The Peak District holds a special place in British walking history. Declared England's first national park in 1951, this stunning landscape of gritstone edges, limestone dales and rolling moorland sits right in the heart of the country, making it accessible from almost anywhere. When Charlie first tackled the Great Ridge from Mam Tor, ears flapping in the wind with the Hope Valley spread out below us, I understood why generations of walkers have fought for the right to roam here.
What makes the Peak District particularly wonderful for dog owners is the sheer variety packed into a relatively compact area. Morning mountain scrambles, afternoon pub sessions beside roaring fires, explorations of underground caverns where your dog can join you, evening strolls through charming market towns. Whether you have an energetic Labrador like Simba who needs miles under his paws or a compact French Bulldog like Molly who prefers shorter potters with plenty of cafe stops, the Peak District delivers. Here is everything you need for the perfect dog-friendly holiday in this glorious corner of England.
Best Dog-Friendly Destinations in the Peak District
The Peak District offers several distinct areas, each with its own character. Here is where we recommend basing yourself depending on what you are looking for.
Bakewell
The only town entirely within the Peak District National Park, Bakewell combines Georgian architecture, a famous Monday market dating back to 1330 and riverside walks along the Wye. Most cafes and pubs welcome dogs, and you can pick up a Bakewell Pudding from the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop to enjoy on a bench while your dog watches the ducks. The market attracts around 140 stalls selling everything from local cheeses to fresh flowers.
Best for: First-time visitors, market lovers, those who like being near shops and restaurants
Why dogs love it: Riverside paths perfect for morning strolls, numerous dog-friendly cafes with water bowls outside, relaxed atmosphere where dogs are genuinely welcomed.
Dog-friendly pubs: The Castle Inn, Red Lion, Manners Hotel (with pub dog Ziggy and dog-friendly rooms), Bulls Head in nearby Ashford in the Water, The Packhorse Inn in Little Longstone.
Castleton
Nestled beneath the dramatic ruins of Peveril Castle with Mam Tor looming above, Castleton is the adventure capital of the Peak District. This is cave country, home to the world's only deposits of Blue John stone, and remarkably, several show caves welcome dogs on leads.
Best for: Active dogs and owners who enjoy variety, cave explorers, ridge walkers
Why dogs love it: Underground adventures (yes, really), spectacular ridge walks from the village, traditional pubs with stone floors and real fires.
Dog-friendly pubs: Ye Olde Nags Head, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The George (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winner with roaring fires and excellent food).
Buxton
England's highest market town sits at 1,000 feet elevation with a distinct spa town elegance. The Pavilion Gardens offer pleasant strolls, while the surrounding moorland provides wilder walking. Buxton hosts markets every Tuesday and Saturday, with special food and drink markets on the third Saturday of each month.
Best for: Those who appreciate a touch of Georgian elegance between muddy walks, cave enthusiasts
Why dogs love it: Grinlow Woods for off-lead adventures, dog-friendly tours at Poole's Cavern, numerous welcoming pubs in the town centre.
Dog-friendly pubs: The Old Sun Inn (17th century with oak panelling and crackling fireplace, dogs welcome throughout), The Old Hall Hotel bar.
Matlock and Matlock Bath
Set in the dramatic Derwent Gorge, Matlock and its riverside neighbour Matlock Bath have drawn visitors since the spa was developed in the late 17th century. The Heights of Abraham cable car welcomes dogs for free, soaring 339 metres to Masson Hill where 60 acres of woodland walks await.
Best for: Dogs who do not mind heights, families, those wanting variety
Why dogs love it: Cable car adventures with amazing views, wooded gorge walks, heritage steam railway where dogs travel free.
Hathersage
This attractive village in the Hope Valley provides perfect access to Stanage Edge, one of the Peak District's most iconic walking destinations. The long gritstone escarpment offers spectacular views across Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Charlotte Bronte stayed here and used it as inspiration for her novels.
Best for: Serious walkers with fit dogs, ridge walking enthusiasts
Why dogs love it: World-class ridge walking, relaxed village atmosphere, excellent pubs after conquering the edge.
Edale
The starting point of the Pennine Way sits in the windswept Hope Valley, accessible by train from Manchester and Sheffield. This is serious walking country but with gentler options too. The Edale Stride route offers a more accessible alternative to the Pennine Way's challenging start.
Best for: Experienced walkers with fit dogs, Pennine Way enthusiasts, train travellers
Why dogs love it: Epic walking terrain, train accessibility for car-free adventures, genuine wilderness atmosphere.
Best Dog-Friendly Walks in the Peak District
The Peak District is criss-crossed by public footpaths, making choosing where to walk the hardest decision. Here are our favourites that work particularly well for dogs.
