Great . Don't overthink it - lots of the trails link up with each other, so pick a path and enjoy. Parking is interesting- "ringgo app" but virtually no signal! Download app and login before getting there. Then go to cafe (not fancy but brill) access their WiFi and hopefully pay.

Padley Gorge is an absolutely magical, mystical place! Walking through it feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale, and it completely took my breath away! I absolutely love rocks, stones, and moss, and this place has it all! The giant, moss-covered boulders scattered throughout the valley are mesmerizing. The gently flowing stream cutting through the ancient woodland creates the most peaceful, enchanting atmosphere. Everything about the landscape was wonderful! The twisted, ancient oak trees combined with the rugged stone formations make it feel completely untouched and secret.

It is just magical here. Best picturesque time is autumn. Gets very very busy. Free road parking or national trust carparks. Lots of streams and waterfalls. Ice cream van on road. Longshaw cafe and Grindleford cafe for food.

Beautiful. The routes aren't the most obviously sign posted but the short of it is, if you follow the gorge along you can always come back on yourself. I wore walking boots but if it's dry then trainers would be fine. You can get right down to the water as well, the whole thing is genuinely very beautiful. We took our dog as well, she's medium sized, I'd say if you had a bigger dog some of it would be a little tricky to navigate. A smaller dog you can help about, and get throught he narrow bits will work. Suitable for kids too if they can handle a pretty steep ascent and descent at different posts.

Padley Gorge is absolutely stunning and easily one of the highlights of the Peak District. The whole area has a really peaceful, almost magical feel to it, with winding woodland paths, moss-covered rocks, and beautiful streams running through the valley. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk, with plenty of great photo spots along the way — especially around the stepping stones and along the water. The scenery feels a bit more secluded and intimate compared to some of the busier spots in the Peaks. Definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for something scenic, calming, and a little off the beaten path.