Toilets and Lathkill Dale footpath

The footpath down Lathkill Dale starts near the public toilets just outside Buxton - practical rather than romantic, but it's the proper jumping-off point for one of the Peak District's most rewarding valley walks. The dale itself is a limestone gorge that cuts through moorland with surprising drama, dropping you into woodland where the River Lathkill runs clear over pale rocks.

It's a descent of about 400 feet, so the outward leg is straightforward if you're moderately fit - nothing technical, just steady downhill through trees. Once you're in the dale proper, the landscape shifts completely. High cliffs rise either side, wildflowers crowd the banks in spring, and the river itself is genuinely pretty - you'll cross it several times on stepping stones. Allow two to three hours for a round trip if you want to potter and take photos, less if you're just doing the initial drop and immediate return.

Families with primary-aged kids will manage this fine as long as they're used to walking. The river crossings add interest, though it can be slippery underfoot after rain. Proper hikers will find it a bit short to be a full day out, but it pairs nicely with Lathkill Wild Campsite just down the road, or any of the other camping spots within two miles of Buxton. The valley has a raw, limestone-carved quality that makes it feel further into the countryside than it actually is. Worth the short drive from Buxton on a decent day.