The truly beautiful wooded ravine known as Padley Gorge is only a stone’s throw from civilisation, but it feels like another world entirely. Located on the border between Derbyshire and Yorkshire, it lies at the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park.
Padley Gorge is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised in 1972 as being “the best example of the remnant oak and birch woodland that once covered much of the edges of the gritstone uplands of the Peak District.” Here, ancient trees grow along gentle slopes, forming the most wonderful twisted shapes, and in the valley below a clear stream, Burbage Brook, tumbles over rocks in a series of waterfalls.
The northern edge of Padley Gorge, where Burbage Brook leaves the edge of Burbage Moor, is very popular with families in the summer months. The shallow pools, shady trees, pretty wooden footbridges and large flat rocks – perfect as stepping stones – make the area a haven for children, although do make sure they’re supervised at all times.
Take a picnic (no barbecues please) and make a day of it here; there are beautiful walks across the moors and into the nearby National Trust estate at Longshaw very close by if you ever tire of the river.
Padley Gorge is located between Derbyshire and Yorkshire, on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park.
Travelling from Sheffield, take the B6521 on the left approx 200 metres after the Fox House pub (it’s on your right just before the Fox House pub if travelling from Hathersage). Drive past the entrance to the NT Longshaw Estate and after approx half a mile find a parking space on your right hand side. The entrance to Padley Gorge is on the opposite side of the road to the Granby Discovery Barn.
If travelling from Grindleford, take the B6521 out of the village , past The Maynard pub on your right, and the entrance to Padley Gorge is on your left after approx 500 metres.
