Experience the limestone heart of Derbyshire with this collection of 15 carefully selected short walks around Bakewell and the White Peak in the Peak District National Park.

Carefully designed to be completed in under three hours, these circular routes reveal tranquil rivers, dramatic limestone gorges, rolling pastureland and timeless villages, making them perfect for families, weekend visitors, and walkers seeking beginner-friendly walks in the Peak District without committing to a full-day hike.

• Each walk between 4 and 10km (2.5 to 6.25 miles) includes clear, step-by-step route descriptions alongside detailed Ordnance Survey mapping, so you can navigate the White Peak’s network of dales, fields and walled lanes with ease
• Routes explore classic limestone landscapes such as Cressbrook Dale and the sweeping valley views of Monsal Dale, showcasing the area’s distinctive geology and riverside beauty
• Practical information for every route covers parking, public transport options, terrain notes and nearby cafés or pubs, helping you plan smooth, stress-free days in the Peak District
• Scenic routes pass historic landmarks including the grand parkland of Chatsworth House and the poignant village of Eyam, blending natural beauty with fascinating local heritage
• Many walks offer options to shorten or extend the route, giving you flexibility to adapt to the weather, your fitness level or the time you have available

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, known for its reliable mapping and practical guidance, 15 Short Walks in the Peak District: Bakewell and the White Peak is ideal for anyone searching for easier Peak District walks, family-friendly routes in Derbyshire or inspiring half-day adventures. Whether you’re on holiday or a local looking for new areas to explore, this book provides everything you need to explore the White Peak’s finest scenery with confidence.

Discover the full Short Walks in the Peak District range, including guidebooks to Edale & the Hope Valley and Buxton, Dovedale and the South West Peak — perfect for building your collection of Peak District short walks.

15 Short Walks in the Peak District – Bakewell and the White Peak – Quick Facts

Trail name: 15 Short Walks in the Peak District – Bakewell and the White Peak
Location: Peak District National Park, England (White Peak area around Bakewell)
Number of walks: 15 circular routes
Distance: 4 — 10km (2.5 — 6.25 miles)
Typical duration: Under 3 hours per walk
Terrain: Limestone dales, riverside paths, flower-rich meadows, wooded valleys and rolling pastureland
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for beginners, families and casual walkers
Highlights: Upper Cressbrook Dale, Monsal Dale, Chatsworth House, Eyam and scenic riverside walks near Bakewell
Navigation: Ordnance Survey maps with clear, step-by-step route descriptions
Facilities: Details on parking, cafés, pubs and public transport for each walk
Best season: Year-round walking, with spring wildflowers, summer greenery and colourful autumn dales

Author Highlight

“At the heart of the White Peak is Bakewell, the area’s only proper town. It’s a popular tourist destination with countless cafes and, of course, the ubiquitous Bakewell Pudding, but despite the summer crowds there’s an attractive historic core and a thriving livestock market. The Old House Museum near the church is a particular treasure trove when it comes to learning about the town’s history.”

- Andrew McCloy, author of 15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Bakewell and the White Peak

Using this guide 

Introduction 

Walking in the White Peak 

Where to stay 

Caring for our national park 

The walks 

Walk 1 Taddington, Chelmorton, and Flagg 

Walk 2 Tideswell Dale and Litton Mill 

Walk 3 Litton and Cressbrook Dale 

Walk 4 Monsal Head tunnel and viaduct 

Walk 5 Sheldon and Magpie Mine 

Walk 6 Monyash and upper Lathkill Dale 

Walk 7 Lower Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale 

Walk 8 Elton and Robin Hood’s Stride 

Walk 9 Bakewell and the Monsal Trail

Walk 10 Bakewell, Manners Wood and the River Wye

Walk 11 Stanton Moor

Walk 12 Chatsworth Park and Edensor 

Walk 13 Beeley and Hob Hurst’s House 

Walk 14 Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge

Walk 15 River Derwent and Calver Weir 

Useful information 

Seasons

Spring for the wild flowers and wildlife in the limestone dales, summer for the lush meadows and parkland of Chatsworth, autumn for the woodland colours and purple heather moorland.

Centres

Bakewell (town) and villages: Litton, Tideswell, Taddington, Chelmorton, Flagg, Sheldon, Monyash, Youlgrave, Elton, Birchover, Edensor, Beeley, Calver, Grindleford.

Difficulty

The Peak District is hilly so most walks involve modest slopes or steps, a few with longer or steeper climbs on to moorland or hilltops. Some dales are rocky underfoot and field paths can involve plenty of wall stiles, but no special equipment is needed except for sturdy footwear with decent grip.

Must See

Tunnels and viaducts on the Monsal Trail (former railway line). Caves, crags and disappearing streams in dramatic limestone dales. Flower-rich upland meadows and the tree-lined River Derwent. Sumptuous parkland and stately house of Chatsworth. Bakewell’s bustling pudding shops, cafes and market. Heather moorland and far-reaching views across the Peak District.

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