Mam Tor and the Great Ridge
Distance: 6.6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Starting Point: Mam Tor car park, Castleton
This is the walk to do in the Peak District. The 510-metre summit of Mam Tor, the "Shivering Mountain", rewards with panoramic views across the Hope Valley. From here, the Great Ridge extends to Lose Hill, with the landscape spread like a relief map below. Charlie found the ridge walking exhilarating, though the final descent requires care on steep sections.
Dog notes: Keep on lead near livestock and on the exposed ridge in windy conditions. Water available in Castleton afterwards.
Stanage Edge from Hathersage
Distance: 9 miles | Difficulty: Challenging | Starting Point: Hathersage village
The iconic gritstone edge stretches for three miles, offering some of the finest views in the Peak District. The ascent from Hathersage is steady rather than steep, passing through North Lees estate before climbing to the edge itself. Rock climbers often share the crags with walkers.
Dog notes: Livestock in fields below the edge. Some scrambling sections. Strong dogs only as the full circuit is demanding.
Monsal Trail
Distance: 8.5 miles (full trail) | Difficulty: Easy | Starting Point: Various, including Bakewell or Hassop Station
This former railway line offers the perfect easy day out, threading through tunnels and past the famous Monsal Viaduct. The flat, even surface suits dogs of all abilities, and there are cafes at several access points. Buster and Ember particularly enjoyed the variety here.
Dog notes: Popular with cyclists so keep dogs under close control. Lead recommended through tunnels.
Dovedale Stepping Stones
Distance: Various options from 2 to 8 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Starting Point: Dovedale car park
The famous limestone gorge with its iconic stepping stones across the River Dove makes a memorable day out. Most dogs take to the stepping stones with enthusiasm, though there is a footbridge alternative. Continue up the dale for quieter walking beyond the crowds.
Dog notes: The stepping stones can be slippery. Paddling opportunities throughout. Very popular on weekends.
Chatsworth Estate Circular
Distance: 5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Starting Point: Chatsworth car park
Explore the parkland surrounding one of England's grandest stately homes. While dogs cannot enter Chatsworth House itself, the gardens and extensive parkland are open to four-legged visitors on leads. The walk along the River Derwent is particularly pleasant.
Dog notes: Dogs must be on leads in the formal gardens. Water bowls provided near the visitor facilities. The Carriage House Cafe has a designated dog-friendly area.
Lathkill Dale
Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Starting Point: Over Haddon or Monyash
This National Nature Reserve follows the River Lathkill through one of the finest limestone dales in the Peak District. Wild flowers carpet the valley sides in spring and summer, while the river itself is renowned for its clarity.
Dog notes: Some steep sections. Sensitive wildlife area so leads recommended. The Lathkil Hotel in Over Haddon welcomes dogs afterwards.
Ladybower Reservoir Circuit
Distance: 4 to 12 miles depending on route | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Starting Point: Ladybower visitor centre
Walk along the shore of this dramatic reservoir, built between 1935 and 1943, with optional extensions to Derwent and Howden reservoirs. The area is famous as the practice site for the Dambusters during World War Two.
Dog notes: Excellent paths. Some sections close to water suit swimming dogs. Cafe at visitor centre.
Lud's Church
Distance: 4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Starting Point: Gradbach
This atmospheric chasm created by a landslip features moss-covered walls and an otherworldly atmosphere. Legend connects it to the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The route through Back Forest is quieter than the popular Roaches circuit.
Dog notes: Some tricky stiles. Very atmospheric on misty days. Quieter alternative to busier Peak District walks.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the Peak District
After a day on the fells, these pubs provide the perfect reward for tired legs and paws.
The George, Castleton
A TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winner with roaring fires, excellent ales and proper pub food. This 500-year-old coaching inn provides the perfect reward after tackling Mam Tor. Dogs welcome throughout the bar areas.
The Devonshire Arms, Baslow
Part of the Chatsworth Estate and designed by the Duchess of Devonshire, this charming inn welcomes dogs so enthusiastically that people without them are in the minority. Dog four-poster beds available for overnight guests. Walks directly from the door into the estate.
The Manners, Bakewell
One of Bakewell's most dog-friendly establishments, complete with their own pub dog Ziggy. Water bowls and treats at the ready while humans enjoy excellent seafood pasta and locally sourced dishes. Dog-friendly rooms available upstairs.
The Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone
A cosy pub with open fires and a menu featuring locally sourced produce near Bakewell. Ideal after tackling the Monsal Trail. Dogs welcome in the bar.
The Old Hall Inn, Chinley
Character oozes from every corner of this proper Peak District pub. Indulgent puddings, friendly staff and dogs welcome throughout, including the guest rooms.
