Article published: July 28th, 2026
Planning the Perfect Peak District Walking Hen Weekend?
The Peak District is one of the UK’s most popular walking destinations, making it the perfect choice for a relaxed and memorable hen weekend. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, cosy country pubs or simply quality time with your favourite people, there’s a walk to suit every group.
With so many routes to choose from, it can be difficult to know which walks are best for a hen party or girls’ getaway. Some are ideal for a leisurely morning stroll followed by lunch, while others offer a little more adventure before heading back for cocktails, a hot tub or an evening celebration.
At Hard Days Knight, we’ve been organising group weekends in the Peak District for over 15 years, so we’ve put together five of our favourite walks for hen parties, along with a few local tips to help you make the most of your weekend.
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 photo opportunities you’ll find anywhere in the Peaks.
One of the reasons we recommend Mam Tor for a hen weekend is its flexibility. If your group fancies a shorter walk, you can simply head up to the summit and back. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, continue along the stunning Great Ridge towards Lose Hill before looping back to Castleton.
Afterwards, Castleton is the perfect place to celebrate with a relaxed pub lunch, coffee or even a few cocktails.
Why it’s perfect for a hen do
✔ Flexible routes – Choose a short walk or a longer adventure.
✔ Incredible views – Some of the best panoramic scenery in the Peak District.
✔ Great pubs nearby – Celebrate afterwards in Castleton.
✔ Perfect for groups – Suitable for a range of 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 you’re travelling in several cars, arrive early or consider arranging group transport. Don’t forget an extra layer too, even on warm days the summit can be surprisingly windy!
2. Monsal Trail
Distance: 2–8+ miles (walk as little or as much as you like)
If your group would rather chat than climb hills, the Monsal Trail is a fantastic choice. Following a former railway line, this traffic-free trail passes through impressive tunnels, over the famous Monsal Viaduct and offers beautiful countryside views throughout.
Because the route is largely flat, it’s ideal for groups with mixed abilities and doesn’t require hiking boots or mountain fitness.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, take photos or simply enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Why it’s perfect for a hen do
✔ Easy walking – Suitable for everyone, whatever your fitness level.
✔ No steep climbs – A relaxed route that’s easy to enjoy at your own pace.
✔ Historic landmarks – Walk through impressive tunnels and across the iconic Monsal Viaduct.
✔ Perfect for conversation – Wide, traffic-free paths make it easy to walk side by side.
✔ Flexible distances – Walk as little or as much as your group wants.
HDK Local Tip
Hire bikes if some of your group would rather cycle, or finish your walk in Bakewell and reward yourselves with the town’s famous Bakewell Pudding.
3. Padley Gorge Circular
Distance: Around 4–5 miles
Looking for something a little more magical? Padley Gorge feels completely different to many Peak District walks. Ancient woodland, flowing streams, stepping stones and shaded paths make it one of the prettiest places to explore, especially during spring and autumn.
The circular route isn’t overly challenging, making it perfect for groups wanting a relaxed morning before heading off for lunch.
Nearby Hathersage is packed with lovely cafés and traditional pubs, making it an easy place to continue your day.
Why it’s perfect for a hen do
✔ Beautiful woodland scenery – Ancient trees, flowing streams and one of the Peak District’s most picturesque settings.
✔ Perfect for photos – Stepping stones, woodland paths and beautiful natural backdrops throughout the walk.
✔ Ideal in warmer weather – Shaded woodland provides a cooler, more comfortable walk during the summer months.
✔ Great cafés nearby – Finish your walk with coffee, lunch or a well-earned treat in nearby Hathersage.
✔ Peaceful atmosphere – A relaxing route that’s perfect for slowing down and spending quality time together.
HDK Local Tip
Some sections can become muddy after rain, so trainers are fine in dry weather, but walking boots are worth considering if the forecast hasn’t been kind.
4. Ladybower Reservoir Circular
Distance: 3–8 miles (lots of route options)
If your idea of the perfect walk includes sparkling water, forests and gentle paths, Ladybower Reservoir is hard to beat.
The wide paths and flexible routes make it ideal for larger groups, while the spectacular views across the reservoir create plenty of opportunities to stop and soak up the scenery.
