Padley Gorge and Burbage Brook walk
Explore the wildlife-rich meadow and pond at Longshaw and walk through the ancient sessile oak and birch woodland of Padley Gorge on this short, easy walk.
Start point
Longshaw café, grid ref: SK264798Trail information
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Longshaw café, grid ref: SK264798
Stage 1
This route is fully signposted with waymarkers. Just look out for the pink arrows. From the café at Longshaw, cross the drive and turn left along the path by the fence. Go through a small gate. Turn right and head downhill.
Stage 2
Follow the path downhill, through a corridor of rhododendron bushes, to Longshaw pond.
The pond at the Longshaw estate in Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey Stage 3
Follow the path round the pond, then downhill through Granby Wood, named after The Marquis of Granby, the Duke of Rutland's son. It was replanted with Scots pine in 1990.
Stage 4
Stop at Granby Barn and learn about the history and wildlife of the estate, then go down the path to a small gate, cross the road and go through another gate a little way down the road. (Cattle and ground nesting birds live in this area so please keep your dog on a short lead at all times.)
Stage 5
Cross the bridge over Burbage Brook. The sunken track leading away and up from the bridge is Hollowgate. It was once a busy route for packhorses carrying goods across the Peak District. In summer it's filled with the scent of heather. To the left of the bridge is Padley Gorge; from here you can take a detour and explore this wildlife-rich ancient oak woodland.
Stage 6
Walk upstream along the side of the brook.
Stage 7
Continue up to the next bridge and cross over it to the path on the other side. This path was repaired by our rangers using an old technique known as stone pitching, which is a process by which small stones are embedded into the ground like cobblestones.
Stage 8
Walk up the path, looking out for Toad's Mouth Rock on the roadside to the left. At the junction, near a small stream, turn right to a gate. Continue through the wood to a white gate.
A redstart | © National Trust Images / Douglas Holden Stage 9
Cross the road to the entrance lodge of Longshaw and return to the café along the drive for a cup of tea, coffee or sweet treat. Follow the signs back to the main Woodcroft car park.
End point
Longshaw café, grid ref: SK264798
Trail map
Burbage Brook Padley Gorge walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Frogatt, Curbar and White Edge red deer circular walk
A circular walk with views across the expanse of Derbyshire's Big Moor, a chance to spot red deer and the option to take a break for a pint and some pub grub halfway round.
Longshaw woodland explorer walk
Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to see and do at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors
Discover panoramic countryside views, ancient woodland and heather moorland on a walk at Longshaw. Find out what you’ll see on your next adventure.
Eating and shopping at Longshaw
Enjoy a brew with a view at the Longshaw Café where you’ll find a range of sandwiches, snacks and drinks, or pop to the second-hand bookshop to discover your next read.
Ancient tree walks
Walk amongst ancient woodlands in our care. You can find centuries-old oak, sweet chestnut, yew and cherry trees on our trails around the UK.
Walking in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Discover the best walking routes around the Peak District and Derbyshire for walkers of all abilities, from peaks and lakeside paths to expanses of moorland.