Top 10 best Peak District dog walks

Here’s what we consider to be our top 10 best Peak District dog walks. They vary in distance and terrain, but all can be enjoyed with your dog.

Please note: There may be affiliate links on this website. This means that we earn a small commission when you click and subsequently order something. There is no additional cost to you, it simply helps us run this website.

1. The Bakewell Loop

The Bakewell Loop has to be the most popular Bakewell dog walk on our website. It starts from Bakewell town centre and follows part of the Monsal Trail before descending back into Bakewell through fields and footpaths.

This is a lovely Bakewell dog walk. It is a pleasant circular dog walk around Bakewell, which follows part of the Monsal Trail and includes a public bridleway and some roads. You’ll get some spectacular views of Bakewell as you make the return journey across the fields. Apart from the initial walk up the hill towards Bakewell Station, the rest of the walk is relatively flat and easy going.

There are plenty of dog friendly pubs and cafes that you can visit once you return to Bakewell, but there is also the Hassop Station on the Monsal Trail where you can get refreshments. There is a covered area outside where you can sit with your dog.

2. Dog walk around Fernilee reservoir

This is a lovely circular route around the Fernilee reservoir which can be found in the Goyt valley near Buxton.

If you type SK17 6SX into google maps, you’ll be able to see whereabouts it is situated within the Goyt Valley.

Basically you can walk around the entire reservoir. One side of the reservoir is a flat wide path which is suitable for pushchairs. On the other side of the reservoir you will walk along a woodland section, mainly tracks and narrow paths. The wooded section is not really suitable for pushchairs – It would be much easier to do a linear walk along the opposite side of the reservoir.

More details about the walk can be found here.

Some recommended dog walk books

3. Solomons Temple, Buxton

Postcode: SK17 9DH

This is a lovely woodland walk from the Pooles Cavern car park up through the woods to Solomons Temple. You can climb the temple and get spectacular views of Buxton. Although please be careful with dogs around the temple, we had a friend whose dog decided to jump and suffered nasty injuries as a result.

There is a cafe at Pooles cavern which is dog friendly. There is seating outside for dogs, but they are also allowed inside.

The nearby pub The Duke is also a great place to get a bar snack or quick drink after your dog walk around Solomon’s Temple.

4. Padley Gorge, Grindleford

Postcode: S32 2JA

Directions: Take the B6521 towards Calver. From A623 turn onto B6001 at Calver and then B6521 in Grindleford towards the station. Park at the station.

There is a great circular walk from Grindleford Station- walk along the river cross the wooden footbridge to the open country above the woodland and cross down to the other side of the gorge – taking in the contrast between open moorland and shady woodland. There are refreshments at the cafe close to the station. You’ll find a large seating area outside. Perfect for muddy paws and boots.

5. Monyash Meander

Post code: DE45 1JJ – there is a small car park or you can find a space on Chapel Street.

This is a circular walk from the village of Monyash. The Bulls Head in Monyash is a very dog friendly pub and the Old Smithy Tea rooms next door is a dog friendly cafe. This gives you a choice of refreshment stops once you’ve finished the walk.

Part of the walk follows the Limestone Way which is a pleasant walled track that you follow heading towards Lathkill Dale. For details of the walk, click here.

6. The Wild Rhubarb Walk, Millers Dale/Chee Dale

Postcode: SK17 8SN

This is a more adventurous walk which begins at Millers Dale car park and then follows part of the Monsal Trail including walking through some of the tunnels on the trail. It then drops down to the waterside and you follow a rather rocky path through Chee Dale towards the end of the trail. Sturdy boots are required for this trail and it is quite tricky in places underfoot. A bit of rock scrambling is required, so the kids might enjoy it.

It’s spectacularly beautiful too! You’ll feel at one with nature.

Details of the dog walk can be found here.

7. A dog walk from Cromford Mill

Postcode: DE4 3RQ

Another circular walk where you will enjoy some canal side walking before heading up a steep incline towards Black Rocks. It starts and finishes at Cromford Wharf car park and you will find plenty of refreshments stops in and around the Mill.

