6 best hikes in the Peak District from Sheffield

2020 was the year I started really getting into walking and hiking and as such, I’ve discovered some brilliant best hikes in the Peak District!

I loved to walk before, but now one of my favourite things to do at the weekend is to go on hikes from Sheffield to the Peak District. And how lucky it is to be on the doorstep of such an incredible national park!

I’ve always said that hiking is a great way of saving money whilst travelling because you can not only enjoy amazing scenery but you don’t have to pay to do it!

Best hikes in the Peak District

1. Padley Gorge walk

I talk about this walk in another post and I go through EXACTLY how to get there and where to go, so definitely check that out!

The Peak District guide to Padley Gorge walk

This is a leisurely walk and there are plenty of places to stop along the gorge for a picnic. It’s quite a flat walk along the river which is great if you don’t want something too strenuous.

2. Mam Tor

Mam Tor has to be my favourite hike from Sheffield.

And…it honestly is a hike and not a leisurely walk.

It’s a little tricky, but not back-breaking and once you’re at the top, the views are absolutely breathtaking. 

So how do you get to Mam Tor from Sheffield?

You can either drive to Castleton (it takes around 30 minutes) or you can get a bus or train to Hope Valley. 

The start of the walk is a little outside of Castleton centre, I’d say a 5-minute drive.

There is a National Trust car park right near the start of the hike to Mam Tor, but it’s such a small car park that if you’re not there by 9am, you probably won’t get a space.

It’s probably worth parking elsewhere!

There’s space on the road leading to Mam Tor where you can park and sometimes you can park in fields which have been turned into a car park for the day and you can buy a day ticket. 

You could also park in Castleton itself as there are pay and display machines there, but it depends how far and how long you want to make the walk. 

How to hike Mam Tor

I used a great map which I found on the National Trust website which guided me round Mam Tor, but to be honest, you probably don’t need a map.

The paths are clear and it’s kind of obvious and it’s straightforward how to get up the mountain.

But, it’s always good to be prepared and know where you’re going exactly!

3. Bradfield, Agden Reservoir

This is one of the nicest hidden gems I’ve come across near Sheffield.

It’s just 15 minutes drive from the centre of Sheffield and it’s a beautiful spot for sure!

You can wander around the reservoir, it takes about 1 hour to walk around the whole of Agden and there are little spots you can stop off at for a picnic along the reservoir. 

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there are other trails leading off the main path taking you on other walks around the area.

You can get to Agden reservoir quite easily from Bradfield centre. 

4. Bradfield, Dale Dyke Reservoir

Dale Dyke reservoir is a bit flatter than Agden and you can walk around the whole thing. They say it’s around 2-3 miles. 

Related post: 22 best things to do in Sheffield when you’re broke

5. Lady Bower

Lady Bower can be very busy at weekends and during holiday times, so although it’s a brilliant place with great scenery and trails, if you want to go somewhere quiet, then you might be better off going to Agden. 

Lady Bower is right in Snake Pass on the A57 road. 

I love the scenery and forestry surrounding the reservoir. If you go at a quiet time like a weekday afternoon then it’s likely to be quieter and you’re likely to have the pathways to yourself.  

6. Chatsworth

Chatsworth house is a big massive estate with gardens. It’s definitely impressive and is based in Baslow which is not far from Bakewell.

There are a few different hiking trails around the grounds that are open to the public which you don’t have to pay to access.

The walks are very pleasant and you feel like you’re on the movie set of Pride and Prejudice or something. 

Although it’s not that luxurious because there is a lot of sheep and sheep poo around!

But if you’re lucky, you can see some wild deer around the grounds.