Ye Olde Nags Head, Castleton
Traditional Derbyshire hospitality in the shadow of Peveril Castle. A proper hikers' pub welcoming muddy boots and wet dogs with equal enthusiasm.
The Old Sun Inn, Buxton
One of Buxton's oldest buildings dating from the 17th century with oak panelling, stone floors and crackling fireplace. Children, dogs and muddy boots all welcome.
Sticklebarn, Langdale
Sitting at the heart of miles of walking routes in the Langdales, Sticklebarn welcomes dogs inside and out. Fuel up before your adventure or relax afterwards on the outdoor terrace by the fire.
The Queen's Head, Troutbeck
So dog-friendly this pub has its own dog menu with offerings like minced lamb topped with potato and gravy, chipolata sausages with mash, and chicken breast pieces with vegetables. A proper reward for your four-legged walking companion.
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
Perched above Lathkill Dale with stunning views, this hotel pub welcomes dogs in designated areas. Farmers and dry stone wallers share the bar with walkers.
Dog-Friendly Attractions in the Peak District
Beyond walking and pub visits, the Peak District offers some genuinely dog-friendly attractions.
Chatsworth House and Gardens
While dogs cannot enter the house itself, 105 acres of landscaped gardens and extensive parkland are open to well-behaved dogs on leads. Explore the Maze, Rockery and Rose Gardens before heading into the parkland for off-lead exercise. The Carriage House Cafe has a designated dog-friendly area, and dogs are welcome in the gift shop. Water bowls provided near visitor facilities.
Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton
Famous for its Blue John stone deposits, this show cave remarkably welcomes dogs on leads for self-guided tours. Explore ancient mining chambers lined with stalactites, stalagmites and fossils of the purple-blue mineral found nowhere else in the world.
Blue John Cavern, Castleton
Another dog-friendly cave experience in Castleton, allowing dogs on leads to join the fascinating underground tours.
Poole's Cavern, Buxton
Located in Buxton Country Park, this cave system offers 45-minute guided tours where dogs are welcome (except for the daily No Dog Tour). A small £1 fee applies for dogs. The surrounding woodland and country park provide excellent walking, with a popular route to Solomon's Temple.
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
Dogs ride the cable car free, soaring across the limestone gorge to Masson Hill. The 60-acre hilltop estate features woodland walks and a dog-friendly Terrace Cafe, though dogs cannot enter the show caves for safety reasons.
Peak Rail Heritage Railway
This restored steam and diesel line runs between Matlock and Rowsley South. Dogs travel free on vintage carriages through beautiful Derbyshire scenery. The Matlock station was partly designed by Joseph Paxton of Crystal Palace fame.
Crich Tramway Village
More than 60 vintage trams, a recreated period village and unlimited rides for visitors and their dogs. The dog-friendly pub inside the village provides refreshment between tram adventures.
Peveril Castle, Castleton
English Heritage's romantic ruins date from 1086 and offer commanding views across the Hope Valley. Dogs welcome throughout the grounds and ruined walls.
Longshaw Estate (National Trust)
Over 1,000 acres of moorland, ancient woodland and meadows near Hathersage. Dogs on leads welcome throughout. Water bowls at the cafe, which has outdoor seating for dog owners.
Lyme Park (National Trust)
Famous as the filming location for Pride and Prejudice, this estate near Stockport offers extensive grounds with moors, woods and parkland. Dogs must be on leads in certain areas, and the Timber Yard Cafe has an indoor "muddy paws seating area" with water bowls and snooze spaces.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in the Peak District
Finding the right base makes all the difference to your Peak District adventure. Here is where to look for dog-friendly cottages and accommodation.
Where to Book
Canine Cottages specialise in dog-friendly properties across the Peak District with enclosed gardens and nearby walks.
Sykes Holiday Cottages offer excellent coverage of the region, including properties in Castleton, Bakewell and Buxton. The Dog House in Buxton, Rhubarb Cottage in Bradwell and Dale View Farm in Gratton are popular choices.
Darwin Forest Country Park near Matlock provides luxury lodges in woodland settings, recently praised by Gavin and Stacey's Joanna Page.
National Trust Holidays offer characterful cottages within or near the national park.
Hotels and Inns with Rooms
Losehill House in the Hope Valley combines luxury spa facilities with stunning views and dog-friendly rooms (dogs not allowed in the main house).
The Old Hall Hotel in Buxton, reputedly Britain's oldest hotel, welcomes dogs in classic double rooms.
The Devonshire Arms in Baslow offers dog four-poster beds and walks directly into Chatsworth parkland.
The Manifold Inn near Hartington is a family-run 200-year-old coaching inn with excellent food and a perfect location for exploring Thor's Cave.
The Bulls Head Inn in the quiet village of Foolow offers traditional dog-friendly accommodation near Eyam.
