8 of the Best Dog-Friendly Walks in the Peak District

The Peak District is home to a whole host of walking opportunities for you to explore, but if you are looking to take your canine companion along with you, then this guide covering the best dog-friendly walks in the Peak District are sure to inspire you!

Home to a superb selection of walks, ranging from easy walks to pub walks and, of course, dog-friendly walks, there is plenty of choice in the Peak District. This part of Derbyshire promises rolling hills, heather moorlands and lush woodlands, together making this region one of our top 10 dog-friendly destinations in the UK.

Read on to discover 8 of the best Peak District dog walks…

1. Mam Tor Circular Walk near Castleton (approx. 2.6 miles)

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.6 miles
Avg. Time: 1hr 30 mins
Elevation (gain): 221m
Starting Point: Mam Nick Car Park (S33 8WA)

Known for being one of the most popular dog walks in Derbyshire, the Mam Tor Circular trail is a relatively easy hike that’s suitable for both dogs and children, making it a great route to take if you’re planning a walk with the whole family.

Start off by parking up at the Mam Nick car park, found at the foot of the iconic hill. Then, once you’re all ready to go, proceed northwards out of the car park and take a right turn. From here, carry on around the bend in the road before you reach the entrance gate to the Mam Tor Bridleway.

Along the path, you’ll be following the ridge of the hill, offering impeccable views of the Derbyshire countryside. Then, once you reach the path junction, take a sharp right and continue around the other side of the hill. Along this path, be sure to keep to the right as you head downhill back towards Mam Tor, right before the trees.

After passing the trig point and making your way back down the hill, you’ll eventually reach the Old Mam Tor Road. Here, take a right and follow the road until you reach the Blue John Cavern Café on the right and the road to the cave on the left. Here, take the left onto the road to the cavern and follow it around until reaching the entrance.

Then, head back onto the footpath over the hills and continue along the trail until you reach the junction with Old Mam Tor Road. Here, cross over and continue along the path, which will eventually bring you back towards the car park where you first began. A wonderful Peak District dog walk for you and your pooch!

2. Monsal Trail Circular Walk via Ashford-in-the-Water (approx 5.7 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.7 miles
Avg. Time: 2hrs 30 mins
Elevation (gain): 255m
Starting Point: Hassop Station Car Park (DE45 1NW)

This moderately difficult yet dog-friendly walk in the Peak District takes you across part of this popular trail, passing by the River Wye and through the picturesque village of Ashford-in-the-Water.

To begin, start by making your way to the Hassop Station car park where you’ll begin and finish this walk. From here, you’ll head out and join straight onto the Monsal Trail, passing the Longstone Lane bridge and the Quackers Café along the way. But before you reach the entrance to the Headstone Tunnel, you’ll take a left turn and head across the field path.

From here, continue south until you reach Longstone Lane, crossing over into the opposite field and continuing south past the Peak Ales site. From here, you’ll continue until you reach the junction with Greaves Lane and Vicarage Lane, taking a left turn down the latter road which will take you straight into Ashford-in-the-Water.

Here, you’ll wind through the heart of this beautiful village before arriving at the Ashford Arms why not stop for a well-deserved mid-way pint in this dog-friendly Peak District pub? After this, continue until you reach the main road, crossing over to reach the B6465, which you’ll continue along before crossing over the Ashford Bridge.

When you reach the next junction, veer off to the path on the left and hop over into the adjacent field. Here, follow the path until you reach a cul-de-sac (Lakeside). Here, turn right and head up the street before reaching the junction with Ashford Road.

At the main road, take a left and follow the road, passing by a small industrial estate before reaching a small left turning before the speed camera. Take a left over the Holme Bridge before taking a right onto Holme Lane. Continue along the road before taking another left, heading up Holme Bank.

From here, continue all the way up the road before reaching the junction with the Monsal Trail, bringing you almost straight back to where you started. To get back to the car park, take a right and continue for a couple of minutes before reaching the Hassop Station car park where you can reward your beloved pooch with a treat and a drink after this wonderful dog-friendly walk through the Peak District National Park.

3. Chatsworth House to Edensor, near Matlock (approx. 9 miles)

Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Avg. Time: 4hrs 30 mins
Elevation (gain): 537m
Starting Point: Calton Lees Car Park (DE4 2NX)

Arguably one of the best dog-friendly Peak District walks is the Chatsworth House to Edensor circular walk, which starts and ends at this impressive country house once home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

To begin this dog walk, make your way to the main car park on the estate, park up and start walking towards Paine’s Bridge which passes over the River Derwent.  However, instead of following the road, veer onto the path to the right and continue until you meet the junction with the main road. Here, take a left and continue before reaching the fork in the road, where you’ll take a left and make your way onto the path through the field.

