Discover the quieter corners and dramatic limestone scenery of the Peak District with this collection of 15 short walks exploring Buxton, Dove Dale and the South West Peak. From the iconic stepping stones of Dove Dale and the striking rock formations of The Roaches to hidden valleys, caves and peaceful moorland, these routes showcase some of the most rewarding landscapes in this much-loved national park, perfect for relaxed days out and family adventures.

• Each walk is accompanied by a clear Ordnance Survey® map and step-by-step route description, with numbered waypoints linking text and mapping to make navigation straightforward for walkers of all abilities.
• Practical information is provided for every route across the Buxton, Dove Dale and South West Peak areas, including parking, public transport, refreshment stops and facilities, helping you plan your day with ease.
• Explore classic Peak District highlights such as Dove Dale, Thor’s Cave, Ilam Park, the Manifold Valley, Three Shires Head and the gritstone edges of The Roaches, with routes that reveal limestone dales, riverside paths, caves and sweeping upland views.
• Routes are graded easy to moderate, and range from 3.5 to 10.2km, featuring manageable distances and short climbs without technical terrain, making them ideal for beginners, families and anyone seeking a gentle introduction to walking in the Peak District.
• A handy route summary table helps you choose the perfect walk by distance, time and difficulty, while local tips highlight places of interest, viewpoints and welcoming cafés and pubs along the way.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guidebook is the perfect companion for discovering the landscapes of Buxton, Dove Dale and the South West Peak. Whether you are exploring limestone valleys, climbing to panoramic viewpoints or enjoying a relaxed countryside stroll, this collection offers everything you need for memorable Peak District day walks.

15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Buxton, Dove Dale and the South West Peak - Quick Facts

Trail name: Short Walks in the Peak District – Buxton, Dove Dale and the South West Peak
Location: Peak District National Park, England
Number of walks: 15 circular and point-to-point routes
Distance: Typically short half-day walks (easy to moderate)
Typical duration: Under 3 hours per walk
Terrain: Limestone dales, riverside paths, caves, moorland and gritstone edges
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families
Highlights: Dove Dale, Thor’s Cave, Ilam, Manifold Valley, Three Shires Head and The Roaches
Navigation: OS maps with numbered waypoints and clear route descriptions
Facilities: Information on parking, refreshments and public transport for each walk
Best season: Year-round walking with seasonal highlights from spring wildflowers to autumn colours

Author Highlight

“The Peak District is a place of immense variety and contrast, and nowhere is that more evident than in its south west corner where the choice and quality of walking experiences is hard to beat. Here you will find spectacular limestone dales with angular hills and sparkling rivers, rugged open moorland giving way to scenic tree-lined reservoirs, plus an elegant spa town to rival any in the country. There are walking routes here for all tastes, all abilities and all weathers.”

- Andrew McCloy, author of 15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Buxton, Dove Dale and the South West Peak

Using this guide
Route summary table
Map key
Introduction
Walk in the South West Peak
Where to stay
Getting around
Caring for our national park
The walks
Walk 1 Danebridge and Lud’s Church
Walk 2 Taxal and Fernilee Reservoir
Walk 3 Errwood Hall
Walk 4 Three Shires Head
Walk 5 The Roaches
Walk 6 Buxton, Light Wood and Corbar Hill
Walk 7 Buxton and Grin Low
Walk 8 Hollinsclough and Chrome Hill
Walk 9 Warslow and Revidge
Walk 10 Wetton and Thor’s Cave
Walk 11 Hulme End and Ecton Hill
Walk 12 Hartington and Beresford Dale
Walk 13 Ilam and the Manifold valley
Walk 14 Milldale and the River Dove
Walk 15 Dove Dale
Useful information

Seasons

Choose Spring for wildlife-rich dales and riverside meadows, Summer for relaxing waterside walks and hilltop views, Autumn for the purple heather moors and woodland colours.

Centres

The town of Buxton and villages of Hartington, Warslow, Ilam, Thorpe, Hollinsclough, Longnor, Wetton, Hulme End and Milldale.

Difficulty

Some of the hillwalks are steep and rocky underfoot, with sharp or long climbs, while others involve more modest slopes and gradients; all require sturdy footwear with decent grip and a reasonable level of fitness. The valley bottom and village routes are largely gentle and straightforward.

Must See

Highlights include Lud’s Church, a spectacular rock chasm, and the haunting ruins of Errwood Hall. The route also takes in the historic packhorse bridge at Three Shires Head, far-reaching views from The Roaches, and the elegant spa town of Buxton. Other notable sights include the jagged ridge of Chrome Hill, Thor’s Cave, Ecton Hill, the lovely village of Hartington, Ilam Hall with its estate village, and the famous stepping stones of Dove Dale.

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