Self-Catering Tips
Look for cottages with enclosed gardens in villages like Tideswell, Bradwell and Eyam for easy access to walking. Properties near Bakewell suit those wanting town amenities with countryside on the doorstep. Castleton cottages provide immediate access to caves, hills and pubs.
The Peak District's central location makes it popular year-round. Book well ahead for school holidays and bank weekends. Many cottages accept two or more dogs, perfect for multi-dog households like ours.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Peak District with Your Dog
A few things to know before you visit to ensure a smooth trip.
Lead Rules
The Peak District National Park requests dogs be kept on short leads at all times, even where not legally required. This protects ground-nesting birds, livestock and wildlife. On Open Access land, the law requires leads of no more than two metres. Between 1st March and 31st July, dogs must be on leads near livestock.
Livestock Awareness
This is farming country with sheep, cattle and sometimes deer throughout. Charlie's German Shepherd instincts require constant vigilance around livestock. Even the friendliest dogs can cause stress to farm animals, so treat every encounter with respect.
Weather Preparation
Peak District weather changes rapidly. What begins as a sunny morning can deteriorate into mist, rain and cold within hours, especially on higher ground. Carry layers, waterproofs and emergency supplies for longer walks. Dogs with thin coats like Molly benefit from jackets in winter.
Getting Around
The Hope Valley Line provides train access from Manchester and Sheffield to stations including Edale, Hope and Hathersage. Bus services connect major towns, though having a car provides most flexibility for reaching quieter areas.
Best Times to Visit
Spring brings wild flowers to the dales and longer days for walking. Summer offers the best weather but busiest paths. Autumn colours transform the woodlands while crowds thin. Winter walking suits experienced dog owners with properly equipped dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Peak District walks?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the extensive network of public footpaths and Open Access land throughout the Peak District. The national park asks that dogs be kept on short leads at all times to protect wildlife and livestock.
Which Peak District caves allow dogs?
Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern in Castleton both welcome dogs on leads for underground tours. Poole's Cavern in Buxton allows dogs on most tours (£1 fee) except the daily No Dog Tour.
Can dogs go to Chatsworth?
Dogs cannot enter Chatsworth House but are welcome on leads in the 105-acre gardens and can be off lead in the surrounding parkland. The Carriage House Cafe has dog-friendly seating, and water bowls are provided near facilities.
What is the best walk for dogs in the Peak District?
Mam Tor and the Great Ridge offers the most iconic Peak District experience. For easier walking, the Monsal Trail suits dogs of all abilities on its flat former railway path.
Are dogs allowed at Heights of Abraham?
Yes, dogs travel free on the cable car and can explore the 60-acre hilltop estate and woodland walks. They cannot enter the show caves for safety reasons.
Is Bakewell dog friendly?
Very much so. Most pubs and cafes welcome dogs, the Monday market has a relaxed atmosphere, and riverside walks along the Wye provide excellent exercise. Water bowls appear outside most establishments.
Can I take my dog on Peak Rail?
Yes, dogs travel free on this heritage railway between Matlock and Rowsley South.
Which areas of the Peak District are best for off-lead walking?
The moorland areas of Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and the Eastern Moors offer extensive off-lead opportunities, though leads are legally required on Open Access land near livestock. Many woodland areas also suit off-lead dogs under close control.
Final Thoughts
The Peak District rewards dog owners who love proper walking country without the travel time to more distant national parks. Within a few hours of most British cities, you can be tackling gritstone edges, exploring underground caverns with your dog or settling into a centuries-old pub with a real fire and excellent ale.
What strikes me most about this landscape is how generations of walkers and their dogs have shaped its identity. From the mass trespasses of the 1930s that eventually opened this land to all, to the countless footpaths worn smooth by boots and paws, the Peak District belongs to those who walk it.
Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max and Molly have each found their own Peak District favourites. Charlie loves the challenge of the edges, the Retrievers are happiest splashing through Dovedale, and Molly has perfected the art of cafe hopping through Bakewell's tea rooms.
Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, ridge walking or gentle riverside strolls, historic caves or cosy pubs, the Peak District delivers. For more walking destinations, check out nearby Dog-Friendly Yorkshire or the stunning Dog-Friendly Lake District.
Happy travels!
Luke, Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max & Molly
Related Guides
- Dog-Friendly Cottages UK - Find your perfect Peak District cottage
- Dog-Friendly Holidays UK - Explore more destinations
- Dog-Friendly Yorkshire - Discover the neighbouring county
- Dog-Friendly Lake District - Another stunning national park
- Travelling with Dogs UK - Essential planning tips
This guide is based on our personal experiences visiting the Peak District with our six dogs. We only recommend places we would happily visit again.
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