From here, continue through the field before reaching the Derwent Valley Way, where you’ll hop onto the trail and continue along the banks of the river. Continue along the path until you reach the junction before taking a left, passing over the One Arch Bridge.

After crossing the bridge, follow the bend in the road before taking the next left, taking you onto Beeley Bar Lane. From here, continue all the way down the lane before reaching a junction in the path, where you’ll turn left onto the next. Keep following the path until you reach the edge of Stand Wood. As you initially start heading into the woodland, you’ll reach another junction. Here, take a left and continue through the woods next to the estate.

The path will then take you along the banks of the impressive Emperor Lake to your right, which you’ll continue along until the path eventually veers off to the left, which you’ll follow back out of the woodlands and towards the village of Nether End.

After circling the heart of the village, you’ll then start heading back southwards past Plantation Cottage and towards the estate. Continue along the path past the holiday park before passing Queen Mary’s Bower and eventually reaching Paine’s Bridge. Here, simply take the left back towards the estate car park where you began.

4. Jacob’s Ladder to Kinder Scout near Edale (approx. 7.9 miles)

Distance: 7.89 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Avg. Time: 4hrs 10 mins
Elevation (gain): 550m
Starting Point: Barber Booth Car Park (S33 7ZJ)

Forming part of the popular Pennine Way one of the best walks in the UK, this wonderful Derbyshire dog walk is likely to take up a full afternoon, so it’s advised that you pack the right gear and check the weather forecast before embarking on this moderately-difficult route.

To begin, park up at Barber Booth car park and start by taking the path southwest, passing through a gate marked with the National Trust logo. Continue along the path until you reach a junction, where you’ll take a left and head towards Dalehead Bunkhouse.

Once you reach the bunkhouse, take a right and follow the path through the field. Continue along the hills before reaching the road (Pennine Way) and taking a left. Carry on along the road before reaching the Packhorse Bridge, the start of the Jacob’s Ladder route up to Kinder Scout.

Continuing along the path, you’ll eventually reach the Kinder Low Trig Point before veering right and heading towards Noe Stool. From here, continue along the path before taking a left onto the path leading up to the top of Kinder Scout. Here, you can take in the stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside and take a quick break before heading back down the same path.

When you get back onto the path, head left and follow the path along as it veers around to the right, eventually bringing you back to where you first joined the Jacob’s Ladder route. To finish up, simply head back the way you came before reaching the car park once again.

5. Hathersage to Stanage Edge, Hathersage (approx. 9 miles)

Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Avg. Time: 4hrs 15 mins
Elevation (gain): 490m
Starting Point: Hathersage Car Park (S32 1DD)

Considered to be a moderately challenging yet dog-friendly Derbyshire walk, the Hathersage to Stanage Edge route is popular amongst locals and visitors, offering impeccable views of the Hope Valley region. You might even recognise part of this Peak District dog walk as a Peak District filming location from Pride and Prejudice.

To begin, head into the village of Hathersage and park up near the Bank House restaurant on the high street before starting the walk at the bottom of Baulk Lane. From here, continue along the lane before reaching the junction with Cottis Side, where you’ll turn right. Then, take the next left up the hill.

At the top of the hill, you’ll reach a country house on your left. Here, continue just past the house before taking a right (signposted) onto the next path, taking you immediately through a gate and into a field. Carry on along the path and through the small woodland before reaching the road, where you’ll turn left before reaching a block of public toilets.

At the block, turn right up the path, the start of which is marked by two wooden posts. As you continue up the hill, you’ll reach the iconic Stanage Edge rocks that offer unbelievable views of the surrounding area. Once you’ve stopped off at the edge to bask in the region’s beauty, continue along the ridge path before taking a right turn across the vast moorlands to Stanage Lodge before returning to the edge via the Long Causeway.

From here, continue southwards before passing the famous Robin Hood Cave, tucked away in the face of the cliff. Although it takes a bit of scrambling to get to it, the view from the inside is worth the trouble! However, we’d advise you to take caution, particularly with your dogs.

After the cave, continue down to the end of Stanage Edge before making the final descent back into Hathersage. Before you leave, why not complete this dog walk in Derbyshire by stopping off at the St Michael & All Saints Church to see the legendary grave of Little John?

6. Birchen Edge near Baslow (approx. 3.1 miles)

Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Avg. Time: 1hr 33 mins
Elevation (gain): 180m
Starting Point: Birchen Edge Car Park / Robin Hood Inn (DE45 1PU)

This next fantastic dog-friendly Derbyshire walk, the Birchen Edge Circular begins and ends at the Robin Hood Inn, found just a few miles west of Chesterfield. Not only is it great for a dog walk, but this easy route is also suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities, taking only around an hour and a half to complete.

