Whilst Sheffield boasts many beautiful parks dotted around the city, it is also the perfect base for walks in the peak district. The Peak District is only a short drive from the city centre, with excellent public transport links. Here are a few of the best walks from Sheffield.
Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is a cycling, horse riding and walking trail in the Derbyshire Peak District. Monsal Trail is a great, flat, 8 mile walk, starting at the picturesque town of Bakewell. There is plenty of parking in Bakewell village but it does get very busy; be sure to arrive early to secure parking. There is also a bus straight from Sheffield city centre if you would prefer to take public transport. It is a very flat walk making it accessible in nearly all weathers. The trail passes through Blackwell Mill, Cressbrook, Monsal Dale, Great Longstone and Bakewell.
From Bakewell, follow the steep road up towards the former Bakewell Station and onto the Monsal Trail. The trail passes along the old railway lines and towards Monsal Dale. The views from Monsal Dale are spectacular and some of the most photographed angles in the whole peak district. From here, for an easier walk, enjoy your packed lunch and head back along the railway into Bakewell. For a more challenging, circular route, take one of the steep paths down the valley towards the Monsal Viaduct. Follow the banks of the River Wye, across rolling farmland to the village of Sheldon. Then along public roads before continuing down the footpath back into Bakewell. The Monsal trail is definately one of the best, and most convenient walks from Sheffield.
Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower reservoir is a great walk with plenty of on-road free parking. If you don’t drive, you can get the train to Bamford, which is then around a 40 minute walk to the reservoir. Ladybower reservoir has a great easy walking path, and the circular route is just under 6 miles. If you want to make the walk a little harder and more interesting, there’s plenty of off the beaten path routes you can take, to make the hike a little challenging. This route is also very popular with cyclists. The northern section of the Upper Derwent Valley has three reservoirs, Ladybower, Derwent and Howden, surrounded by forest, farmland and wild glorious moorland scenery.
Mam Tor
Mam Tor is one of the highlights of the Peak District. Mam Tor is a relatively easy hike but offers amazing views over the Peak District. This hike is close to the picturesque village of Castleton as well as the spectacular Blue John mines. There is a well signposted circular 5km walk starting from Mam Nick car park. This hike has beautiful views but does get very busy with families, especially on weekends.
To make this walk a little more challenging. Start from Edale visitors centre (Easily accessible by train from Sheffield city centre). The walk climbs to Hollins Cross, before turning south west to climb to Mam Tor. From the summit there are fabulous views over the Eden Valley and the Peak District hills. From here you have the option to continue the circle route through back round to Edale, to head back to the train station / car park. Or, continue onto Hope (which is a very easy and flat walk from Mam Tor) and get the train from Hope instead.
Padley Gorge
This beautiful area can be accessed from Grindleford train station, from both Sheffield and Manchester. But, the best access for Padley Gorge is to park in suprise view car park – which is roughly a 20 minute drive from Sheffield city centre. From the car park, cross the road into Lawrence field, follow the field downhill and through the gate and you will shortly be in Yarncliff Wood, amongst the amazing birch trees. Yarncliff Woods is a great place to stop for a picnic and soak up the scenery. From here, follow the woods downhill and within a mile you will arrive at Padley Gorge. The scenery is magnificent and there’s plenty of room to explore, or relax by the water.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