For more details of the Cromford Mill dog walk, click here.

8. A dog walk around Ladybower Reservoir

Post code: S33 0AQ

Time: Approx 2 hours if walking at moderate pace and stopping for photographs along the way!

If you fancy a weekend walk, then try the Ladybower Reservoir circular dog walk. It is a lovely scenic walk in the Derwent Valley, and part of the walk includes the Derwent Dam, which was the scene of practice flights for the Dambusters raids during World War 2.

It is easiest to start the walk from the Fairholmes Visitor centre, where there are toilets and refreshments. There is a car park which can be used for a small charge. Alternatively you can try and find free spaces on the approach road, but these often fill up very quickly.

If you start from the Visitor Centre, simply head to the top right corner of the car park and find the well marked path that eventually will run alongside the waters edge. You’ll be heading towards Ashopton viaduct, which you will probably have driven across to get here. You’ll walk across the viaduct and then shortly after, look for the footpath sign that leads you back down the other side of the water. At this stage it is quite a wide tarmac road that you will walk along. You will be able to walk as far as the Derwent Dam, and you’ll see signs for the East Tower where you can get spectacular views of the dam.

Once you’ve viewed the dam, you can follow a well marked path back to the Fairholmes Visitor centre which marks the end of the walk.

9. A dog walk from Chatsworth House

Postcode: DE45 1PP

A visit to the Peak District can’t be complete without visiting the beautiful Chatsworth House home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. There is some spectacular parkland to walk around with your dog and they are very dog friendly. You will find bowls of water available near the toilets and also the Stable yard area.

The Carriage House cafe, which is located in the 18th century stable block, is dog friendly, and has a designated dog friendly area where you can sit with your dog (when government restrictions allow).

There is also plenty of outdoor seating available in the stables courtyard. A limited section of this is undercover, and there are also patio heaters for when it gets a little chillier.

Whilst dogs are not allowed in Chatsworth House itself, they are allowed in the gardens and also the gift shop.

For more details about the Chatsworth dog walk, check this post.

10. A dog walk from Eyam

Postcode: S32 5QW

This is an interesting village to visit – as it is also known as the “plague village”.

During the Plague, the village of Eyam suffered dreadfully, as did many of the Peak District villages. However, the locals attempted to stop the disease being spread further, by putting themselves in quarantine. Apparently the plague virus had been brought into the village by a local tailor on some infected cloth which he had bought whilst in London. The tailor himself died quickly, and 250 other villagers also died, including the rectors wife (the rector himself had instigated the quarantine).  

There is a pleasant walk that you can do which features a little bit of woodland walk before descending back into the village to enjoy one of several dog friendly cafes or perhaps one of the pubs.

For details of the Eyam walk, click here.

We hope that you have enjoyed our Top 10 best Peak District dog walks and hope that you will find a new favourite walk to do with your dog.

Easy Bakewell Dog Walk

Monsal Trail looking back towards Bakewell Station
Monsal Trail looking back towards Bakewell Station

This easy Bakewell dog walk starts from the town centre and heads up to the Monsal Trail before descending back down to Coombs Road and back into town.

This walk is approximately 3 kilometres and will take about 45 minutes to do. It is a family friendly dog walk and the walk is varied from pavement walks in Bakewell to cycle trails and quiet country lanes.

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, which means that when you click on the link, I may receive a small commission. There is no cost to you, it simply helps me cover the costs of running this website.

Dog walk directions

This dog walk starts from the Bakewell Tourist information centre in the middle of town.

1. Turn right out of the tourist information centre and walk across the stone bridge out of Bakewell.

Bakewell Tourist Information Centre - the start of the Bakewell dog walk.
Bakewell Tourist Information Centre

2. Bear right and head up Station road (following signs to the Industrial Centre). This is quite a steep uphill climb, but there is a footpath all the way up. You will see lovely views across Bakewell on the right hand side, and there are some spectacular private gardens that you’ll notice as you progress up the hill.

