10 dog-friendly walks in the Peak District

Did you know there are no sharp peaks in the Peak District? And that the name is actually thought to come from the Pecsaetan, an Anglo-Saxon tribe no less, who settled here over 1000 years ago?

Well you might do, but you’re probably not here for Peak District trivia. What you’re actually here for is to learn about the best dog-friendly walks in the Peak District, ahead of your house sitter job or UK walking holiday. Or if you're house sitting elsewhere any time soon, check out these 30 dog walks Cornwall has to offer and the best dog walks in Kent.

And while it’s all well and good finding the most epic spots to explore with your four-legged friend, it’s also vital you know how often should you walk your dog, no matter how great the views are. And what about all the things to consider when planning a walk? The terrain can be challenging for some dogs, so be sure to prep ahead before planning some of the most world-class walkies of your life so far.

10 Peak District dog walks

• Baslow Edge to Curbar Gap and back
• Stoney Middleton to Eyam Loop
• Jacob’s Ladder to Kinder Scout Low
• Back Forest & Lud’s Church
• Linacre Reservoir
• Langsett
• Monsal Trail
• Thor’s Cave
• Stanage Edge
• Chatsworth House

Best circular Peak District dog walks

If you’re parking up or prefer a round trip rather than an a to b, a circular trail will be the most practical route for your Peak District dog walks. There are of course heaps of loops you could take, but here’s a few you might enjoy.

Baslow Edge to Curbar Gap and back

If you’re driving, start by parking on School Lane and walk up Bar Road. The lane then becomes a footpath which turns into steep woodland which you and your pooch can have fun climbing. And it’s worth it - after you’ve passed through a gate, you’ll soon be greeted by impressive views of the valley below and Chatsworth House.

Continue uphill then choose the right fork to Wellington’s monument (which celebrates the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the battle of Waterloo). From there, almost take a one-eighty and trek towards the Eagle Stone and follow the path towards Curber Gap or walk across the top of Baslow Edge for more impressive valley views.

If at this point you need a pit stop (and it’s a weekend or bank holiday), head to the car park at Curbar Gap for Jolly’s, a van selling drinks, cakes and of course, homemade treats for your pooch. Once you’re all caked-out, walk down Clodhall Lane in the direction of Curbar to get back to Baslow. Take either the path to the left or walk a little further down and choose the right path before the road bears to the right at the beginning of Curbar village. After about 20 minutes below Baslow Edge, you’ll join Bar Road to find your car.

• Estimated time to walk: 2 hours
• Distance: 4 miles
• Nearby parking: School Lane near Bar Road

Stoney Middleton to Eyam Loop

If you’d like a shorter ramble in Derbyshire but are still after views for days, the Stoney Middleton to Eyam dog-friendly Peak District walk might be up your alley. Once you’ve parked up by Saint Martin’s church in Stoney Middleton, take a right after walking up the bank, then choose the left fork which will take you to Bottom Cliff. Then, simply follow the track to Eyam village which is known for its fascinating plague story. Once you’ve taken a moment to revel in Eyam’s plague village history, walk down the road between the trees which are next to barriers, and if you look behind you’ll see the impressive manor house. There, find epic views of the Curbar and Froggatt Edges then turn down the steep, stony track to your right which leads back to the church. 

• Estimated time to walk: 1 hour
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Nearby parking: Saint Martin’s church in Stoney Middleton

A challenging Peak District dog walk

Consider yourself a bit of a pro-hiker and have an energetic canine companion to run wild with? As long as your pooch is trained for off-lead fun with good recall, give this challenging off-lead dog walk of the Peak District a go.

Jacob’s Ladder to Kinder Scout Low

If you’re with an energetic pooch and you’re feeling up for a challenge, this hike up Kinder Scout is one of the best Peak District dog walks. As one of the most strenuous dog walks in the Peak District, it requires a little more prep than your average ramble as you summit 636 metres above sea level and up Kinder Scout.

Largely encompassing the Pennine Way, this walk starts at Edale Station and picks up the Way by the Old Nag’s Head. And if you’re wondering what on Earth Jacob’s Ladder refers to, well it’s a set of stone steps that you’ll find a few miles into the steep yet steady climb. It’s not just the length and altitude of this trek that will challenge you - scratch your head (but not for too long) over stream crossings, boulders, stiles and gates to reach your destination. If your pooch is prone to running off, keep them on a lead. But if they’re used to long walkies and can easily stay at your heel, feel free to take them off the lead.

• Estimated time to walk: 3 hours
• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Nearby parking: Edale

Best woodland Peak District dog walks

Enjoy being at one with the trees? Here’s one of the coolest dog-friendly walks in the Peak District we could find.

Back Forest & Lud’s Church

If you’ve enjoyed open views of the rolling hills so far, dive (not literally) into the undergrowth of Lud’s Church - one of the most intriguing dog-friendly walks in the Peak District. It was formed by a landslip on the hill above, forming a dark, damp and mossy walking trail for ramblers and pups to enjoy. And if the deep green walls and dank atmosphere wasn’t cool enough, this chasm is said to be the previous worshipping place of Lollards in the 15th century and home to the ghost of a woman killed in a raid on Lollard’s service. History and ghost stories aside to make way for myths and legends, it’s also thought that Lud’s Church is the Green Chapel of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. 

