What are The Best Peak District Walks?
If you’ve never undertaken a hike in the Peak District, you’ve been missing out. While many will ramble on about the beauty of the Lake District, Snowdon & Brecon Beacons, the Peak District is still a hotspot for Hikers, Wild Camping Enthusiasts and those wishing to escape the confines of central England and get some of that fresh mountain air!
The Peak District is a special area of England, located in the northernmost part of the country, and is one of the most visited national parks in the UK. It is renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
The Peak District also has an interesting history, with evidence of human activity in the area dating back to the Stone Age. The area is also home to some of the most picturesque villages and market towns in the country.
So let’s find out what are some of the best peak district walks:
1. Mam Tor – Castleton Circular Walk
Mam Tor is a hill in the Peak District National Park of England. It is situated in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District, close to the village of Castleton. Mam Tor is a 517-metre (1,696 ft) hill that overlooks the Hope Valley. It is made up of layers of shale and sandstone, which give the hill its distinctive “shivering” appearance.
The Mam Tor – Castleton Circular Walk is a 7.5 mile circular walk in the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. The route takes you up to the summit of Mam Tor (also known as Mother Hill), an ancient hillfort with stunning views in all directions.
From there, the walk takes you down into the picturesque village of Castleton, past the ruins of Peveril Castle and along the banks of the River Noe, before climbing back up again to complete the loop. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, admire the local flora and fauna, and explore the area’s many historic sites.
2. Kinder Scout from Edale
Kinder Scout is a moorland plateau and national nature reserve in the Dark Peak of the Derbyshire Peak District in England. It is the highest point in the Peak District at 636 metres (2,087 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in the East Midlands.
It is popular with hill walkers, and is the starting point of the Pennine Way, the longest of the National Trails. The Edale Walk is a popular six-mile circular walk that takes in Kinder Scout and the surrounding area.
3. Stanage Edge
The Stanage Edge Walk is a popular and scenic walking route in the Peak District National Park, UK. It follows the dramatic sandstone ridge of Stanage Edge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Derwent Valley.
The route is around 8 miles long and can take up to four hours to complete, depending on how often stops are made along the way, but overall it’s one of the best peak district walks you can attempt.
4. Dovedale
The Dovedale Walk is a popular 4-mile route that takes you through the stunning limestone valley of Dovedale in the Peak District, UK. It is a gentle walk that follows the River Dove along the valley, passing through woodlands and meadows and offering views of craggy limestone outcrops.
Along the way, you will pass stepping stones, a small waterfall, a packhorse bridge, and a cave.
5. The Limestone Way
The Limestone Way is a long distance walking route in the Peak District National Park in England. The route is about 47 miles (76 km) long and goes from Castleton in the Hope Valley in Derbyshire to Rocester in Staffordshire.
The walk follows paths and tracks across the hills, taking in some of the finest limestone scenery in the Peak District, including the slopes of Kinder Scout, the Goyt Valley and parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Along the way, there are a number of historical sites, such as the ruins of Peveril Castle in Castleton, the Peak Cavern in Castleton, and the ruins of Dilhorne Hall in Dilhorne. The Limestone Way is a challenging walk and can take between 3-5 days to complete, its also a perfect spot for wild camping.
6. Tissington Trail
The Tissington Trail Walk is a 13-mile circular walking route through the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England. It follows part of the old railway line between Ashbourne and Buxton and offers stunning views of the Derbyshire peaks and rolling countryside.
The trail is easy to follow and is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a great family-friendly walk.
7. High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail is a 17.5 mile (28 km) long-distance footpath and cycleway in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England.
It follows the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway, a horsedrawn tramway which opened in 1831 and closed in 1967.
The trail links the market towns of High Peak, Cromford, and Parsley Hay, and passes through the limestone hills of the White Peak, with views across the Dark Peak. The route is largely flat, with a few short, steep climbs.
8. Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is a multi-use recreational trail in the Peak District of England. It is 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long and runs along the former Midland Railway line between Blackwell Mill, near Buxton, and Coombs Road Viaduct, near Bakewell.
It passes through some of the most spectacular limestone dales in the Peak District, including Monsal Dale, Chee Dale and Millers Dale.
The trail is mostly level, with only a few short sections of gradient, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Truly one of the best peak district walks.
9. Lathkill Dale
The Lathkill Dale Walk is a popular walking route located in the Peak District National Park, England. It is a 3.5 mile (5.7 km) circular walk, taking in some of the most stunning views in the area.
Starting in the village of Over Haddon, the route follows the River Lathkill downstream, passing through lush valleys and meadows, before ascending to the top of Lathkill Dale, where the path reaches its highest point at the impressive Cales Dale. Along the way, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, otters, and even the occasional red deer.
10. The Roaches
The Roaches Walk is a popular country walk located in the Peak District National Park in the English county of Derbyshire. It is a 4.5 mile (7 km) circular route which passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peak District and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The walk is noted for its rocky outcrops, known as The Roaches, which give the route its name. The walk can be started from a number of places, including the nearby villages of Upper Hulme and Tittesworth Reservoir.
Conclusion
The Peak District is beautiful because of its varied and picturesque landscapes. From rolling green hills and heather-covered moorlands, to steep limestone gorges, lakes and reservoirs, the Peak District has something for everybody. Its stunning views, tranquil atmosphere and abundance of wildlife make it a popular tourist destination.
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