Peak District Kids writer: Helen from Little Puddle People
This Little Barbrook walk offers a ‘there and back’ route, which includes fantastic views, an ancient standing stone circle, and a Bronze Age cairn. Plus, the furthest point is a great picnic spot with opportunities to paddle, play Pooh Sticks and feed ducks. You may even spot deer, kestrel and butterflies here!
A very simple walk following one main track, and very easy going. In fact this walk to Little Barbrook is one of our favourite flat walks in the Peak District.
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.

PRINTABLE WALK GUIDES
Download and print out our
walk guides ready for your
family adventure.
Little Barbrook walk map
On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Active Map OL 24 (White Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
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The Peak District: White Peak Area Map | Weatherproof | Peak… |
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This Little Barbrook walk follows the below linear route.

Get a printable download of this walk
Want to print off this walk guide rather than rely on your mobile? Then click here to download the PDF to print out at home. Perhaps print out a copy for the kids to follow the step-by-step directions and/or photos? It’s a great way to get them engaged with the walk and gives them a sense of responsibility.
All printable downloads are £2.50 each. Click here for the full list of Peak District Kids printable downloads.
Please note that your download link expires 72 hours from order, so make sure you save your PDF somewhere where you’ll remember it. If you are unsure where your download folder is on your mobile device, we recommend you download the PDF on your laptop or desktop.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 5km / 3.1 miles
TYPE OF WALK: Linear
PARKING: Roadside lay-by on A621. Click here for Google map point. Post code S18 7WE. There are two laybys; one on each side of the road.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Fantastic views, tranquil picnic spot, standing stone circle, a Bronze Age cairn, playing in the water at Little Barbrook.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: This is a 1.5 hour walk for adults, but allow 2-3 hours to really enjoy this walk with little ones.
ACCESSIBILITY: This walk is doable in a pram if you have an all terrain buggy and are prepared to put a bit of muscle into it. There are no stiles.
TOTAL ASCENT: 63 metres
PUBLIC TOILETS: There are no facilities at all on this walk. The nearest village is Curbar, which is a 5 minute drive away.

The route
START: Parson’s Field Car Park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2810 7514
Post code: S18 7WE
what3words: ///moves.revealing.sunflower
This is a linear route.
1. Walk through the gate off the main road and continue along the footpath.


2. After 500 metres on your right, you will come across a narrow rocky path leading up to some standing stones. You can detour up here to have a look at them. There is also a Bronze Age cairn just behind. Please do not remove stones or climb on the cairn. Once you’ve finished having a look head back down to the main path.


3. Keep following the footpath. Down the hill to your left is Bar Brook, a little stream. You will reach a small and shady wooded area that has some great trees to explore and climb.


4. Immediately after the wooded area is Little Barbrook, a small disused reservoir now serving as a nature reserve. The water is home to ducks, geese, water voles, newts, frogs and fish, as well as dragonflies and many other small creatures. It is teeming with life! Exploring the heather and rocky terrain around the reservoir is a favourite for nature-loving kids; a great spot to stop for a picnic and play.
Little Barbrook is a great place to paddle and can be popular with wild swimmers, but it is extremely important to be aware of the environmental impact that we can have. Please keep away from the banks to protect nesting areas and water vole habitat. There is a sloping cobbled corner of the reservoir which is deemed acceptable access.



5. At the far end of the reservoir there is an old packhorse bridge, great for a game a Pooh Sticks!



6. When you are ready to head home, turn around and follow the same track along to the gate. Don’t forget to splash in the puddles!

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Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Peak District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @peakdistrictkids in your caption so we can share with our wider community.
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Want more ideas for family walks?
Best Family Walks in the Peak District
Pram Friendly Peak District walks
Toddler walks in the Peak District
Or, use the search walks page to find your perfect family walk.
Also, come and join our friendly Peak District Kids Facebook Group for any questions or to share photos of your walks.
You may also like to read:
Baslow Edge walk
Flat walks in the Peak District
Ox Stones walk