Padley Gorge & Tors: ‘Chill on the Hill’ Wellbeing Walk

A ‘later start’, sociable walk at an easy-pace. There’s a café and loo stop too! 

This walk offers a great introduction to some of the Peak District’s finest views.  Starting from Grindleford Railway Station we take in a tumbling-waterfall gorge, dramatic gritstone edges and rocky tors, with panoramic viewpoints over the Hope Valley.

  • Distance: Up to 7.5 miles/12km.
  • Ascent: Up to 1184ft/361m of ascent.
  • Difficulty: Easier – Moderate. Relaxed Pace.
  • Great For: New and experienced walkers wanting a later start. Good for train travellers too.
  • Approx. Timings: 10.30 – 1430. Final confirmation when you book.
  • Start/Finish: Grindleford Railway Station Café, S32 2JA.
  • Location Map >

£45.00

SKU Padley Gorge & Tors: 'Chill on the Hill' Wellbeing Walk Categories ,

Description

We walk from Grindleford Station Café through the lower reaches of Padley Gorge, where a rocky stream tumbles through ancient woods and down into the valley. Climbing up to Bole Hill Quarry, we walk among the silver birches below the quarry cliffs with its discarded millstones—fascinating relics of the area’s industrial heritage.  A winding path with a road crossing leads us up to Over Owler Tor. The tor has curious wind-carved stones and magnificent views towards Mam Tor and the Peak District’s Great Ridge. We then cross moorland, making our way to the high rocky escarpment of Higger Tor, with fabulous views towards two of the Peak District’s finest gritstone edges: Burbage and Stanage. We cross Burbage Brook on a lane before taking an easy path through the valley to the National Trust Longshaw Estate, where (time allowing) we can pop into the tea room for a cuppa—there are toilets here too. A lovely walk down through the upper reaches of Padley Gorge leads us back to Grindleford Station Café.

Additional information

The Walk

This 'later start', easy-pace walk offers a great introduction to some of the Peak District's finest views  Starting from Grindleford Railway Station we take in a tumbling-waterfall gorge, dramatic gritstone edges and rocky tors, with panoramic viewpoints over the Hope Valley.  There's a café and loo stop too!

Walk Date

Sunday 16 August 2026

What’s included?

Included
  • Qualified Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader with Outdoor First Aid Qualifications.
  • Guiding throughout the day with briefing advice and support to ensure your safety.
  • Narrative on local points of interest, wildlife, geology, history and culture.
  • Optional photography of your day which can be shared with you.
  • The option of a free, return lift from a station or bus stop to the start of your walk to encourage sustainable travel. We can only arrange this if we have spare space in our vehicle and the pick-up point is reasonably close to your walk. Ask us when you book.
Not Included:
  • Parking or transport costs associated with your walk.
  • Essential walking kit or food.
  • Navigation equipment and maps for Navigation Courses (we will help if we have spares).

What to Bring

Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >

Meeting and Parking

Meeting and Parking:  We meet outside Grindleford Station Cafe, Upper Padley, Grindleford, Hope Valley, S32 2JA.  There is parking on Station Road next to the café.  This is approx. £4.40 per day and you book using the RingGo App (location code 35712). Or phone 0113 8090070 and book en route or before leaving home (reception can be poor at the Station).

Please see a Google Map showing the location of Grindleford Station here>.

Coming by Bus or Train
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re staying or arriving reasonably nearby, we may be able to offer you a lift.

Facilities

There are toilets at Grindleford Station Café where we meet and finish.

During the latter stages of our walk we pass Longshaw National Trust Estate > which has has tea rooms and toilets.

Hathersage is less than 10 minutes drive a way with a railway station, shops, cafés, hotels, restaurants, accommodation, fuel station and toilets.  The villages of Grindleford, Hope and Castleton are also nearby.

See map of the local area  here >.

Walk Difficulty

This is an Easier to Moderate Walk.  Here is our walk difficulty guide >

FAQs

We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >

Accommodation

Click here to see a Google map of accommodation near this walks start.

We have also created a page of Peak District accommodation we recommend here >

Discount* For Our Clients at Bike & Boot Peak District Leisure Hotel

We partner with Bike & Boot Peak District >, an award winning leisure hotel in the Hope Valley that’s ideal for walkers! There’s a restaurant / breakfast, free hot drinks for guests, free cake at 4pm and free films three times a day. Also, a drying room for gear and free on-site parking too.

  • To receive a 10 – 15%  Bike and Boot Discount* enter the promo code PEAKWALK when you book on line: Bike & Boot Booking >
  • (*Discount may not available on Bank Holiday Weekends)

Respect, Protect and Enjoy!

We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.  Following The Countryside Code really helps…

Respect:
  • Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
  • Leave gates and property as you find them
  • Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
  • Be nice, say hello, share the space
  • Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect:
  • Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
  • Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
  • Always keep dogs under control and in sight
  • Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
  • Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy:
  • Check your route and local conditions
  • Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
  • Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Want to know more?
  • Sustainability – our actions and fund raising to support the local environment, communities and economy.
  • Contact Us – ask a question or make a suggestion.