It’s also easy to shorten or extend your walk depending on how energetic everyone is feeling.
Why it’s perfect for a hen do
✔ Easy-to-follow routes – Wide, well-maintained paths make this an enjoyable walk for all experience levels.
✔ Stunning waterside scenery – Enjoy breath taking views across Ladybower Reservoir and the surrounding hills.
✔ Flexible walking distances – Choose a shorter stroll or extend your route depending on your group’s plans.
✔ Perfect for mixed ability groups – Gentle terrain means everyone can enjoy the experience together.
✔ Plenty of places to stop – Ideal for a picnic, taking photos or simply relaxing and soaking up the scenery.
HDK Local Tip
Ladybower can get busy during school holidays, so aim for an early start before heading to one of the nearby country pubs for lunch.
5. Curbar Edge & Baslow
Distance: 4–6 miles
If your group wants breath taking views without committing to a full day’s hike, Curbar Edge is a brilliant choice.
The dramatic gritstone edge offers some of the best viewpoints in the Peak District and links easily with neighbouring Froggatt Edge to create a fantastic circular walk.
Finish in the pretty village of Baslow where you’ll find excellent country pubs and cafés to round off your day.
It’s slightly less well known than Mam Tor but equally rewarding.
Why it’s perfect for a hen do
✔ Incredible views – Enjoy sweeping panoramas across the Peak District from one of its most scenic walking routes.
✔ Quieter than the hotspots – A fantastic alternative if you’re looking to escape the busiest Peak District trails.
✔ Fantastic circular routes – Choose from a range of well-marked loops to suit your group’s pace and time available.
✔ Great pubs nearby – Celebrate your walk with a delicious meal or well-earned drink in Baslow or Curbar.
✔ Perfect for relaxed group walking – Ideal for catching up, taking in the scenery and spending quality time together.
HDK Local Tip
Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful golden-hour views across the valley before heading into Baslow for dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
A little planning goes a long way when organising a walking hen weekend. Here are a few local tips to help your day run smoothly.
Parking fills up quickly
Popular Peak District walks can get incredibly busy, especially at weekends, during school holidays and on sunny days. If your group is travelling in several cars, finding enough spaces together can be tricky.
HDK Tip: Consider travelling early or let us arrange group transport, so everyone arrives together and nobody has to worry about parking.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, memorable hen weekend in the Peak District, our Wandering Hen Weekend Package has everything you need to make planning easy.
From just £165 per person, your package includes 2–3 nights’ group accommodation, group transport to some of the Peak District’s most beautiful walking routes, and all the support you need to create a weekend everyone will love.
Whether you want to keep things simple or build a completely bespoke itinerary, we’ll help you create the perfect balance of walking, relaxation and celebration.
Make It Your Own
Our walking weekends can be personalised with a range of unforgettable extras, including:
✔ Hand-picked group accommodation – From cosy cottages to luxury country houses.
✔ Private chefs and catering – Enjoy restaurant-quality food without leaving your accommodation.
✔ Country pubs and gastro dining – We’ll recommend and reserve some of the Peak District’s best pubs and restaurants.
✔ Outdoor sauna and cold plunge experiences – The perfect way to relax after a day exploring.
✔ Cocktail making and hen party activities – Add a little celebration to your walking weekend.
✔ Yoga, wellness sessions and wild swimming – Create the ultimate relaxing girls’ getaway.
✔ Guided Walks – Upgrade your walking experience with a guide.
Why Book with Hard Days Knight?
For over 15 years, we’ve been helping groups enjoy unforgettable weekends in the Peak District.
With hundreds of 5-star Google and TripAdvisor reviews, trusted local knowledge and relationships with the area’s best accommodation and suppliers, you can book with confidence.
You’ll have one point of contact, one simple booking and one easy payment, leaving you free to enjoy the excitement of the weekend instead of the stress of organising it.
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether our Wandering Hen Weekend Package is exactly what you’re looking for or you’d like to explore our other Peak District hen weekend packages, we’re here to help.
👉 View our Wandering Hen Weekend Package (from £165 per person).
👉 Or explore our full range of Peak District hen weekend packages.
Or simply get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll help create a walking weekend that’s perfect for your group.
