Short Ox Stones walk, including trig point (circular, 1.7km): perfect for toddlers

This short Ox Stones walk close to the Sheffield border of the National Park is one of the best toddler walks in the Peak District as it ticks so many boxes; it’s relatively flat, the views are incredible, and there are rocks to climb. Plus, there’s a trig point to bag! In fact, the Ox Stones trig point is perhaps one of the easiest Peak District trig points to reach, as well as being our closest Peak District walk to Sheffield.

Wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye out for caterpillars, butterflies, lizards, curlews and other ground nesting birds, hares; and be sure to look across the landscape for deer, especially when on top of the rocks.

With the changing terrain this is a great walk for little ones to build core strength and balance. But please note that this walk is not pram friendly due to the rocky and uneven terrain. Click here for our pram friendly walks in the Peak District.

Ox Stones 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 Map OL 01 (Dark 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: Dark Peak Area | Weatherproof | Peak…	£13.55	Buy on Amazon

This short Ox Stones walk follows the below map in an anticlockwise direction starting from the from the lay-by on Ringinglow Road.

Get a printable download of this walk

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK: 1.7km / 1 mile

TYPE OF WALK: A circular walk, following rocky and uneven paths.  There is a very slight incline but it is very gentle. 

PARKING: Parking is in a lay-by on Ringinglow Road. Click here for Google Map point. Postcode is: S10 4QN.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Amazing views, Ox Stones trig point, wildlife (including a chance to see deer), and rocks to climb.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Whilst an adult can do this walk in 40 minutes, allow a good 1.5 hours to do this walk with very young kids.

ACCESSIBILITY: This walk is NOT pram friendly due to the rock and uneven paths. There are no stiles.

TOTAL ASCENT: 20 metres

PUBLIC TOILETS: There are no facilities, but a few minutes down the road towards Sheffield is the Norfolk Arms Pub (meals, drinks, toilets, car park, overnight campervan parking),

The route

START: lay-by on Ringinglow Road
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2785 8346
Post code: S10 4QN
what3words: ///mount.gears.voted

Route follows an anticlockwise direction.

1. Cross the road, walk over the tiny bridge and then towards the gate. Go through the gate and immediately through another gate on your right.

2. Follow the path as it heads between the heather. This footpath can be narrow and rocky in places, wide and soft underfoot in others, and often with a trickle of water runoff running alongside that is fun to splash through and follow!

3. At the junction where another path joins, follow to the right towards two huge stones.  The rock on your right (which looks like a wedge of cheese) is the perfect rock for little bums to slide down.

4. After a few meters the magnificent Ox Stones will be in front of you. The rock on the right has a wonderful cave-like shape carved out, perfect for sheltering from the wind and play. Enjoy the view with a cuppa and/or snack.

5. Once you have finished exploring the rocks head to your left towards Ox Stones trig point. 

6. Keep following the path downhill towards the wooden gate at the bottom. 

7. Head left once through the gate, following the track back to the start! 

After your Ox Stones walk

The Norfolk Arms pub serves meals (including vegan and vegetarian options) and drinks, has extensive indoor and outdoor seating, plus a large car park with overnight parking for campervans available.