Padley Gorge
Hope Valley, Derbyshire
A deep valley located in the Peak District accessible on foot through beautiful woodland. At the bottom of the valley, you’ll find a stunning setting complete with a stream and a wooden bridge; the bridge crosses Burbage Brook, a tributary to the River Derwent. Padley Gorge is the perfect day out any time of the year and you could easily spend a couple of hours wandering.
I’d recommend parking at Surprise View Car Park (details below) and beginning your hike from here. Once you’ve crossed the road, you’ll see a path and can go either left or right. Left is the easier of the two options and much flatter ground; you can start by passing through the gate and following the well-trodden track round to the stream. You’ll also find Padley Gorge is signposted.
If you were to take a right on the path opposite the car park, you’ll find a gate on your left. You’ll take a stroll through a field (Cattle grazing area) and get to another gate to go through. The route is straightforward as you’ll just follow a track all the way through, until you reach the third gate of this route; just beyond this gate is quite a steep slope down into the valley. This route is not suitable for anyone who isn’t particularly stable on their feet and comfortable walking boots or shoes with grip are advised.
Once you’ve carefully navigated your way down the slope you’ll find a fourth gate on the left to pass through. Continue down this path until you reach a left or right option; take a left here and continue heading down to Padley Gorge (by this point you’ll hear the sound of the babbling brook). The paths are sloped until you reach a set a stairs taking you all the way down to the wooden bridge crossing Burbage Brook.
At this point, you can return the way you came or continue on a circular route towards Longshaw Estate; if you continue to follow the path round, you will end up back at Surprise View Car Park. This particular route is around 2.5 – 3 miles and can be done in around an hour (less depending on fitness), but allow more time if you’re stopping to take in the scenery.
Parking
I’d recommend using Surprise View Car Park. The postcode is S32 1DA.
Parking charges:
- Cars and minibuses
- 1 Hour – £1.50
- 2 Hours – £2.50
- 4 Hours – £4
- All Day – £4.75
- Horse Boxes
- 2 Hours – £4
- All Day – £7
- Motorbikes
- All Day – £1.50
Parking charges apply between 9am-6pm and blue badge holders park for free. Can use cash or card to park (contactless payment available). No toilets available at the car park.
Nearby attractions include: Bamford Edge.