• Estimated time to walk: 2.5 hours
• Distance: 6.8 miles
• Nearby parking: Car park off Gradbach Mill Lane

Best waterside Peak District dog walks (with off-lead options!)

Or if your pooch is more water baby than canine, maybe a stroll around a Peak District reservoir will do the trick. Here's a couple you might like, with areas for off-lead fun.

Linacre Reservoir

If you’re holidaying near Chesterfield and love a body of water to look at, Linacre Reservoir might be one of the best dog-friendly walks in the Peak District for you and your pooch. In fact, there’s not just one reservoir to revel at in Linacre, there are three! Surrounding the water are areas of woodland, providing one of the best off-lead dog walks in the Peak District before you head out to the water with it on. 

Also find a variety of dog-friendly pubs in this Peak District spot for a chance to chill between walkies. To get yours and your pooch’s legs moving, you could take the five-mile circular route around the reservoirs. Just make sure you avoid the upper reservoir by taking the diverted route across the middle and upper reservoir which is divided by dam walls, if you’re accompanied by a pushchair or wheelchair.

• Estimated time to walk: 2 hours
• Distance: 5 miles
• Nearby parking: Woodnook Lane, cash only

Langsett

If you’re in the Yorkshire side of the national park, Langsett is a charming village with three reservoirs en route with views for days. It’s also one of the best off-lead dog walks in the Peak District as your pooch can rummage, sniff and bound about to their heart’s delight in the woodlands nearby and open moorlands. It’s always best to keep them close by and on the lead by the water while you’re admiring the tranquil waterscape, though.

• Estimated time to walk: 3 hours
• Distance: 8 miles
• Nearby parking: Various car parks around Langsett village

Wheelchair-accessible Peak District trail

If you're looking for accessible trails for wheelchairs, pushchairs or even an even path to ride a bike, this one is a great start.

Monsal Trail

Don’t be put off by the length of this track - you don’t need to complete all of it! There are various train stations, bus stops and free car parks along the route which will allow you to complete part of it. You could start at Hassop train station and follow the path of the former railway line. The path is very well-kept and flat, which is great if you’re accompanied by pushchairs, wheelchairs, bikes, or you just don’t fancy hiking any rough terrain. Just remember to keep your pooch on a lead and pack your torch as there are a few tunnels along the Monsal Trail. 

• Estimated time: 2.5 hours
• Distance: 8.3 miles
• Nearby parking: Various free parking and train stations along the length of the trail

Peak District National Park walks

And if you’d like to pay a visit to some of the national park’s most famous sites, these Peak District dog walks will be right up your street. Cameras at the ready!

Thor’s Cave

Thor’s Cave might just be the best dog walk in the Peak District, and that’s just for its name. It turns out that this spot does live up to its name, as it provides the perfect framing to Staffordshire’s impressively green backdrop and Manifold Valley. Keep your pooch on the lead for this one, and start slow from the village of Wetton then brace yourself for the epic view of Thor’s Cave. If you and your pup are up for the challenge, trek the 200 steps to reach the cave’s mouth and reap the rewards of the views from the inside-out.

• Estimated time to walk: 30 mins
• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Nearby parking: Wetton

Stanage Edge

It’s one of the most iconic spots in the north and one of the best dog walks in the Peak District. Start at the village of Hathersage - a romantic hillside settlement with stunning views across the rolling hills of the Derbyshire Dales, i.e. the countryside that inspired Charlotte Brontë! Then pass North Lees Hall, which is said to have inspired Mr Rochester’s home in Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Make your way through the valley and find Stanage Edge, the famous 6km-long escarpment. Get to the top and soak up the views of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor - two equally unsubtle sights on this epic Derbyshire dog walk. Then, loop back around to your starting point in Hathersage and find a cosy pub for a drink and some fuel.

• Estimated time to walk: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 9 miles
• Nearby parking: Find various car parks near Hathersage village or get the train

Chatsworth House

There are many Bakewell walks with dogs you can do, but if you’re into history or architecture, it makes sense to incorporate Chatsworth House into your route (but remember, it’s not a National Trust or English Heritage site, so admission charges apply). Start at the charming town of Bakewell (which is well worth a trot around) and head towards Chatsworth House - a famous site known for inspiring the classic Pride and Prejudice. So if you’re after a Derbyshire dog walk that incorporates countryside views, adorable towns and historic manor houses, Bakewell to Chatsworth is where it’s at. Head through Manners Wood and walk along the River Derwent, ideal if you’ve got a water-loving Lab or fancy a dip yourself. And if you’d like to enjoy a circular walk from Chatsworth Estate, take the 7-mile trip along Birchen Edge.

• Estimated time to walk: 2 hours
• Distance: 6 miles
• Nearby parking: Granby Road or New Street car park

Planning your pet-friendly walk in the Peak District?

Here’s what to consider when planning a countryside walk with your canine companion. And once you're ready to part with the beauty of the Peak District, you can find even more dog friendly places in the UK here.