautiful woodland trail. The stream with its small waterfalls made the path feel magical, and the trails are easy to follow. It’s quiet but not completely empty, which is reassuring for first-time visitors. A lovely spot to enjoy nature, take photos, or have a small picnic if you bring it from home.
Tips
0Questions
7Is there an entrance fee for Padley Gorge?+
No, entry to Padley Gorge is completely free. It is part of the National Trust's Longshaw Estate but there are no admission charges.
Are dogs allowed at Padley Gorge?+
Yes, dogs are welcome at Padley Gorge. They must be kept on leads throughout the site.
Is Padley Gorge suitable for young children and families?+
Yes, Padley Gorge is suitable for all ages and is popular with families. The brook has pools ideal for paddling and there are easy 2-mile routes through the gorge for younger or less experienced walkers.
Where do the walks at Padley Gorge start from?+
Walks can start from Grindleford railway station or nearby car parks. Routes range from easy 2-mile strolls to more ambitious 9.5km loops taking in moorland views and tors.
Is there free parking at Padley Gorge?+
Yes, free parking is available near Padley Gorge.
What is the best time of year to visit Padley Gorge?+
Padley Gorge is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly striking when beech leaves turn colour, and May is special when bluebells carpet nearby Yarncliffe Wood.
Are there toilets and a cafe at Padley Gorge?+
Yes, there is both a cafe and toilets on site, as well as picnic areas along the gorge.