June 5, 2025

10 Best Walks Under 4 Hours in the Peak District

Short on time but craving Peak District beauty? Discover 10 amazing walks under 4 hours, offering stunning views, iconic edges, and family-friendly adventures.

Short on time, not on scenery

The Peak District is packed with routes that deliver big rewards for minimal time. Whether you’re squeezing in a morning hike, looking for a family-friendly ramble, or chasing golden hour views, these walks all clock in under 4 hours — and still offer classic Peak District charm.

1. Mam Tor & the Great Ridge

  • Time: ~2.5–3 hours

  • Distance: ~8 km

  • Start: Mam Nick car park

  • Highlights: Paved paths, sweeping views over Edale and the Hope Valley, and optional extensions to Back Tor and Lose Hill.


2. Stanage Edge Circular

  • Time: ~3 hours

  • Distance: ~9 km

  • Start: Dennis Knoll or Redmires

  • Highlights: Iconic gritstone edge, popular with climbers. Expansive views over the Dark Peak and a classic sunset spot.


3. Padley Gorge to Longshaw Estate

  • Time: ~2 hours

  • Distance: ~5.5 km

  • Start: Grindleford Station

  • Highlights: Ancient woodland, tumbling streams, and great springtime wildflowers. Perfect for families.


4. Baslow Edge & Curbar Edge Loop

  • Time: ~3 hours

  • Distance: ~8.5 km

  • Start: Curbar Gap

  • Highlights: Wildlife-rich moorland, Highland cattle, and vast views over Chatsworth Estate.


5. Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill Ridge

  • Time: ~3.5 hours

  • Distance: ~7 km

  • Start: Hollinsclough or Earl Sterndale

  • Highlights: Limestone ridge walking with a dramatic alpine feel. Best on dry days and not ideal in icy conditions.


6. Luds Church via the Roaches

  • Time: ~3.5–4 hours

  • Distance: ~9 km

  • Start: Gradbach car park

  • Highlights: Towering gritstone edges and a mossy chasm steeped in legend. Excellent mix of geology and mystery.


7. Derwent Edge from Cutthroat Bridge

  • Time: ~3.5 hours

  • Distance: ~9 km

  • Start: Cutthroat Bridge layby (A57)

  • Highlights: Rocky tors like the Wheel Stones and Cakes of Bread. Classic Dark Peak gritstone.


8. Three Shires Head Loop

  • Time: ~2.5 hours

  • Distance: ~6.5 km

  • Start: Gradbach or Flash

  • Highlights: Stone bridges, waterfalls, and the meeting point of Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire.


9. Dovedale to Milldale and Back

  • Time: ~2–3 hours

  • Distance: ~6.5 km

  • Start: Dovedale car park near Thorpe

  • Highlights: Stepping stones, limestone cliffs, and the River Dove. A classic White Peak riverside walk.


10. Win Hill from Yorkshire Bridge

  • Time: ~3.5 hours

  • Distance: ~7.5 km

  • Start: Yorkshire Bridge Inn

  • Highlights: Steady ascent to one of the best viewpoints over Ladybower Reservoir and the Hope Valley.


Quick Tips for Half-Day Peak District Walks

Arrive early – Car parks fill up fast, especially on weekends and bank holidays.

Pack light – These aren’t long hauls, but still bring layers, water, and a snack.

Watch your timing – Some routes have limited daylight visibility, especially in wooded valleys.

Stick to paths – Spring ground is often wet, and erosion is a big issue in popular areas.

Photo credit: Michael Cummins

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