If you’re staying with us here at Jacksons Farm, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy some of the very best walking in the Peak District. Step outside your cottage door and you’ll find rolling fields, quiet lanes, and footpaths that lead to dramatic hills, peaceful riversides, and some of the national park’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re planning a full day’s hike, a gentle afternoon wander, or a family-friendly adventure, there’s a walk nearby to suit every pace and mood. From famous peaks to hidden gems, here are some of our favourite routes to explore during your stay.
Walking holidays in the Peak District offer a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, peaceful valleys, and historic trails, making the area a dream for anyone who loves exploring on foot. The variety of scenery around Jacksons Farm means you can head out in almost any direction and discover something unforgettable.
One of the region’s most striking features is the pair of limestone ridges known as Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. Rising sharply from the Upper Dove Valley, these hills form the famous “Dragon’s Back”—a serrated spine of rock that looks as if a dragon might be sleeping beneath the landscape. The short but exhilarating climbs reward walkers with sweeping views, rolling farmland, and the sense of stepping into a landscape shaped millions of years ago. It’s a must-do for anyone who loves a hike that feels adventurous without taking all day.
Chee Dale Stepping Stones
For a completely different experience, head to the enchanting Cheedale Stepping Stones. This shady, river-cut gorge has a refreshing, cool atmosphere—perfect on a sunny afternoon. As you follow the winding path between towering limestone walls, the stepping stones across the River Wye add a touch of fun and challenge. It’s one of the most memorable short walks in the Peak District, loved by families, photographers and seasoned walkers alike.
If you’re after something atmospheric and a little mysterious, make your way to Thor’s Cave. Perched high above the Manifold Valley, the cave’s dramatic entrance opens into a vast natural chamber that has been used since prehistoric times. Reaching it involves a scenic climb through woodland paths and open views, and once you’re inside, the huge opening frames the valley like a natural window.
For classic Peak District scenery, you can’t beat Mam Tor, the beloved “Shivering Mountain.” This iconic ridge walk is easily accessible and wonderfully rewarding, offering panoramic views over Edale, the Hope Valley, and the Great Ridge. It’s a favourite for good reason—on clear days the views seem endless, and even on misty mornings the ridge has a rugged charm that feels quintessentially “Peak District.”
Long-distance explorers will love the Peak Pilgrimage, a peaceful walking route that links historic churches, ancient pathways and quiet villages. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys walking with a sense of purpose, weaving together heritage, countryside, and tranquil landscapes.
For those seeking riverside tranquillity, Wolfscote Dale is a gem. The trail follows the River Dove through a serene limestone valley where steep cliffs rise above crystal-clear water. With kingfishers, dippers and wildflowers along the path, it’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Monsal Dale Viaduct
And for relaxed, easy-going days, you can’t go wrong with the Monsal Trail or the Tissington Trail. These former railway lines are now smooth, traffic-free routes perfect for families, cyclists, or anyone wanting a gentle walk. Along the way you’ll pass old tunnels, impressive viaducts, rolling countryside and charming villages—making them ideal for a picnic, a café stop, or simply wandering at your own pace.