Once you’re parked up and are ready to go, take a right onto the main road and pass the first couple of turns before hopping onto the path on the right, taking you through a lovely wooded area. From here, continue the ascent along the path towards Gardom’s Edge, a popular vantage point with stunning views of the Peak District. Continue along the path in a northeasterly direction before coming to the 4-way crossing where Sheffield Road and Clodhall Lane meet.

Here, stick to the path and start making your way southwards, continuing along the hilltop before reaching Birchen Edge and Nelson’s Monument. Then finally, continue down the path on your final descent towards the car park where you started.

7. Eyam & Stoney Middleton Loop (approx. 5.6 miles)

Distance: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Avg. Time: 3 hours
Elevation (gain): 371m
Starting Point: Eyam Car Park (S32 5QP)

The Peak District is known for its natural beauty, as well as its rich and varied history. So, if you’re hoping to experience the best of both worlds, then we’d highly recommend embarking on this dog-friendly Derbyshire walk from the village of Eyam.

Starting at the car park opposite the Eyam Museum, this walk will take you from the infamous “plague village” up to Eyam Moor and Sir William Hill. To begin, exit the car park and take a right onto Hawkhill Road. Then, at the bend in the road, take a left onto The Nook.

Carry on along the path before reaching the junction with the road, where you’ll take a left. Keep following the road around the right-hand bend before reaching a small car park at the bottom of Sir William Hill Road. Here, take a right and start making your ascent up the path.

Along the path, you’ll pass the Trig Point at around the halfway mark. Continue along the path before turning right onto Edge Road. Keep following the road southwards before reaching the junction. Just before this point, however, you’ll pass Mompesson’s Well to your right, a historic landmark named after the village’s priest during the plague outbreak in 1666.

After following the bend in the road, take the next left onto the path leading to the top of Water Lane and continue southwards back towards the village centre. Here, you’ll find the Miner’s Arms, a great place to stop off as it marks the halfway point on this Peak District dog walk!

At the end of Water Lane, take a left onto The Causeway and New Road before taking a left onto Riley Lane. Continue along the lane past the historic Riley Graveyard where you’ll veer off to the path through the field on your right. Follow the path until you reach the junction with New Road before taking another right turn. Continue down the road before hopping onto the Jacob’s Ladder path at the right-hand bend.

After following the path down the hill and passing the Stoney Middleton Cemetery, you’ll eventually come to the end of the path where it meets The Nook. Carry on along the road before turning right onto The Bank, following the road and going straight across onto Cliff Bottom/Mill Lane. From here, simply follow the road back to Eyam where you started.

Alternatively, instead of heading up Cliff Bottom/Mill Lane, you could always hop onto the path that takes you over the hill past the Eyam Boundary Stone, a landmark once used by the quarantined villagers to trade goods with their neighbours in Stoney Middleton.

8. Baslow via Curbar Edge Circular (approx. 8 miles)

Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Avg. Time: 4 hours
Elevation (gain): 519m
Starting Point: Nether End Car Park (DE45 1SR)

Probably the toughest route on this list of dog-friendly walks in the Peak District, you’ll need to set aside a full afternoon to complete this challenging route!

To begin this tricky Derbyshire dog walk, start by parking up at the Nether End car park behind Baslow Village Hall. From here, head northwards up Eaton Hill before heading right onto Bar Road at the green. Here, continue along Bar Road, taking you out of the village and into the countryside.

Before you reach Wellington’s Monument, take a left turn and follow the path towards the iconic Eagle Stone. From here, continue northwards past Baslow Edge before reaching the junction with Clodhall Lane. Here, you’ll need to cross the road and continue along the path, taking you past Curbar Edge.

After passing Froggatt Edge, take a left through the woods and begin your descent into the village of Froggatt before crossing the Old Bridge over the River Derwent. Once you’ve crossed over, turn left and follow the banks of the river southwards until you reach Froggatt Road (A625).

Once at the junction, cross over and carry on following the Derwent Valley Way alongside the river. Continue following the path all the way to the Calver Mill Gallery. Here, take a left over the Calver Bridge before taking another left up Curbar Hill. Continue along the road until you reach the junction with Cliff Lane, which you’ll turn left onto.

After following the first bend in the road, you’ll notice a small entrance to a public pathway to your left, which you’ll need to hop onto. From here, you’ll pass through the wooded area and follow the path to the junction, where you’ll need to take a right. From here, simply follow the path southwards past the farm and onto Gorse Bank Lane.

At the end of the lane, take a right and continue until you reach the green, where you’ll take a left, making your way back to the car park where you started.

 If you’re looking for even more places to go for an adventure with your four-legged friend, be sure to check out our guide covering the best dog-friendly walks in the UK and book your next adventure at one of these dog-friendly Peak District cottages.