Enjoy the Peak District’s autumn colours on accessible walks and days out

The hills soften into rusty browns and golds, beech leaves turn copper and orange, berries brighten the hedgerows and fallen leaves crunch under wheels and boots. Add in those misty mornings, low autumn sunshine and the promise of somewhere warm and cosy afterwards, and it might just be our favourite time of year to explore.

But finding somewhere to enjoy all that colour isn’t always as simple as searching for a “lovely autumn walk”. A beautiful photograph doesn’t tell you whether there are steps around the next corner, how steep the path becomes or whether there’s an accessible toilet nearby.

So, we’ve picked eight accessible autumn walks and days out in and around the Peak District, with practical details to help you decide what might work for you.

Some are surfaced trails that work well for many wheelchairs and mobility aids. Others are more adventurous routes where an all-terrain wheelchair such as our Boma 7 can open up places that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible.

And because we live here, these aren’t just places on a map. We’ve added our own thoughts about what makes each one special in autumn too.

If you’re planning an autumn break, our cosy accessible log cabins offer a comfortable countryside base close to these days out. You’ll also find detailed access information and additional equipment to help you plan a stay that works for you.

Our favourite accessible walks for awesome autumn colours

1. High Peak Trail: accessible autumn adventures from your cabin door

• Close to Hoe Grange
• Surfaced former railway trail, with direct all-terrain access from Hoe Grange

If you want to get outdoors without spending half your day travelling to your starting point, the High Peak Trail is hard to beat.

This former railway line runs through the White Peak and is a great option for many wheelchair users and families with buggies. Because it is a linear trail, you can simply go as far as feels right that day, turn around and make your way back.

Guests at Hoe Grange can reach the trail directly through our farm fields on foot or using an all-terrain wheelchair. If you don’t have one of your own, you can hire our Boma 7 off-road wheelchair for half or full days - whether you're staying with us or not! It’s designed to tackle the fields and hills between the farm and trail so you can all head out together.

Autumn gives the High Peak Trail a completely different character.

There are sections where the old railway passes through deep cuttings, with trees rising up on either side. When the leaves change colour, it can feel as though you’re travelling through an autumnal cocoon, surrounded by gold, copper and russet leaves.

That enclosed feeling is one of the things we love most about the trail at this time of year.

Elsewhere, the landscape opens out again to big White Peak views, autumn hedgerows and crisp blue skies.

Try the Parsley Hay section for a Tramper outing

If you prefer to start somewhere with dedicated visitor facilities, Parsley Hay is another useful option. The car park is a short drive away from Hoe Grange and there is no need for an off-road wheelchair to access this Miles without Stiles route. There is a Changing Places toilet here now, and a cycle hire that offers accessible cycling and Tramper options.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

2. Minninglow: our favourite place in the Peak District all year round!

• Accessible from Hoe Grange using an all-terrain wheelchair
• 3.4 mile round trip along fields, the High Peak Trail, and single lane tracks

We make no secret of the fact that Minninglow is one of our favourite places anywhere in the Peak District, all year round.

Rising above the surrounding White Peak countryside, Minninglow is instantly recognisable by the distinctive ring of trees around its summit. Hidden among them are prehistoric burial chambers, creating a place where landscape, history and atmosphere all seem to come together.

But it might be most special in autumn. The beech trees turn shades of gold, copper and burnt orange, while mist can gather around the hill on cooler mornings. Then, on a clear day, you reach the top and suddenly have panoramic views across miles of rolling Peak District countryside.

There’s a real sense of history here too. People have been coming to this hill for thousands of years, and standing among the ancient tombs makes that history feel surprisingly close.

There is now an improved Miles without Stiles type route to the top of the hill, but this isn’t one we would recommend for an everyday wheelchair. From Hoe Grange, the route also crosses fields before reaching the surfaced High Peak Trail.

An all-terrain wheelchair such as our Boma 7 makes the whole adventure possible.

Why we love it in autumn: everything about Minninglow feels atmospheric at this time of year – the ancient trees, autumn mist, changing leaves and enormous views.