3. Once you get to the top of the hill, you will see the Codel building on your right and then the Bakewell station will come into view.

Bakewell Station – Monsal Trail

4. If you walk to the left hand side of the Bakewell Station building you will gain access to the Monsal Trail.

Useful Local dog walk books

5. Turn right onto the Monsal trail – signposted towards Coombs Road.

Follow the Monsal Trail which is a nice flat and wide surface until you reach the very end. You will experience some lovely views across to Bakewell on your right hand side. To your left, you will see Bakewell golf course, with the woods behind it.

The Monsal Trail is used by walkers, dog walkers, cyclists and horses. Everyone must be respectful of each other and appreciate that everyone wants to enjoy the trail in their own way.

6. When you reach the end of the trail, you will see a signboard which gives you more information about Coombs Road, which you are going to join very shortly.

Signage on the Monsal Trail -Coombs Road dog walk
Coombs Road information board from the Monsal Trail

7. Head down the steep path towards Coombs Road and then turn right onto Coombs Road itself. This is a very quiet country lane, but it is still used by traffic so please be aware of this and keep your dog on a lead. Follow the road back into town. If you follow Coombs Road until the end, you will eventually arrive at the stone bridge that you first walked over.

There are several dog friendly pubs and cafes that you will see as you walk back through into Bakewell. Even the cafes that don’t allow dogs inside, provide outdoor seating and often blankets and covered areas. (The Lime Lounge being one of these is the first café that you see as you walk over the bridge). This provides outdoor seating and blankets, but doesn’t make it onto our dog friendly café list, because dogs are not allowed inside. Having said that, the coffee is so good, we thought it was worth a mention!

Read these posts to find out about the many dog friendly cafes or dog friendly pubs in Bakewell.

Dog Friendly Cafes in Bakewell

Dog friendly cafe in Bakewell

Here is a selection of dog friendly cafes in Bakewell. You will be able to have a light lunch or a hot drink and bring your dog too!

There is nothing better than finding a lovely cosy cafe and being able to take your dog with you. In fact, we believe this is especially important in the Summertime when cars can get very hot.

List of dog friendly cafes in Bakewell

Honey Bun Cafe: 1 Water St, Bakewell, Derbyshire. DE45 1EW  Tel: 07530 353008

Upstairs Cafe: 3 Market Street, Bakewell DE45 1HG  Tel: 01629 815567

Aisseford Tea Rooms: Ashford in the Water, nr Bakewell, Derbyshire. DE45 1QB  Tel: 01629 812773

Old Smithy Tea Rooms: Monyash, Nr Bakewell, Derbyshire.  DE45 1JH  Tel: 01629 810190

Cafe on the Green: Nether End, Baslow, Nr Bakewell. DE45 1SR  Tel: 01246 583000

Cafe with outdoor seating areas for dog owners

Hassop Station Cafe: Hassop Station – There is an undercover, outside seating area for dogs and their owners.

This cafe is also featured in the Tea shop Walks in the Peak District by Chiz Dakin

The Lavender Tea Rooms : 7 Matlock Street, Bakewell. DE45 1EE – seating is provided outside for all it’s furry friends.

If you know of any other dog friendly cafes in Bakewell or the surrounding area that we haven’t mentioned, then please let us know and we will add them.

If you fancy something a little bit stronger, then you might like to review our list of dog friendly pubs in Bakewell.

There are quite a few Bakewell pubs to choose from. Many have log fires and treats on the bar for your dog.

Dog walks in Bakewell

After you have enjoyed a visit to a dog friendly cafe in Bakewell, then you might like to stretch your legs and enjoy a dog walk in Bakewell. In fact, we have a couple of routes that you can try, the first one being The Bakewell Loop. This is a 3 mile walk from Bakewell town centre and follows the Monsal Trail up to Hassop Station, before cutting across a bridleway back to Bakewell.

