Padley Gorge walk including Longshaw Estate (2.7 km)

This Padley Gorge walk is one of our favourite Peak District family walks, especially for young kids, as they can paddle in the stream, climb boulders and trees, and there’s even ice-cream at the end! It’s a 2.7km cicular walk that takes in the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate too (which is free to walk though). And even though it may seem a short distance, do allow a good three hours for this walk as there are so many places to play!

Don’t forget your cash for the ice-cream van. They don’t take cards.

If you are looking for a longer Padley Gorge walk that is a bit more challenging for your kids, check out our Grindleford walk that takes you through Padley Gorge from Grindleford Station, and up to Owler Tor, Surprise View, Mother Cap, and Over Owler Tor. You may also want to check out our other Peak District river walks.

Is this Padley Gorge walk pram friendly?

The first half of this walk through Padley Gorge is not pram friendly. However, once you enter Longshaw Estate, the footpaths are great for pushchairs and buggies. If you are looking for a Peak District pram friendly walk, check out our Longshaw Estate pram friendly walk which is a lovely 3.7km circular route.

Padley Gorge 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.

Our Padley Gorge walk follows the below OS Map in a clockwise direction.

Get a printable download of this walk

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK: 2.7km (1.7 miles)

TYPE OF WALK: circular, easy going, rocky in places.

PARKING: There is free roadside parking here, which also marks the start point. Please only park in the designated areas. Police are strict here and there is a very good chance you will be ticketed if you park illegally. On a weekend or hots summer’s day, aim to arrive by 9:30am to secure a space. If there are no car parking spaces, you can park at the Longshaw Estate car park. This is free for National Trust members, otherwise it is £4.50 for three hours. You can pay using an app on your phone.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Paddling in the river, shady woodland, boulders to climb, natural playgrounds and Longshaw Estate.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids, this is a 1 hour walk. However, with so many places to stop and play along the way (and there are a lot!), allow for three hours, especially if it’s a hot day and you want to paddle.

TOTAL ASCENT: 53 metres

FACILITIES: Public toilets can be found at Longshaw Estate. There is also often an ice-cream van at the roadside parking area (cash only).

The route

START: Padley Gorge Ice Cream Van
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2581 7996
Post code: S11 7TZ
what3words: ///dance.thick.shelf

Route follows a clockwise direction.

1. Head through the gate on the parking side of the road, and take the short walk down to the Burbage Brook. Cross the wooden footbridge.

2. Once over the other side, follow the footpath along to your right. Burbage Brook will be on your right. There are lots of little places to stop for a paddle and play along here.

3. Follow this footpath along for 600 metres, until you come to another footbridge that takes you back to the other side of Burbage Brook.

4. Cross the bridge and follow the flagstone path up into the woods.

5. Just 100 metres along, you will come to a footpath T-junction. Take the footpath to the right. Although this is a good spot for a play on the boulders. Snack time perhaps?

6. Continue along the footpath through the trees for 500 metres, until you meet a gate that leads out on to the road. Along the way here, you’ll find lots more boulders to climb up and jump off.

7. Walk through the wooden gate on the left, and carefully cross the road. To the right of the big house is the pathway into DLongshaw Estate. Walk down this path.

8. Just before reaching the grand Longshaw Lodge, you will notice a footpath to the right. Follow this footpath. This leads you in front of the Lodge, with fabulous views over to Shining View and Mother Cap.

9. This then leads you to another gate. Walk through the gate. There are two footpaths here. Take the one on the right, past the millstone.

10. This section through the woods is really lovely for kids. There are natural dens to play in, trees to climb, and a little assault course under the trees.

11. After a short while, this will lead you to a large pond / small lake. Follow the footpath along the waters edge and back through the trees.

12. This footpath leads to a barn with displays inside. From here, you will spot your car. Follow the footpath down and be careful crossing the road. Time for an ice-cream to reward your efforts!

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You may also like to read:
Stanton Moor walk (3.1km)
Hathersage stepping stones walk (4.9km)
Longshaw Estate walk for toddlers (1km)