It is peaceful, dramatic and just a little bit magical!

If I had to choose only one place on this list, Minninglow would probably be it. I never get tired of the views, but it’s the sense of history that really makes it special. You can't help wondering about all the people who have stood in the same place over thousands of years.

3. Cromford Canal: reflections, wildlife and a gentler autumn outing

• A short, 15-minute drive from Hoe Grange
• Surfaced linear towpath

For a gentler autumn outing, Cromford Canal has a completely different atmosphere.

Between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction, the towpath follows the water beneath mature trees, making it particularly lovely when autumn leaves begin to change. On a still day you get twice the colour, with yellows, oranges and browns reflected in the canal.

The section from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is the most suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. You can hire a Tramper mobility scooter from High Peak Junction, and there’s a Changing Places toilet at Cromford Wharf.

Why we love it in autumn: the reflections can be beautiful, and there’s something very calming about following the water beneath the trees while watching the birds.

There's another big advantage too.

If the weather turns (and this is Derbyshire in autumn, after all!), Cromford Mills is right there. You can combine some fresh air beside the canal with exploring the historic mills, having lunch or making a fuller day of it.

It’s a really good choice when you want an autumn adventure without committing yourself to being outside for hours whatever the weather decides to do.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

4. Hoe Grange to Parwich: the perfect autumn pub walk

• Straight from your doorstep at Hoe Grange
• No stiles, but uneven ground, fields and lanes - suitable for an all-terrain wheelchair
• 6.2 miles round trip

Who doesn’t love a pub walk in autumn?

Fresh air, changing hedgerows, rolling countryside, and somewhere warm and cosy waiting for you halfway round.

Our accessible route from Hoe Grange to Parwich starts right outside your cabin and follows quiet countryside towards one of our loveliest local villages.

The route is around three miles each way, using a mixture of lanes, fields and countryside tracks. There are no stiles, but some sections would be difficult in a standard powerchair, so this is another route where an all-terrain wheelchair such as our Boma 7 really changes what’s possible.

Then comes the important bit: lunch.

The Sycamore Inn in Parwich is a proper village pub and makes a very welcome halfway stop. It has level access, tasty food and a lovely cosy atmosphere – exactly what you want after an autumn outing. Just be warned that there's a small step into the toilets, so it's not suitable for everyone.

Why we love it in autumn: this is the full autumn countryside experience. Cool air, changing leaves, a proper walk from the door - followed by a warm pub and something tasty.

Our tip: If you’re there on a Sunday, we can highly recommend the Sunday roast!

Starts at your cabin, stops at the pub, then you get to enjoy the countryside all over again on the way home. What more could you ask for?

See the route on OS Maps or download the PDF

5. Carsington Water: the flexible option for unpredictable autumn days

• A short, 10-minute drive from Hoe Grange
• Surfaced accessible trails, visitor facilities and mobility equipment for hire

We recommend Carsington Water a lot when families or groups want flexibility.

That becomes even more useful in autumn, when you can leave Hoe Grange in sunshine and find rain clouds gathering an hour later!

Carsington gives you options. One person might fancy a longer route around the reservoir. Someone else might prefer a short wander, a wildlife hide and lunch overlooking the water. Children might want something different again.

You can split up for a while, choose outings of different lengths or change the plan if the weather suddenly decides not to cooperate.

Most of the trails at Carsington Water are surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although that doesn’t mean every section around the entire reservoir will suit every visitor.

The Visitor Centre makes an excellent base, with accessible parking nearby, level access and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs, mobility Trampers and an all-terrain Mountain Trike are also available.

Then there are the autumn views. Woodland wraps around stretches of the reservoir, leaves change colour along the shoreline and the water reflects whatever dramatic autumn sky happens to be passing overhead. It's also a lovely place for birdwatching.

Why we love it in autumn:

Carsington is perfect for those mixed days when you're not quite sure what the weather will do, or when different people in your group want different things.

