Stunning Peak District and Derbyshire walks just short Manchester train ride away - including Edale and Buxton

The days are getting ever so slightly longer, and soon the weather will start to warm up too. Getting out and about into the countryside can be very easy from Manchester, and many stunning walks can be accessed without a car.

Getting out on a trip and not needing to worry about driving or parking can relieve a lot of stress. Fortunately, Manchester has good rail connections to areas such as the Peak District and Derbyshire. 

Many of the nicest walks and hikes in the area start off relatively close to a train station. With this in mind we’ve rounded up eight of these, courtesy of travel site Visit Peak District & Derbyshire,  which you can get the train to from Manchester. So, get your walking boots on, grab your water and snacks, and make for the train station. 

Edale to Kinder Scout 

This eight-mile venture will take you through the highest point in the Peak District. With this in mind, it will be important to prepare for some inclines. The walk starts at the Edale village car park, which is just around the corner from the village train station. Hourly services from Piccadilly take around 40 minutes and allow you to take in some of the amazing scenery. 

Grindleford to Padley Gorge

From Grindleford train station, you walk uphill towards the station cafe and then turn left. Leafy woodland is what you will find on your walk to Padley Gorge, a walk that is around six miles in length. Getting to Grindleford from Manchester is relatively easy, and a direct Northern service from Piccadilly takes around an hour. Services leave Manchester every 60 minutes.  

Buxton to Solomon’s Temple 

The shortest of the routes on this collection at two miles long, this walk is perfect for the family. You can check out the Victorian Folly of Solomon's Temple during this roughly 50 minute walk. Buxton train station is around an hour's journey from Piccadilly on a direct Northern service. Directions to the walk can be found on the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire website.  

New Mills Millennium Walkway

This circular route is around five miles long and takes in rivers and canals. The magnificent Millennium Walkway, a 160-metre long aerial walkway spanning the cliff-side above the River Goyt, is a standout feature. New Mills Central train station is served by Northern Trains, and can be reached from Piccadilly station via a direct service with a journey time of around 30 minutes. 

Grindleford to Hathersage

Another walk from Grindleford, and another six mile venture. This time, you can leave the station and follow signs for the village of Hathersage - a village said to have inspired Charlotte Bronte when writing Jane Eyre. 

Hope to Edale via Castleton

Both Hope and Edale stations are features on the scenic Hope Valley line from Manchester, meaning you can go to either and walk to the other easily. The four-mile walk takes you through Castleton, which is a lovely spot for coffee, a bite to eat, or even a pint.

Hathersage to Stanage Edge

The nine mile-walk takes in stunning views of the Hope Valley and rolling hills of the region from cliff tops. Stanage Edge, your destination, is also known as a filming location of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ which starred Keira Knightly. The Hope Valley line train service should take under one hour and you will pass through Edale and other stunning spots on the way. Services are direct from Piccadilly. 

Hadfield to Longdendale

This nine-mile walk commands stunning views of nearby rolling fields of the northern Peak District area. To start the walk, leave Hadfield station and go left into the car park, joining the Longdendale Trail. Edale is around 45 minutes away from Piccadilly, and Hope is the next stop along, around another five or six minutes. Make sure to have your camera ready for the picturesque train journey into the Peak District.