Longshaw Estate & Padley Gorge Walk

From the car park, walk past the Visitor Information Centre and continue straight on towards the cafe. Turn right at the T-junction of paths after approx 150 metres, passing the cafe on your left. Beyond the cafe, cross the entrance road and take the narrow path that descends a set of steps and runs to the left in front of Longshaw Hall.

Go through the gate ahead and turn immediately right, following the clear path through rhododendrons and out into the parkland of the Longshaw Estate. Ignore paths off and follow the main path through a succession of gates, passing the lake on your right. You will emerge at Granby Discovery Barn, which features information boards about the Longshaw Estate. Continue past the barn and cross the road (B6521), taking the path through a wooden gate in the wall almost immediately opposite.

Follow the steps down as they curve to the right and continue straight ahead to cross Burbage Brook by way of a wooden footbridge. Turn left immediately after the bridge and follow the rough path, keeping the stream on your left. Continue straight on, through a further gate, to enter the beautiful ancient oak woodland of Padley Gorge. Follow the clear path that winds through the trees.

Ignore a path on the right after approx 1km signposted to Surprise View and Bolehill Quarry, and continue on the main path. At a rough junction of paths soon after this sign keep right, still keeping to the main path. The path ascends some steps and twists on, finally reaching a gate and emerging onto a quiet lane with houses on both sides

Follow the lane down to a T-junction and turn left, walking past Padley Mill on the left and then crossing over the railway line. You will find Grindleford Station Cafe on the left here for halfway refreshments if needed. Immediately beyond the cafe buildings take the footpath on the left that leads up steps to reach the road (B6521). Turn left on the pavement for approx 15 metres and then cross the road to take the path opposite that leads up steps into woodland.

Follow the steps up. Continue straight on at a crossroads of paths after approx 30 metres, still following the steps as they twist up through trees. Ignore a path on the left marked with a yellow arrow. The path eventually levels out amongst young silver birch trees. Continue straight on, ignoring minor paths off. After approx 400 metres the path reaches an obvious fork. Take the right hand fork which very soon leads to a wide wooden kissing gate.

Continue through the kissing gate and follow the path straight ahead to return to the open countryside of the Longshaw Estate. After approx 500 metres look out for a broad track on the right at a signposted junction. Turn right and follow this track through the fields. At an obvious crossroads of paths after approx 500 metres, turn left, following the signs to the Visitor Centre.

Follow this track for approx 900 metres, until it reaches a wooden gate. Go through the gate and then straight on through a second, returning to the path you started on, now with Longshaw Hall on your right. Turn right at the end of the path, cross the entrance road and retrace your steps back past the cafe. Turn left just beyond the cafe to return to the Visitor Information Centre and the Woodcroft Car Park.