You have countryside, wildlife, shorter and longer routes, indoor facilities and somewhere for refreshments all in one place.

If you're unsure which route will work best for you, speak to the team at reception before setting off.

6. Monsal Trail: tunnels, trees and one of the Peak District's famous views

• A 30-minute drive from Hoe Grange - depending on where you start!
• Surfaced traffic-free former railway with several accessible entry points

The Monsal Trail is another old railway route, stretching between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill at Chee Dale.

In autumn, the trees along the dale sides and around the trail add rich colour to an already dramatic landscape.

Wheelchair and mobility scooter users can access the trail by ramps at several points, including Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, Great Longstone Station and Millers Dale, all great places to start exploring this Miles without Stiles route.

Millers Dale is particularly useful if you want plenty of practical reassurance before your day begins. There is level parking with immediate access onto the surfaced Monsal Trail, plus a Changing Places toilet, covered picnic space, café and refreshments.

And then there's Monsal Head. The classic view looking down across the viaduct as it curves through the wooded dale is one of those Peak District scenes that really earns its reputation, especially when the trees are changing colour.

But there is an important accessibility point. You cannot access Monsal Head directly from the trail in a wheelchair. The route up from Headstone Viaduct is steep.

So don't make the mistake of reaching the viaduct and thinking you've missed your chance to see the famous viewpoint. Instead, drive to Monsal Head separately before or after your trail outing.

That way you can enjoy two very different perspectives: travelling along the old railway through the dale, and then looking down across the landscape from above.

Why we love it in autumn: tunnels, railway history, limestone cliffs and woods all give this route a real sense of adventure. And the Monsal Head viewpoint is spectacular when the dale is full of autumn colour.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

7. Chatsworth Garden: grand old trees, grand history - and gorgeous deer

• A 25-minute drive from Hoe Grange
• Accessible garden routes with mobility equipment and Changing Places facilities

An accessible autumn day out doesn’t have to mean following a walking trail.

Chatsworth is a lovely choice when you want changing leaves, grand old trees and plenty to look at, but would prefer the facilities of a visitor attraction.

And then of course, there are the deer. Watch out for them as you drive into the estate - now's the time of year the males put on spectacular rutting displays in the hope of attracting a mate!

The garden can be explored by visitors using manual wheelchairs and electric scooters, although there are steeper slopes in places. Chatsworth provides an accessibility map showing routes of different lengths and levels of ease, so you can pick the parts of the garden that suit you rather than feeling you need to follow one set route.

Manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters for garden use can also be hired, subject to availability. There are accessible toilets around the main visitor areas and a Changing Places facility near the house entrance.

Chatsworth also provides sensory information and visual stories, and sensory bags are available for house visits.

Check the Chatsworth accessibility guide for up-to-date information on their facilities.

Why we love it in autumn: Chatsworth always looks impressive, but autumn softens the whole landscape. Grand old trees, changing leaves and deer in the park make it feel especially seasonal.

It's also a good option when you want your countryside colour with plenty of visitor facilities close at hand.

8. Longshaw: autumn with a touch of Dark Peak drama

• A longer 40-minute drive from Hoe Grange
• Mostly bound gravel paths, but some steeper sections

If the White Peak is all rolling fields, limestone walls and gentler countryside, Longshaw gives you a taste of something wilder.

Head a little further north and the landscape begins to change. Heather, ferns, rugged hillsides, moorland and woodland give the area that unmistakable Dark Peak drama.

In autumn, that combination can be spectacular. The woodland gives you changing leaves, while the moors bring rusty bracken, heather and big skies. When clouds roll over the hills or shafts of autumn sunlight break through, the scenery can feel wonderfully grand.

The paths around the Longshaw Estate are mostly bound gravel tracks, though some do have a steeper gradient. Conditions can also become more difficult after heavy rain.

There's a Detailed Access Guide for the site, and if you start at Woodcroft car park, you can also speak to the National Trust’s Welcome Team about the most suitable route for your access needs and the conditions that day.

