Dave, if you decide on an Edale/Kinder Scout ramble, you're looking at some history of Walking in this Country. Edale is the start of the Pennine Way, our first and most popular long-distance footpath (the other end being just over the Scottish border so the whole route might be a bit much for a day-walk!) Also, google 'Kinder Scout Mass Trespass 1932' which was the event which initiated our freedom to roam the hills. And eventually, our first National Park.
I'd recommend (from Edale) including the first mile or so of the Pennine Way ( so you can claim to have walked a bit of it) as far as Upper Booth then diverting up Crowden Clough to reach the Kinder Scoiut Plateau. This, IMHO is the finest route up onto the plateau, including some easy(ish) scrambling. Turn Right to go as far as Grindsbrrok Clough (the old Pennine Way route) and descend it back to the start. This is about 5 miles and very varied walking. You can extend it by trying to find the summit of Kinder Scout once up on the plateau. Its marked by an OS trig point and we have to take their word for it that its the highest point! :-)
TBH, from Edale station you'll find it difficult to wander anywhere boring within a few miles; there's good walking in every direction.
Realise that the Peak District is split into two parts; the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The Dark Peak is basically Gritstone, quite rugged and consists mainly on the three hills, Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Black Hill, the area's only ground about 2000 ft. and a lot of it is peat bog! The White Peak is mainly Limestone and its a bit bigger, a bit more accessible, a bit greener and a bit more gentle. I know little about it (despite it being in my back yard!)
I'd be happy to meet you in the area, chat and guide a little but I only ever walk alone, I'm afraid. And I've no idea what a 'good pub' would be :-) We can maybe chat closer to the time.