5 Best Autumn Walks in the Peak District
Autumn is the most magical time to explore the Peak District. Woodland glows gold, moors are dusted with fiery heather, and rivers sparkle with fallen leaves. If you’re planning a seasonal adventure, here are five of the very best autumn walks in the Peak District.
1. Padley Gorge
This ancient woodland is a true autumn wonderland. With mossy boulders, twisting oaks, and the rushing Burbage Brook, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. The colours here are unbeatable, making it one of the UK’s most loved autumn walks.
2. Snake Woodlands
Tucked just off Snake Pass, these woodlands feel almost otherworldly. Towering pines, hidden ruins, and the sound of streams create a Canadian-style wilderness in the heart of the Peak District. Short but unforgettable in autumn.
3. Derwent Reservoir & Edge
A walk around Derwent Reservoir offers calm waters framed by autumn trees, while the tougher climb up to Derwent Edge rewards you with sweeping views across dramatic moorland and rock formations. Moody skies only add to the atmosphere.
4. Chatsworth Estate
For autumn colour with a touch of grandeur, Chatsworth is unbeatable. The estate’s parkland and surrounding woodlands glow in rich shades of gold and amber, with the stately house as a backdrop. Round off your walk with a café stop in nearby Edensor or Bakewell.
5. Lathkill Dale
This limestone valley is peaceful and picturesque in every season, but autumn makes it especially serene. Stroll alongside the river as it winds through colourful woodland, and enjoy one of the quieter corners of the Peak District.
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Why autumn is the best time
These walks showcase the Peak District at its most atmospheric — fiery woodland, rushing rivers, misty mornings, and vast moorland skies. Whether you want a gentle woodland wander or a full-day hike, autumn is without doubt the best time to lace up your boots and explore.
