Address: Padley Gorge Trail, Hope Valley, S32 2HY, United Kingdom
Phone: +441433631757
Rating: 4.8
based on 192 reviews.
Accessibility & Parking
Pros:
"Padley Gorge is a great place to visit, it’s National Trust so if you’re a member it’s free."
"Accessible to bus, car parks available within walking distant from the heart of Padley Gorge."
"Plenty of spots on the car park by the train station with convenient Ringo payment."
"We parked near Grindleford station (costs £2 all day)."
"Easy to get to by public transport with the bus stopping at the car park at surprise view or the train station at grindleford."
"Parking was not an issue, plenty of spaces at Grindleford Station."
"Parking by the station is limited but still a good place to set off from and the cafe nearby has an incredible feast of cooked meals including a cracking full English and then some!"
Cons:
"At the top you are limited to parking on the main road which is limited (free). At the bottom (station) parking is at a cost."
"Lovely little walk that can be extended, you won't get parking at the train station nor past it as Google maps will try and take you that way."
"Although the Gorge itself is lovely, parking for it is atrocious. You can only pay for parking via an app and if you can't get a signal, you're stumped."
"Parking on the roadside next to a solid white no overtaking line on the same side as you park is a parking offence just like parking on a double yellow line but some still did this and complained when they got a ticket last weekend!!!"
"Can be tricky to park, but parking is available if you don't mind a walk."
"Parking is often full and there’s some police notices now so just be careful where you pull up."
"Very beautiful place, parking along the road is a bit limited and the part near it can be crowded, however once you set off on your own way it is secluded."
Scenery & Environment
Pros:
"A wonderful part of the Peak District! An atmospheric gorge with amazing scenery and a stream along its entire length."
"What a joy to walk again in this beautiful place. Something for everyone, from scrambling over rocks, climbing between the trees, picnicking on the grassy bank or paddling in the water."
"Absolutely stunning place, icecream man is a blessing! Prices are very reasonable! The views are gorgeous, the little river is gorgeous!"
"If you love the outdoors this is the place to go, beautiful scenery, plenty of places to walk, either through fields or woods, you can even have a paddle in the water."
"Padley Gorge is a beautiful and scenic spot in the Peak District."
"A must see place. Absolutely beautiful."
"Stunning location with photo opportunities virtually everywhere you look."
Cons:
"Beautiful and calming place, the only downside is dog owners are throwing or hanging their dog's waste everywhere, it destroys the nature."
"Had what should be a pleasurable day, but unfortunately inconsiderate dog owners refusing to keep their dog under control, letting it pelt off to wander all over the Riverside."
"Really busy, as is anywhere half decent in England within an hour of several metropolises."
"Sadly despite there being signs, not a single dog was on a leash plus there was rubbish left behind in places."
"A very beautiful but also popular place to visit, sadly its popularity is starting have some impact on this special location."
"DOG OWNERS SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR OTHERS, YOU OWN A DOG MAKE SURE YOU RESPECT OTHER USERS OF THIS FINE PLACE."
"The gorge and surrounding area does get busy at time particularly at weekends."
Facilities & Services
Pros:
"The cafe at the station is convenient and a welcome rest for walkers."
"There is a café at the start and finish of the walk and also a walker friendly old pub just nearby that did great hot sandwiches which we enjoyed next to an open fire."
"There is also an ice cream van that parks up there! You can park at the top of the walk, or at the bottom."
"Ice-cream van by the roadside. Nearest toilets Longshaw estate, where you can park safely and take the short walk to the gorge."
"There are toilets & a cafe 1/2 mile up behind the little brick building!"
"Grindleford Station Cafe is a nice place to stop for a quick snack, plus toilets are available but only for customers."
"There is a Café approximately 1/2 a mile away from Padley which offers food and drink at a fare enough price."
Cons:
"The service was somewhat chaotic the food was cold and the prices reflect the prices of a much more upmarket establishment."
"The restaurant at the end does not accept payment via cards. it's worth knowing about it, because if you don't buy anything, you can't use the toilet (unfriendly)"
"Beware the cafe at the station is cash only....and you dont want to miss their homemade cakes 😋"
"There is a cafe in the station car park but it closed not long after we arrived so we didn't go in."
"Although the Gorge itself is lovely, parking for it is atrocious. You can only pay for parking via an app and if you can't get a signal, you're stumped."
"Parking is often full and there’s some police notices now so just be careful where you pull up."
"The last part of this walk involved a drastic detour, jumping off small cliffs, falling into nettles, rolling into the foetal position and crying for help."
Walk & Pathways
Pros:
"The route was fairly easy if a little muddy in places, there are also many tree roots to negotiate so suitable footwear is a must."
"The walk is suitable for families, with plenty of places to stop and rest along the way."
"Lovely walk, very pretty and a nice place for the kids to paddle safely."
"A really really lovely place to explore."
"Enjoyed the walk with my kids. Kids loved it. We started walk from Grindleford station where you have to pay for car park by Ring Go App (just £2 for whole day)."
"There are plenty of opportunities to cross the river and bridges so you can do a relatively short circuit if you want to."
"This is a lovely little river walk that starts at Grindleford Train station and meanders up along side a babbling stream with mini waterfalls, through a lovely deciduous forest."
Cons:
"Beware the path to the left of the gorge when facing it from the station can be very muddy so if you're not wearing the right shoes, stick to the path on the right hand side."
"We sort of lost our way back, I think little signage would helpful for the first timers."
"The walk can be challenging for the younger ones or those not too steady on their feet."
"A very unique landscape for the Peaks, the path is well-defined but still rugged in places."
"The pathway became less well constructed and came to an abrupt end after we crossed the bridge and went up the embankment steps to get to the best part of the waterfall."
"It's bumpy underfoot and muddy, not suitable for buggies if you're coming up the path from the cafe next to the station at the bottom."
"Word of CAUTION footpaths aren't very well marked and hard to follow, you could find yourself like me half way up the banking witch is very steep and a very narrow ledge to negotiate."