5 Of the Best Walks in the Peak District for Groups
Planning a Peak District Group Walking Day or Weekend?
The Peak District is one of the UK’s most popular walking destinations, making it the perfect place to bring people together. Whether you’re organising a team building day, family celebration, friends’ getaway or wellness retreat, there’s a walk to suit every group.
With hundreds of routes to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Some are perfect for a relaxed stroll followed by lunch in a country pub, while others offer a little more adventure before unwinding in an outdoor sauna or enjoying an evening together.
At HDK Events, we’ve been helping groups discover the Peak District for over 15 years. We’ve selected five of our favourite walks, along with local tips to help you choose the right route and make the most of your day.
1.Mam Tor & The Great Ridge
1.Mam Tor & The Great Ridge
Distance: 3–7 miles (depending on your chosen route)
If you’re only going to do one walk in the Peak District, make it Mam Tor. It’s one of the most iconic walks in the National Park, offering incredible panoramic views across the Hope Valley and some of the best scenery the Peak District has to offer.
One of the reasons we recommend Mam Tor for groups is its flexibility. If your group is looking for a shorter walk, you can simply head up to the summit and back. For those wanting more of a challenge, continue along the stunning Great Ridge towards Lose Hill before looping back to Castleton.
Afterwards, Castleton is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed pub lunch, coffee or simply spend time exploring the village together.
Why it’s great for groups
- One of the Peak District’s most famous walks
- Amazing views and group photo opportunities
- Short and longer route options
- Great pubs and cafés in Castleton
- Suitable for most fitness levels
HDK Local Tip
We recently walked Mam Tor ourselves on a Sunday morning and by 9:30am the main National Trust car park was already almost full. If your group is travelling in several cars, arrive early or let us organise group transport so everyone can relax and arrive together.
2. Monsal Trail
Distance: 2–8+ miles (walk as little or as much as you like)
If your group would rather enjoy a gentle walk than tackle steep hills, the Monsal Trail is a fantastic choice. Following a former railway line, this traffic-free route passes through impressive tunnels, across the famous Monsal Viaduct and offers beautiful countryside views throughout.
Because the route is largely flat, it’s perfect for groups with mixed abilities and gives everyone plenty of opportunity to chat, enjoy the scenery and walk at their own pace.
Why it’s great for groups
- Easy walking suitable for everyone
- No steep climbs
- Beautiful viaducts and tunnels
- Great for team building or catching up with friends
- Flexible distances
HDK Local Tip
Looking to make more of your day? Finish your walk in Bakewell for lunch, or combine it with an activity for the perfect Peak District day out.
3. Padley Gorge Circular
Distance: Around 4–5 miles
Looking for something a little different? Padley Gorge offers a completely different side of the Peak District, with ancient woodland, flowing streams, stepping stones and shaded woodland paths.
The circular route isn’t overly challenging, making it ideal for groups wanting a relaxed walk before enjoying lunch, visiting nearby Hathersage or continuing with another activity.
Why it’s great for groups
- Beautiful woodland scenery
- Plenty of photo opportunities
- Great for warmer days
- Relaxed pace
- Perfect for wellbeing days and group getaways
HDK Local Tip
Some sections can become muddy after rain, so trainers are fine in dry weather, but walking boots are worth considering if conditions have been wet.
4. Ladybower Reservoir Circular
Distance: 3–8 miles (lots of route options)
If your ideal day involves stunning water views, peaceful surroundings and gentle walking, Ladybower Reservoir is hard to beat.
The wide paths and flexible routes make it particularly well suited to larger groups, while the spectacular scenery creates plenty of opportunities to stop, chat and simply enjoy being outdoors together.
It’s also easy to shorten or extend your walk depending on the time you have available.
Why it’s great for groups
- Easy-to-follow routes
- Stunning reservoir views
- Flexible walking distances
- Great for mixed ability groups
- Plenty of picnic and rest stops
HDK Local Tip
Ladybower can become busy during weekends and school holidays, so an earlier start is always worthwhile. We also recommend finishing the day with lunch at one of the nearby country pubs.
5. Curbar Edge & Baslow
Distance: 4–6 miles
If your group wants breathtaking views without committing to a full day’s hike, Curbar Edge is a brilliant choice.
The dramatic gritstone edge offers some of the finest viewpoints in the Peak District and links easily with neighbouring Froggatt Edge to create a fantastic circular route.
Finish your walk in the beautiful village of Baslow, where you’ll find welcoming cafés and traditional country pubs perfect for relaxing together after your walk.
Why it’s great for groups
- Incredible panoramic views
- Less crowded than some popular walks
- Fantastic circular routes
- Great cafés and pubs nearby
- Ideal for celebrations, group days out and wellbeing retreats
HDK Local Tip
Visit later in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful golden-hour views before finishing with dinner or drinks in Baslow.
Turn a Great Walk into an Unforgettable Group Experience
A walk in the Peak District is just the beginning. Whether you’re planning a corporate away day, family celebration, friends’ reunion or wellbeing retreat, the best group experiences combine beautiful surroundings with great food, memorable activities and quality time together.
At HDK Events, we’ve been helping groups discover the Peak District for over 15 years. From recommending the perfect walking route to organising your entire itinerary, we’ll make planning simple from start to finish.
We can help you organise:
✔ Hand-picked group accommodation
✔ Minibus transport to and from your chosen walk
✔ Guided walking experiences with knowledgeable local guides
✔ Outdoor sauna and cold plunge experiences
✔ Team building activities and outdoor challenges
✔ River adventures, paddleboarding and other activities
✔ Yoga, wellness and mindfulness sessions
✔ Private chefs and group catering
✔ Bespoke Peak District day trips and weekend packages
Whether you’re looking for a simple day out or a fully organised weekend away, we’ll tailor your experience around your group, your budget and your goals, all with one point of contact, one simple booking process and expert local knowledge.
Why Book with HDK Events?
Planning for a group can quickly become time-consuming. Coordinating transport, accommodation, activities and catering often means juggling multiple suppliers and endless emails.
With HDK Events, you only need one.
We’ll help you create a seamless experience, saving you time while ensuring every part of your day runs smoothly. Our local knowledge means we can recommend the best walking routes, hidden gems and trusted suppliers to suit your group.
Whether you’re organising a team building day, celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a family gathering or simply bringing people together, we’re here to make it easy.