Padley Gorge

About Padley Gorge

Padley is a deep yet narrow wooded gorge with a stream, the Burbage Brook, running through. It has been designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for its plant- and wildlife.

The location has one of the best surviving examples of ancient woodland in the South Pennines, and includes native oak and birch trees. The area is rich in birdlife, including pied flycatchers and wood warblers, dippers and grey wagtails; and there are many rock pools for nature lovers to explore and paddle in.

A circular walk of the gorge begins at the Longshaw Estate visitors’ car park and runs via Grindleford café at the railway station and Totley Tunnel; this will take around 2 hours and follows the course of the stream. The National Trust runs guided nature walks, to view the bluebells in May and the many fungi, including some rare species, in autumn.