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.
Full route
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Padley Gorge
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.
Reviews
Beautiful 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.
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Trail details
Autumn colours at their best; May bluebells in Yarncliffe Wood; can be boggy and slippery after rain-good boots essential.
Getting there
Routes
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Facilities nearby
Business Info
- Padley Gorge, Grindleford, Derbyshire
Features
Tips (0)
No tips yet. Be the first to share one.
Reviews 4.8 · 5 reviews
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Posted on Google
Beautiful 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.
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Posted on Google
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 👍🏽
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Posted on Google
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.
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Posted on Google
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.
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Posted on Google
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.