Key Information
- Length – 3km
- Time – 45 minutes
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Livestock – Yes
- Stiles – No
- Water – Yes
- On/Off Lead – Partly on
- Footwear – Hiking boots
Route Map
Download Padley Gorge GPX file
Route Description
Padley Gorge is a small valley on the edge of the Peak District, full of ancient trees, waterfalls and giant rocks. It is close to the National Trust Longshaw Estate and The Fox House pub. The paths can be quite muddy and steep so hiking boots are recommended. The open area at the start of the walk can sometimes have livestock in it, so please have your pooches on a lead at the start and end of the walk.
Image: Seamus enjoying a rock.
The walk starts on the road between Longshaw Estate and Padley Gorge (B6521). There is a long row of parking spaces which can fill up on busy days, so I recommend getting there early if possible. From the road there is a gate and some stone steps going downhill (often next to an ice cream van!). You will see a big rocky outcropping ahead of you called Owler Tor (worth exploring if you have time!). Follow the path down the hill and to the right, until you reach the wide wooden bridge crossing Burbage Brook. Cross the bridge and go immediately to your left, following the brook until you reach a much smaller wooden bridge crossing back over.
Image: The bridge over Burbage Brook.
After crossing the small bridge, turn right and go through some trees to the gate in the wall. Enter the next section, which leaves the farmland behind and enters Padley Gorge proper. You can let your pooches off now if you want as there is not any livestock here. After scrambling over some big rocks, the path will start to take you downhill. Keep following it for around 1 kilometer, where it will eventually split into two paths. Instead of following either of the paths, go down to the right, looking to reach the brook again and another wooden bridge.
Image: Seamus sitting on a rock.
Cross the bridge and go up a very steep and sometimes muddy path until you reach the main path on the other side of the valley. Go right, following the path uphill though some amazing ancient woodland. This path goes all the way back to the open area you started in, so when you get to the gate at the top, ensure your pooches are back on their leads in case there is any livestock about. After the gate, head right, over the small bridge and up the hill, back to the road where you started the walk.
Image: Seamus sitting on a mossy rock.
Seamus Paw Rating: 4/5