The second walk in Bakewell, is an easy walk around Bakewell. It starts from the Bakewell town centre and heads up to the Monsal trail. You’ll follow the Monsal trail for a short while and then drop back down to Coombs road and follow the road back into town. It takes around 45 minutes and there are some lovely views from the Monsal trail. 

A dog walk and a pint in the Peak District

Bulls Head MonyashIt’s that time of year, when you need to do brisk dog walks, as it’s getting a bit cooler. Now if you can follow the dog walk by dropping into a cosy dog friendly pub, that offers roaring log fires with warming drinks, then even better!

There are plenty of places to do a nice dog walk, check out our choose a dog walk post, to find one. We’ve then got lots of pubs to choose from which are dog friendly. If you know where you want to look, then check out our pub directory and find a great pub. 

Let us know your favourite dog walks, we’d be happy to post the details on our website. And if you know of a dog friendly pub that you would recommend, then please tell us and we will share the good news online with our doggie  friends!

 

Check out Amazon for these books

We’ve also found these two dog friendly pub walk books, so check these out two.

Girls in the Goyt Valley

Dog walk in the Goyt ValleyTilly and her daughter have just enjoyed the morning having a great dog walk around the Goyt Valley. They started at the Errwood Car Park and raced up the hill towards Shining Tor, enjoying a pit stop at the trig point.

They then carried along the path towards Cats Tor before turning right and trotting down the hillside onto Foxlow Edge, past Errwood Hall before returning back to the carpark.

Dogs enjoying a walk around Goyt Valley

A good time was had by all!

For more walks around the Peak District try Derbyshire & the Peak District – A Dog Walker’s Guide

 

Woodland Dog Walks in the Peak District

If you’d like to experience some woodland dog walks in the Peak District, then please keep reading. In this post I will highlight some of the many woodlands that exist in the Peak District. We hope that you enjoy these areas with your dog as much as we do!

This post may contain affiliate links. As a result we may earn a small commission if you click on one of the links and subsequently order something. There is no additional costs to you, it just helps us maintain the website.

Goyt Valley Woodland Walk
Goyt Valley Woodland Walk

We have such a diverse landscape in the Peak District, ranging from open moorland and gritstone edges to soft green pastures and rolling hills, but one of my favourite places for a dog walk is walking in the woods. In the Summer, it is cool and you can avoid the harsh summer sun (if you want to), in the rain, you are protected from the weather by walking under this huge “natural umbrella” and in the Autumn, woods are great for kicking along the leaves that have fallen. The woods take on a whole new persona as each season passes. The other great advantage, is that you don’t have to keep an eye out for livestock, as you very rarely find them in woodlands.

Longdendale Estate (Stalybridge) – 865 acres

Directions: From A57 in Glossop take the B6105 and follow the road alongside the reservoirs until you reach Torside car park. (National Park Information Centre). SK008975

Details: The woodland has a path which climbs uphill via Wildboar Clough, and a stream that cascades down. You can enjoy views across to the reservoirs and moorlands. You’ll find access to the woods is via the Longendale Trail which is part of the Trans Pennine trail.

I’m pretty sure this is where Tilly and I stopped off for a dog walk after we had been further North to visit potential stud dogs when she was younger. In fact we’re planning on going back again, as it’s such a beautiful area to walk.

Recommended Dog walk books

Upper Derwent Woodlands (2012 acres) SK173893

Situated off the A57 west of Sheffield.

If you start at the visitor centre at Fairholmes you’ll find toilets and snacks available. There are several waymarked walks from Fairholmes but there are lots of other footpaths that you can follow to make up your own route. The dams here were used by the “Dambusters” during the Second World War and there is a museum which tells you more about this on the west side of the Derwent Dam.

Wharncliffe Woods (1127 acres) SK324951

Directions: (Sheffield) From A61 turn West towards Grenoside. Take the Woodhead Road north through the village. The wood is on the left once you are through the village.

