The Peak District is full to the brim with ideal dog walking routes for you and your furry friends, with many located right outside your Rustic Retreats cottage. You can make the most of your holiday and enjoy some spectacular views and scenery throughout the Peak District, all with your four-legged companion in tow. 

1. Calver to Froggatt (2.5 miles)

This short trek is perfect for beginners or for those wanting an easy stroll, with level ground for flat walking. Walk along the River Derwent on wooded paths and experience lovely views of Froggatt Edge. Head towards the small yet beautiful village of Froggatt, crossing a 17th-century bridge along the way. 

2. Mam Tor (3 miles)

Mam Tor is a circular walk of 3 miles and takes you 200 metres up to witness some of the Peak District’s most iconic views. The ascent takes around 1-2 hours, but there are plenty of restingpoints on the way up. This walk is perfect for dogs, especially those used to hill climbs, as the terrain is easy to tackle. 

3. The Bakewell Loop (3.25 miles)

Known for being a popular dog walk, this route is perfect for your four-legged friends, with easy terrain and level ground. Need a break? The Bakewell Loop has an abundance of cafes and eating places along the way, with part of the route following the roads of Bakewell. You will also walk along public bridleways and grassy tracks, before finishing the route back where you started. 

4. Chatsworth House and Edensor Walk (3.8 miles)

A country and field walk starting with the spectacular 300-year-old Chatsworth House, a prominent feature of the Peak District. Along this route, you may encounter some uneven terrain and muddy fields, but nothing too strenuous. Enjoy the woodland and rolling hills of Derbyshire on your way through Edensor.  

5. Linacre Reservoir (5.5 miles)

Walk through the peaceful Linacre Reservoir, through both woodland and farmland. In fact, there are three reservoirs at Linacre, with all three taking just over two hours to explore. Experience breathtaking bluebell woods and feel as if you’re walking through a fairytale. This route does include some uneven ground and steps, but is known for its tranquil atmosphere. 

6. Dale Trail (6.5 miles)

This circular trail will take you through Little Longstone, Cressbrook Dale and Monsal Head, before returning back to Little Longstone after 6.5 miles. Mainly made up of woodland and farmland, you can take in the quaint villages along the way. Experience the breathtaking views of Longstone Moor, before continuing through the rolling hills of the Peak District.

7. Birchen Edge (7 miles)

Another circular walk, this route takes you past Chatsworth, Dobb Edge and Birchen Edge. There are three places to start this walk, all of which can be found on maps of the Peak District. This walk is better suited to dogs with plenty of stamina, and owners who are up for a decent hike. Wanting to explore more? Finish this walk at Chatsworth and experience almost 2000 acres of land. 

8. Jacob’s Ladder to Kinder Scout (8.5 miles)

Climb the 653 metres up to Kinder Scout, via Jacob’s Ladder with this 8.5-mile route. The hike can take up to 5 hours to complete, but at the highest point in the Peak District, you will experience spectacular views and scenery. The circular walk comes with its challenges and isn’t a climb for beginners. 

9. Hathersage to Stanage Edge Circuit (9 miles)

Looking for a cliff walk? Look no further with the Hathersage to Stanage Edge circuit, providing hikers with exceptional views of Derwent & Hope Valleys. It’s not only the views that are worth this hike, you will also come across North Lees Hall, the inspiration behind Mr Rochester’s home in Jane Eyre. 

10. The Monsal Trail (9 miles)

The Monsal Trail is the perfect route to experience Derbyshire’s historic railway. The trail runs along the original, but no longer existing, Midland Railway line for almost 9 miles. The tunnels you’ll encounter offer one of the most spectacular leisure routes in the Peak District, traffic-free and ideal for wheelchair users. The railway tunnels have been fitted with lights, making them safe to use throughout the day. 

Book your Rustic Retreats accommodation today and experience what the Peak District has to offer. Get in touch with Rustic Retreats for any queries about our cottages.