Accessible toilets are available around the café and Moorland Discovery Centre. Sensory bags containing noise-cancelling headphones can also be borrowed from the Welcome Building.

Why we love it in autumn: this is the one to choose when you want that real sense of grandeur and wonder. The views feel bigger, the weather feels closer and the landscape is more rugged than the gentler White Peak around Hoe Grange.

If you like your autumn scenery a little dramatic, Longshaw is hard to beat.

A few things to check before your accessible autumn walk

Autumn can be one of the most rewarding times to get outdoors, but conditions are also less predictable than in summer.

The right route is the one that lets you relax into the day, so don't rely on the word “accessible” alone.

A few things are worth checking before you set off:

• Autumn conditions can change quickly, so look for recent updates rather than relying on summer photographs or an older route description. A little rain can make mud, wet leaves and unsealed paths more demanding, while shorter daylight hours may affect how far you want to go. Ask staff at the start point where possible, or speak to the Hoe Grange team before you set off.
• Read the whole route description, not just the headline “accessible”. What’s the surface? Are there sections with a steeper gradient?
• Think about the journey from your door to the trail. Can you go straight from your door? If not, is there accessible parking, or drop-off points? How is the route from the parking to the trail described?
• Check the latest opening hours and visitor information directly on the attractions’ websites, including when accessible toilets are open and if you need a RADAR key, as this can change.
• If you want to hire mobility equipment, check the attractions’ websites directly for the latest information on whether it needs to be booked in advance, where to collect it, and if ID and a deposit is required.
• Allow for shorter autumn days. Give yourself plenty of time and don't feel you have to complete a whole route.
• Check the forecast - but have a Plan B. Carsington, Cromford and Chatsworth are particularly useful when you want indoor or sheltered alternatives nearby.

The Peak District National Park’s Miles Without Stiles collection is another useful place to start. The routes avoid stiles, steps and narrow gates, and the route descriptions help you compare surfaces and gradients. The name does not mean every route will suit every wheelchair, mobility aid or access need, so use the details to choose what works for you.

You don’t need to cover miles and miles for an outing to count as an adventure. A short stretch of woodland bursting with autumn colour, a picnic with a brilliant view or an hour beside the water can be the highlight of the day - especially when the route, facilities and pace work for you.

Want something a little more adventurous?

Some of the routes we've included here, particularly Minninglow and the Parwich pub walk, go beyond what we would describe as everyday wheelchair terrain.

That's where an all-terrain wheelchair can make a huge difference. Our Boma 7 off-road wheelchair is designed for countryside exploration just like this, including grass, farm tracks, hills and uneven ground.

It's particularly useful if you want to explore beyond surfaced trails and enjoy a countryside adventure together with family and friends.

Boma availability is limited, so if using it is an important part of your holiday, we'd recommend talking to us when you book your stay.

Come back to a cosy Peak District base

After a crisp autumn day outside, there’s a lot to be said for getting back somewhere warm, comfortable and peaceful.

At Hoe Grange, our accessible log cabins sit on our family farm in the Derbyshire countryside between Ashbourne and Bakewell.

Hipley, Rainster and Daisybank have spacious accessible layouts and wet room showers, while Pinder offers level thresholds and features for guests with audio and visual impairments. We also have more than 60 pieces of additional accessibility equipment available, and you can always talk to us about what would make your stay easier.

We’ve worked with AccessAble too, so you can look through detailed access information before you arrive.

But a great autumn getaway is about much more than practicalities. It's watching mist lift across the fields in the morning. Seeing the hedgerows change colour. Heading out in the Boma with the family. Coming home after a pub walk. Or simply sitting somewhere warm at the end of the day with a drink while the autumn light disappears across the farm.

Autumn doesn't last forever - perhaps that's part of what makes it so special.

So pack a warm layer, keep an eye on the forecast and come and enjoy one of our favourite times of year in the Peak District.

Take a look at our accessible Peak District holidays, or get in touch with us before booking if you’d like to talk through your individual access needs.

-Caroline