Five of the best short walks near Buxton, Peak District (Dove Dale and South West Peak)

If you’re looking for great walks in the Peak District that don’t take all day, the Buxton, Dovedale, and South West Peak area has plenty to offer. From the shady gorge of Lud’s Church and the rocky edges of the Roaches to the limestone ridges of Chrome Hill, these short walks are packed with waterfalls, interesting rock formations, and lovely views—perfect for a walking adventure with all the family as part of a weekend getaway in the Peak District.

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

£9.95

Discover 15 of the best short walks around Buxton, Dove Dale and the South West Peak in the Peak District. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

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The best walk to visit the rocky chasm of Lud's Church...

What: Danebridge and Lud’s Church
Summary: Uncover a mysterious legend and natural wonder deep in the woods on this adventurous outing
Start/finish: Danebridge
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 205m

From ancient woodland and a spectacular rock chasm to an open escarpment with stupendous views, this energetic and absorbing walk with plenty of ups and downs has it all. Follow an Arthurian tale of knights in deadly combat to the secretive chasm known as Lud’s Church deep in the woods. And what better way to relax when it’s all done than with some locally prepared refreshment at the inviting Wincle Brewery?

The best walk for waterfall lovers...

What: Three Shires Head
Summary: Follow field and moorland tracks across county borders tracing historic packhorse routes beside the River Dane
Start/finish: Gradbach car park
Time: 2hr
Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
Climb: 150m

This may be an uncomplicated walk in the open Dane valley across rough fields and moorland tracks, but you end up visiting three separate counties, as well as an area once notorious for its lawlessness. The highlight of the walk is a picturesque packhorse bridge sitting in a cleft of the moors above the tumbling river and its cool dark pools – a perfect place for a paddle on a hot sunny day.

The best walk for panoramic views...

What: The Roaches
Summary: Enjoy panoramic views from a striking gritstone edge on this straightforward circuit
Start/finish: Roaches Gate, Roach Road, near Upper Hulme
Time: 2hr 15min
Distance: 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Climb: 215m

Guarding the south west entrance to the Peak District like a row of artillery guns, the craggy gritstone edges known as the Roaches offer spectacular views and a comparatively level path that runs almost all the way along the top. It’s a little rough underfoot in places and there are some steep stone steps at one point, otherwise this airy loop through the Staffordshire moorlands is easy to follow, with views as far as North Wales on a clear day.

The best hill walk along the Dragon's Back...

What: Hollinsclough and Chrome Hill
Summary: Scale the Dragon’s Back on this undulating and exhilarating hill walk in the upper Dove valley
Start/finish: Hollinsclough
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
Climb: 235m

Chrome Hill is a relatively small but very prominent and angular hill, formed from a coral reef millions of years ago, that rises spectacularly above the infant River Dove near Longnor. This walk follows the popular route along the jagged ridge to the top for outstanding views. Although the path is well walked, it is steep and rocky in places with long drops and care should be taken, especially if the grassy slopes are slippery after rain.

The best walk to see a spectacular cave...

What: Wetton and Thor's Cave
Summary: An energetic and adventurous walk to a spectacular cave high above the Manifold valley
Start/finish: Wetton car park
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 6.8km (4.2 miles)
Climb: 230m

There’s drama aplenty on this exciting walk up to a large cave and airy viewpoint that tower above the River Manifold. A long descent then leads to an easy stretch along the leafy valley bottom, before a finish across open grassy hillsides with wide-ranging views. Warning: the open hilltop summit above the cave (which can be avoided by a shortcut) has precipitous and unfenced drops; and accessing the cave itself involves a short scramble up slippery rocks.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to 15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Buxton, Dove Dale and South West Peak. Other highlights include Buxton, Light Wood and Corbar Hill, Hartington and Beresford Dale and Dove Dale with its iconic stepping stones. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.