Buxton Walks: 6 Best Routes from the Town & Nearby

Nestled on three sides by the gentle hills of the White Peak District National Park and boasting a park-filled town centre, Buxton is a haven for enthusiastic hikers and families who love the outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk suitable for a pram or an adventurous trek into the hills, this guide highlights the top walks in Buxton that you should consider.

In a hurry, see the best picks:

• Easy and Level: Pavilion Gardens
• Short Hill Walk: Solomon’s Temple
• Long Circular Route: Ring of the Trees Walk

Or view walks near Buxton

Top Walks in Buxton

Here are the most popular walking routes in and around Buxton. While there are many things to do in Buxton, exploring the local area on foot is often a favourite among visitors.

Pavillion Gardens

🟢 Easy  | Various Distances & Routes

Address: St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE

Parking: Pavilion Gardens Car Park

The Pavilion Gardens, established in the Victorian era of 1871, span 23 acres filled with historical features, beautiful flowers, and attractions for children. The Pavilion also provides all the essential amenities, ensuring you’re always within easy reach of what you need.

While there isn’t a single defined path in the park, there are miles of trails meandering around the water and the miniature railway line, perfect for a stroll. Key highlights in the garden include:

• The Pavillion
• The Bandstand
• Miniature Train
• Pavilion Gardens Playground
• Pedal Boats Swans

Solomon’s Temple

🟢 Easy | 🚶‍♂️ 5 km (3.1 mi) | ⛰️ Total Ascent: 145m (476 ft) | ⏱️ 1-2 Hours

Parking: Poole’s Cavern visitor centre, Buxton SK17 9DH OR In Buxton Town

The peak of Grin Low, home to Solomon’s Temple, is an iconic walk starting from Buxton, offering breathtaking views of the spa town below.

Visitors can choose between two paths: a longer journey starting from the heart of Buxton or a shorter one beginning at the Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre car park.

The walk kicks off in Buxton town, weaving through the Pavilion Gardens and past the lake, then continues up the road towards Poole’s Cavern. From here, the route gently climbs through the woods to the flat expanse of Buxton Country Park, where Solomon’s Temple stands. Afterward, you descend along the path below, which takes you back to the original trail, allowing you to follow your steps back.

View the full article on the Solomon’s Temple Walk

Ring of the Trees Walk

🟠 Medium | 🚶‍♂️ 16 km (10 mi) | ⛰️ Total Ascent: 423m (1389 ft) | ⏱️ 4-5 Hours

Parking: Poole’s Cavern visitor centre, Buxton SK17 9DH OR In Buxton Town

The Ring of Trees Walk, created by the Buxton Civic Association, guides visitors through the woodlands encircling the town, hence its name.

This complete circular route through the woods is approximately 10 miles (16km) long. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to either select sections of the circle or complete the entire route.

Key points of interest include:

• Grin Low (Solomon’s Temple)
• Corbar
• Gadley
• Sherbrook
• Hogshaw Woods
• Shay Lodge Plantation
• Ashwood Dale

The official Map of BCA Woodlands and the walk is available for purchase at the Café at Poole’s Cavern. You can also find the approximate recommended route below.

Other Nearby walks (Driving Distance)

If you’re seeking longer and even more picturesque walks and don’t mind a short drive, there are plenty of great options to choose from.

Here are a few of my favourite walks, all within a 10-15 minute drive of Buxton:

1. Errwood Reservoir
2. Monsal Trail
3. Three Shires Head
4. Parkhouse & Chrome Hill

Buxton is conveniently located in the heart of the Peak District, making most Peak District walks just a short drive away.

Errwood Reservoir – Goyt Valley

Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley is the nearest reservoir to Buxton and offers a tranquil spot for a walk.

The circular path can be quite muddy, but there’s a firm tarmac path along the right-hand side of the water.

View the Errwood Reservoir Walk

Other routes around the Reservoir lead to the ruins of Errwood Hall, or up to Shining Tor, Cheshire’s highest hill in the Peak District. The views from here, over Manchester and the Cheshire Plain, are among the best views in the Peak District.

Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail, about 8.5 miles (13.7km) long, links Blackwell Mill (just outside Buxton) in Chee Dale with Coombs Road in Bakewell.

Once a railway line connecting Manchester to London, closed in 1968, it’s now a broad, flat path that cuts through the hills with tunnels and crosses gorges with spectacular bridges.

On the Buxton side, you can also head down to the River Wye, where the famous Chee Dale Stepping Stones are a hit with families. But be careful, as they can be submerged after heavy rain.

View the other Peak District Stepping Stones

Three Shires Head

Three Shires Head, where Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire meet, features a waterfall and is a popular wild swimming spot in the Peak District.

The walk takes you through the surrounding moorlands to a path following the waterfall’s river, then through a picturesque local village.

View the full Three Shires Head Walk

Other Honourable Mentions:

• Parkhouse & Chrome Hill
• Serpentine Walks

See the full list of the best Peak District walks.

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