I live in Sheffield and I don’t drive, so public transport is how I get into the Peak District when I’m travelling alone. Over time, I’ve found that some of my favourite walks are the ones that start and finish at bus stops or train stations. No parking stress, the freedom of point to point routes, and the option to finish with a pub stop.
When I say easy, I mean relatively flat terrain, clear paths, and distances that feel manageable even if you’re newer to walking. Some routes are circular, others are point to point, and all are accessible by bus or train from Sheffield and Manchester. Each walk can be extended if you want more distance, but these are the shorter, gentler versions that make for relaxed days out. Where it makes sense, I’ve also included parking options, so the routes are still useful if you’re travelling by car. Each walk includes a downloadable map route to make planning and navigation simple.
1. Owler Bar to Longshaw Estate
This point to point walk from Owler Bar to Longshaw Estate is one I especially love for how varied it feels. The first half of the route takes you out across open moorland before you reach the edge, and at times it genuinely feels like you’re on another planet. It’s quiet, expansive, and remote, with very few people around and a real sense of space.
The route is mostly flat, with one short incline after a river crossing, enough to feel like you’ve earned the views without it being tiring. Once you reach the edge, the landscape opens up with wide views across the Hope Valley. The bus service makes getting out to the start straightforward, with regular 218 services from Sheffield.
Near the end of the walk you pass close to The Grouse Inn, which makes a great option if you want to finish at a pub. A short distance further on is Longshaw Estate, where there’s a National Trust café that’s ideal if you’re waiting for the bus back.
Useful info
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🧭 Route type: Point to point
⏱ Time: 2-2.5 hrs
📏 Distance: 8km
⛰️ Elevation: 165m
🌤 Season: Exposed in wind and poor weather. My favourite time is autumn because of the colours
🚆 Public transport: Bus 218 from Sheffield to Owler Bar. Return via bus 272 from Fox House
🚗 Parking: Small roadside parking at Owler Bar or the National Trust Longshaw Estate car park
🗺️ Download GPX file for this walk (can be uploaded into apps like Komoot, AllTrails etc)
2. Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower is my go to walk when the weather is uncertain. Much of the route is sheltered by trees, so it feels reliable even on windy or rainy days. The paths are wide and well surfaced, which means it stays accessible even when other routes are muddy.
You get constant views across the water with edges rising behind it. The walk is almost entirely flat and very easy to follow. One of the best things about Ladybower is how flexible it is. You can do a full circuit or simply walk as far as you want and turn back. I also love this route for a run, as the flat terrain and good paths make it ideal if you want something steady and scenic. There’s no map reading required, making it easy to switch off and just move. It can be busy at weekends and during school holidays, but it’s still a great option year round. When the reservoir is full, water flowing over the dams is a real spectacle.
Useful info
🥾 Difficulty: Very easy
🧭 Route type: Circular or out and back
⏱ Time: 2.5 hrs (shorter options make it flexible)
📏 Distance: Circular (9km) with shorter out and back options
🌤 Season: Good year round, although paths can be muddy in the rain. Very busy in summer and school holidays.
🚆 Public transport: Bus 257 from Sheffield to Ladybower Inn. Train from Manchester to Bamford and bus 257 from Bamford station to Ladybower Inn.
🚗 Parking: Fairholmes car park. Arrive early on weekends and school holidays
🗺️ Download GPX file for this walk
3. Castleton to Hope
I’ve included this walk for the kind of day it offers. It’s ideal if you want to browse the shops and eateries in the village, but also spend a short while in nature, or walk out to a picnic spot for lunch. The walk takes around 45 minutes and is completely flat, following the valley floor between Hope and Castleton. You’re surrounded by hills the whole way, which makes the views feel impressive without any effort.
You pass fields of cows and sheep, with the river running alongside parts of the path. It’s ideal for a gentle wander, children, or paddling on warmer days. Because it connects two villages, there are pubs and cafés at both ends, so it works perfectly as a café to café or pub to pub walk. The route is a straight line with no navigation needed, making it easy to switch off and enjoy being outside.
Useful info
🥾 Difficulty: Very easy
🧭 Route type: Point to point
⏱ Time: 45 minutes
📏 Distance: 2.5km
🌤 Season: Good year round
🚆 Public transport: Bus 272 servicing both Hope and Castleton. Train from Hope to Sheffield or Manchester.
🚗 Parking: Public car parks in Castleton. Limited roadside parking in Hope. If driving you would have to do the route again backwards.
🗺️ Download GPX file for this walk
4. Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge feels completely different to the other walks on this list. The path winds through ancient woodland, following the river as it rushes over rocks and pools. It’s got a genuinely magical feel, especially when everything is green and alive.
The route can be walked as a circular, or adapted into a point to point walk starting in Grindleford, which is accessible by train, or starting via Surprise View or Fox House, which are both served by bus. Navigation is simple, as the path stays close to the water throughout. There are natural pools along the river, and the best picnic spots are at the top of the route, making it ideal if you’re starting in Grindleford. The walk includes some gentle inclines, so you feel like you’ve had a proper outing, and it can get muddy after heavy rain.
Useful info
🥾 Difficulty: Easy
🧭 Route type: Circular or point to point
⏱ Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
📏 Distance: 3km (5km with cafe stop)
⛰️ Elevation: 130m (190m with cafe stop)
🌤 Season: Good year round. Expect mud after heavy rain
🚆 Public transport: Train to Grindleford from Sheffield or Manchester. 272 bus to Surprise View or Fox House
🚗 Parking: Grindleford station car park
🗺️ Download GPX file for this walk (without cafe stop)
🗺️ Download GPX file for this walk (with Longshaw Estate cafe stop)
5. Fox House to Carl Wark, Higger Tor and Upper Burbage
This circular route offers some of the best views for the effort involved. Starting near Fox House, it takes in Upper Burbage, Carl Wark, and Higger Tor, with wide open views across the valley and dramatic gritstone edges.
There’s some elevation, but it’s gradual and well spaced. If you’d prefer to avoid extra climbing, there’s a clear path around the right hand side of Carl Wark that skips some of the elevation. You’ll often see climbers on the rocks, and the landscape feels wild without being remote. There’s a small amount of light scrambling around rocks, so it may not suit everyone, particularly if you’ve got hip or mobility issues. On a clear day it’s one of the most rewarding easy walks in the area.
Useful info
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🧭 Route type: Circular
⏱ Time: 2 hours
📏 Distance: 6km
⛰️ Elevation: 190m
🌤 Season: Best in calm, clear weather. Avoid windy days, as it is exposed. Fog can make rocky sections harder to follow
🚆 Public transport: 272 bus from Sheffield to Fox House
🚗 Parking: Fox House Inn car park, nearby roadside parking, or Longshaw Estate National Trust car park
🗺️ Download GPX file for this walk
These walks show how accessible the Peak District can be without a car. Slowing down, travelling by bus or train, and spending time outdoors in this landscape is what inspired Lamble, where we create ethical and sustainable clothing and prints inspired by the Peak District.
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