If you're looking for ways to explore the Peak District without scrambling over rough terrain, these five walks offer beautiful scenery, gentle surfaces, and low-traffic routes ideal for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or buggies.
1. Thors Cave – Manifold Way
This mostly traffic-free, 8-mile trail between Hulme End and Waterhouses is a gem for accessible walking. The path follows the disused Leek & Manifold Railway line, which means gentle gradients, wide tracks, and minimal vehicular traffic. As the surface is compacted and fairly even, it works well for wheelchairs or pushchairs, especially if you stick to the flatter stretches.
Why it’s great:
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Quiet and scenic: gentle hills, lush greenery, the river running alongside parts of the trail.
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Flexible route length: you can choose shorter out-and-back sections if an 8-mile full route feels ambitious.
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Accessible amenities: small villages at either end offer cafes, parking, and places to rest.
2. Monsal Trail
A classic for good reason: the Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill, passing through tunnels, over viaducts, and along the head of the beautiful Chee Dale gorge. Converted from a railway line, it offers a smooth, well-surfaced route—flat, traffic-free, and with excellent views.
Why it works well for wheels:
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Tarmac and compacted trail surfaces: smooth and easy to roll on.
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Gentle gradients: without steep climbs, so ideal for families, scooters or those preferring low-effort walking.
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Points of interest easily accessible: Monsal Head viewpoint, water access at Chee Dale, and nearby cafés make good stops or turnaround points.
3. Ladybower Reservoir Shoreline
If you want to feel like you're in the middle of the lake district but without the steep hills, head to Ladybower. You can drop down to the dam and follow a section of pavement along the shore of the reservoir.
What makes it accessible:
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Flat, paved sections on or near the dam offer safe, easy walking.
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Great reward for little effort: sweeping water views, calm shores, and picnic spots.
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Flexible walk options: short strolls or longer shoreline rambles, depending on your stamina or mobility.
4. Dovestone Reservoir Circular
The circular route around Dovestone Reservoir is another strong pick for accessible walking. The paths here tend to be well-maintained, often surfaced or compacted gravel, with gradual slopes and plenty of benches and rest points along the way.
Why it’s user-friendly:
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Well-maintained trail surface: stable underfoot for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
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Scenic water and moorland views without the roughness of traditional fell paths.
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Amenities close by: car park, café and toilet facilities
5. Derwent Dam
This route gives a taste of the Peak District’s reservoir scenery without steep ascents or difficult terrain. Approaches to the Derwent Dam are often via roads or wider paths, and once you’re there, the dam area is relatively flat and spacious—great for a relaxed, accessible stroll.
Why it’s a good accessible option:
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Easily reached by car or paved paths reducing the “nature walk scramble” factor.
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Open space and wide viewpoints at the dam itself—plenty of space to turn around, sit and enjoy the view, or let kids stretch their legs.
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Potential to combine with other nearby reservoir paths (such as Ladybower or Howden) depending on your comfort level and mobility.
Plan Your Easy Walking Adventure
Each of these locations offers something unique, a chance for the whole family to connect with the Peak District.
Don't forget that all of these are featured on the Peak District Scratch Off Map, designed to inspire adventure and help you track your progress one discovery at a time.
Got another great accessible walk? Let us know in the comments below.