The woods is part of the South Yorkshire Forest.  In fact, Wharcliffe Chase was part of a Royal Hunting Lodge and in Greno Woods stone was mined. There are access routes for bikers, horse riders and walkers.

Rivelin Valley (Sheffield) – 247 acres. SK324888

Directions: From A61 at Owlerton take the B6079 towards Malinbridge. The wood is on the right once you have passed through Malinbridge. 

Here there are some wonderful walks along the riverside. In fact, you’ll see evidence of the area’s industrial heritage on your walk, including dams, millponds and weirs.

Padley Gorge – 62 acres SK257799

Directions: Take the B6521 towards Calver. From A623 turn onto B6001 at Calver and then B6521 in Grindleford towards the station. Park at the station.

There is a great circular walk from Grindleford Station- walk along the river cross the wooden footbridge to the open country above the woodland and cross down to the other side of the gorge – taking in the contrast between open moorland and shady woodland. There are refreshments at a cafe close to the station. Large seating area outside.

Linacre Woodlands (200 acres) SK335728

Directions: Located off B6050 west of Cutthorpe – near Chesterfield.

Woodland surrounds three reservoirs, but there are also lots of footpaths around the edges of the woodland so you can avoid the reservoirs altogether if you wish. There are toilets on site. You’ll find parking available on site with plenty of paths to follow.

Eccleshall Woods – Sheffield (346 acres) SK323824

Directions: From the A621 turn west at the Beauchief traffic lights onto Abbey Lane.

This is the largest ancient woodland site in the Sheffield area, where lots of wildlife can be found. There is an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways and a special trail for less able people.

Black Rocks – Cromford (210 acres) SK291557

Directions: Take the B5036 off the A6 south towards Wirksworth. After approx 1 mile turn left into Black Rocks car park.

The name Black Rocks, takes itself from the huge gritstone rocks which are visible at the entrance to the site from the car park. There are a couple of well marked routes, which take you through forests and sections of open woodland with heathers. The site also crosses the High Peak trail – popular with walkers and cyclists.

This is just a small selection of the woodland dog walks in the Peak District that you can explore with your dog. They are great for a short stay or simply an afternoon out with the dog and kids.

Hope you enjoy.

National Trust Dog Walks

Just been having a trawl through the website to find National Trust places that are dog friendly.

Here are a few things that I have discovered….

Hardwick Hall

Has 900 acres of parkland where dogs are welcome, water bowls are available in the Stableyard.

Walk around Hardwick Hall – dogs are allowed on leads – due to livestock in the area.

Manifold Velley – Wetton to Ilam Walk – dogs are allowed on leads.

Calke Park – Ticknall Limeyards walk – dogs are allowed on leads.

Eastern Moors Red Deer and Edges Walk – near Sheffield this is a fabulous walk where dogs can be off lead (taking sensible precautions) however 1st Mar – 31st July they must be on lead. The Grouse Inn is halfway round on this walk and has a conservatory at the back which is small but dog friendly. There is a giant butlers sink outside for thirsty dogs!

Kedleston Hall – dogs are allowed on leads in Parkland and pleasure grounds. There are four walks shown on the website.

 

 

 

New Dog Friendly guide to Bakewell!

Finally, I have achieved the target that I set myself at the beginning of the year. I can announce that our first dog friendly guide is now available on Amazon!  Our new ebook has just been published for dog owners who visit Bakewell in the Peak District, with their dogs.

We have chosen an e book format, as it is quick and easy to download and can be carried around with you whilst out with your dog.

This guide contains six local walks, with detailed instructions and photos of stiles and squeezers, so that you can see whether the walk is appropriate for your dog. In addition to the walks, there are also details of local pubs and coffee shops which are dog friendly in the Bakewell area.

For those of you planning a slightly longer stay, there are contact details of local accommodation providers who are happy to welcome dogs. These vary from hotels to campsites and everything in between!

This guide is a “must have” for dog owners who like to take their canine companions everywhere with them.