The Peak District guide to Padley Gorge walk

Want to go somewhere a bit different this year but don’t fancy going abroad?

Don’t blame you, with everything that’s going on in the world (cough)…a pandemic…a UK staycation is the way forward I would say!

In fact…How about a Peak District staycation?

Check out my post on travel after lock down- HERE!

While you’re at it…Check out my post on 7 reasons why having a staycation will help grow your bank balance– HERE!

Peak District staycation ideas

If you’re looking for staycation ideas, well, I would suggest a Peak District staycation.

The Peak District National Park is one of the most idyllic scenes in England.

…With the heather on the moors and the rolling green hills…just reminds me of a Beatrix Potter story…oh wait that’s the Lake District!

One of the loveliest Peak District walks near Sheffield has to be the Padley Gorge walk, which is also incorporated into the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate trail.

If you’re after an easy walking route with a variety of views and scenery, look no further than Longshaw National trust…the ideal peak district staycation activity!

Padley Gorge Walk:

What is Longshaw estate National Trust?

Longshaw National Trust is essentially a large estate filled with multiple walking trails around the moors and woodlands round Hathersage.

There are blue, orange and pink routes which go all around the estate including the Padley Gorge walk.

Map of the Longshaw estate walks

Blue Route

The blue route, which is 2.8 miles is the longest trail and takes you up to the moorlands which boast spectacular views.

Pink route

The pink walk, of 1.7 miles goes along Burbage Brook and Padley Gorge.

Orange Route

The Orange trail is also 1.7 miles and goes around the large Longshaw pond and through the woodlands.

You can also wander around the estate and interlink the different routes if you want a bit of everything!

In fact, if you want a taster of all the different landscapes, this is the better option!

You can also scratch the coloured routes altogether and start at the Padley Gorge walk starting point without going into the actual National Trust entrance.

Psst… Are you on a travel budget? Check out my post on how to save money for travel- HERE!

How to get to Longshaw estate National Trust by car?

If you’re driving from the center of Sheffield, it takes about 20-30minutes to get to Longshaw.

Type in S11 7TZ into your Satnav or Google maps and it will take you to Hathersage Road on the A6187.

You will see the Fox House pub on your right and opposite is a sign for Longshaw Estate car park.

Take a left at the junction just past the Fox House pub.

How to get to Longshaw estate National Trust by Bus?

Catch the 272, 271 or 65 bus from Sheffield interchange at bay D2.

The journey takes around 25-30 minutes from the centre of Sheffield and you will know where to get off when you see the large sign for Longshaw estate- the bus stop is right outside!

How to get to Longshaw estate National Trust by foot from Fox House pub?

You can also park your car at the Fox House pub (or on the street nearby) which is a traditional beautiful country pub which is super cosy and does lovely food, might I add!

To get to the start of the walk, go around the back of the pub where the beer garden is and follow the pathway through the nettles and grass which leads to the road.

Cross the road and keep left and follow the road sign which says “Bakewell”.

It’s about a 3-5 minute walk from the back of Fox House pub to the beginning of Longshaw estate.

Opposite the road from the Longshaw estate entrance is the start of the walk to Padley Gorge (on your left hand side as you walk from the pub).

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What is at Longshaw estate National Trust?

At Longshaw, you have the following:

Map of the routes

Visitor center

Toilets

Café

Discovery center

How do I get to Padley Gorge?

Jump over the style just off the road opposite the Longshaw estate entrance and keep on walking (see picture above).

If you keep left on the path, it will take you to the gorge which is about a 20-30minute walk from the start point.

It is a lovely place to sit and have a picnic on a nice day and a great place to walk your dog!

It’s quite a popular spot, so if you want a quiet walk, go on a week day or stick to the other Longshaw trails.

Padley Gorge walk parking

If you’re driving, you’re better off parking at either The Fox House pub, or ideally the parking spaces on the side of the A6187 road for free.

Alternatively, you can park on the road side by The Grouse Inn pub.

Or, you can park at the National Trust carpark at Longshaw. There is a charge for non National Trust members.

Where can I eat near the Padley Gorge walk?

After a long walk you might have worked up some thirst and fancy a good old pint?

…Or you’re probably a bit peckish and built up an appetite!

If so, there are a few lovely places that you can walk to in the area which will satisfy your needs.

The Fox House

If you’re after a traditional vintage country pub with a cosy interior, then you’ll love this pub.

Although the food is a little pricey, the experience makes it worth your while.

Check out the menu here!

There’s a large beer garden out the back and a few tables round the side.

The only downside to this place is that the main road is close by, so if you’re sat outside you’ll hear the traffic.

Another thing, there isn’t much to look at if you’re sat outside, unlike the Grouse Inn. So, you’re better off staying inside and visiting during the colder months for the full cosy experience.

The Grouse Inn

This is a lovely large pub and if you come on a sunny day, it’s really worth going for the awesome views of the fields and hills surrounding it.

The beer garden is a large one and you actually have something spectacular to look at whilst you’re sipping your cold beer.

Check out the menu here!

National Trust café

If you’re fancying more of a snack or an ice cream, then the Longshaw National Trust café is probably more suited.

At the moment the café has limited opening times.

To conclude…

A peak district staycation is a great idea, with stunning views and scenes, you could easily be abroad!

If you are short on time and need a weekend staycation suggestion, then the Padley gorge walk is picture perfect and you can make the trail as easy or as hard as you want it.

And…it’s a cheap staycation at that!

You don’t need to spend a penny if you don’t want to, so if you’re on a travel budget, this is an ideal weekend break or day trip!

Check out my post on 7 reasons why a staycation will help grow your bank balance- HERE!

Perfect!

Yours,

Holly

The Peak District guide to Padley Gorge walk

Peak District staycation ideas

Padley Gorge Walk: