Grindleford Station Walk – Why Go?
At just 5 miles long, this route will surprise you with its beauty. It's certainly one of the best Peak District walks, even if it isn't the longest. The circular route starts and ends at Grindleford train station, making it incredibly easy to travel to. You’ll explore the lovely area of Padley Gorge, following the Burbridge Brook as it flows over rocks and under adorable little bridges towards the River Derwent. Cross the wild Hathersage Moor, climb Over Owler Tor and enjoy looking out across the Hope Valley from Surprise View, one of the best viewpoints in the Peak District.
Grindleford Station Walk – What to Expect
This circular walk explores woodland, grassy footpaths, and moorland. While there are no stiles or incredibly steep ascents, the ground will be uneven in the woods and across the moors. If you wear a good pair of walking boots with you when hiking this trail, you’ll be set to enjoy the beautiful views that the Peak District is so famous for. It might be a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket too, just in case the unreliable British weather changes suddenly.
Grindleford Station Walk – The Route, Part 1
7.2km / 3-4 hours
At the train station, walk uphill towards the Grindleford Station Cafe. Turn left, where Padley Mill will be in front of you, and follow the lane uphill as it bears slightly to the left, before turning off right. Follow the sign for Longshaw Estate via Padley Gorge. Here you can stop and explore the gorge and surrounding woodland at your leisure.
The woodland here is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It’s fun for children to play and explore in the warmer months and is one of the few places in the UK where the Pied Flycatcher lives, so you may be lucky enough to spot one.
When walking through Padley Gorge, the path is fairly clear, but it splits after a short distance. Take the left fork and walk up the hill away from the water, keeping Burbage Brook on your right-hand side at all times. The trees will slowly clear as you walk this path, taking you through a gate to a grassy clearing.
Continue onwards with the river on your right, taking the path through the beautiful open countryside. Upon reaching the second bridge, turn left to follow a grassy path that runs between large rocks towards a gate beside the road. Through this gate, cross the road (with care as it is busy), and take the public footpath directly opposite.
Grindleford Station Walk – The Route, Part 2
Continue along this path, passing through a gate to the wild Hathersage Moor. Take the left fork in the path to walk through this open moorland. After a short distance, the distinctive flat top of Higger Tor will be visible in the distance ahead of you. Continue following this path until you reach a fork next to a bench.
Bear left and climb to the top of the small hill. Here, go straight over the crossroad of paths to walk downhill towards the view of the Hope Valley. When you reach the T-junction of paths at the bottom of the hill, turn left and follow the trail towards the rocky outcrop called Over Owler Tor.
At the next fork in the path, head left and continue straight on, passing Over Owler Tor on the left. Walk uphill, staying on the path instead of climbing the stile. The path will be on the left of the fence with stunning views across the valley to your right.
Go through a gate marked Access Land, where you’ll find a bench that is perfectly positioned to give you views across the Derwent Valley. Once you've had your fill of the gorgeous scenery, continue walking with the low stone wall on your right.
Cross the road that you reach next and follow the public footpath to Lawrence Field, following the line of the fence through a gate. Here, the stone wall will be on your left. Follow it until you reach a gate that takes you back down to Padley Gorge and the path you started on.
Retrace your steps to the station and car park, and make sure you enjoy a big cup of tea at the Grindleford Station Cafe.
If you're spending more time in Derbyshire, why not have a read of our list of the best Peak District walks to find even more fantastic walking routes?
