For anyone with a passion for walking and hiking, especially in the UK, Peak District walks have to be near the top of anyone’s list in terms of location and spectacle.
The Peak District covers a vast area of northern England spanning a number of counties including Derbyshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and West & South Yorkshire. With this expansive, wide-ranging geographical area, it is going to offer a wealth of options for those wanting to stretch their legs. Its central location means it’s easily accessible and as such attracts people from all corners of the country.
Here we are going to look at 7 of the most stunning walks you can undertake throughout the Peak District. They cater for all ages and all abilities and all have some incredible sights to see.
Let’s start with:
THOR’S CAVE & MANIFOLD VALLEY
If you like your walking experience with a little subterranean element, then this is the walk for you. Incorporating one of the largest natural caverns in the Peak District, this walk starts in the picturesque village of Wetton and, once you reach the Wetton Mill, you’ll follow an underground river system until you reach Llam.
After that, you’ll get to see some amazing overground sites following the path of the valley between Sugarloaf and Wetton Hill. If there’s been, or a threat of rain, then be careful on the limestone as it can be slippy underfoot.
CASTLETON – MAM TOR – THE GREAT RIDGE
The Mam Tor walking route is one of the most popular walks in the Peak District. It’s a relatively short 6.5 mile walk that starts at Castleton in Derbyshire and allows you to take in some of the most stunning views over Edale.
As you reach the summit of Mam Tor, aka Shivering Mountain, you will witness some incredible views, so make sure you have a camera handy. If you enjoy this route, there’s also an option to extend it for a couple of extra miles, which includes a gorgeous walk by a river to give you the full experience.
DOVESTONE RESERVOIR CIRCULAR ROUTE
For those of you wanting more of a challenge, the Dovestone Reservoir walk is for you. It’s an 8.8 mile walk that loops around the reservoir and is a haven for those interested in hiking (and bird watching). Whilst the route is a loop, it has an elevation of over 500m, so make sure you pack your sturdiest boots.
If you start with the reservoir on your right, you’ll find yourself climbing up to a stunning waterfall with some great views once on top of the ridge.
KINDER SCOUT FROM EDALE
If you’re ready for a challenge, then the walk up Kinder Scout from Edale is going to be perfect for you. It’s the longest walk on this list and is also one of the most popular in the district.
It starts at The Old Nag’s Head in Edale with a gentle start, but don’t be fooled. As it progresses along its almost 11 mile route, you’ll feel the steep incline, but once up there, it pretty much plateaus. When you reach Grindslow Knoll, you see the benefit of your efforts. Although the route seems flat overall, some of the route can be tricky and is troublesome underfoot if you’re not careful.
For those of you who are fans of Charlotte Bronte’s books, this walk takes you through some of the areas that inspired many of them. As you work your way up to the jaw-dropping Stanage escarpment from the historic village of Hathersage, you’ll see some breath-taking panoramas. You might even see some boulderers trying their skills on the rock walls that form part of the walk.
It can get windy on the edge, so be careful if you’re braving the highest points of the walk.
DERWENT EDGE – LADYBOWER RESERVOIR CIRCULAR
One of the longest walks on this list is Derwent Edge in Derbyshire, looping around almost 16 kilometres along some of the highest peaks in the district. Starting at the Ladybower Inn, take the route uphill along the edge of the Ladybower reservoir (hence the name) with a pretty steep elevation to Derwent Edge.
It’s not really a walk for beginners due to the rocky tors throughout. The route is uneven in places, so care must be taken, but for those willing to challenge themselves, you’ll be treated to simply stunning views throughout the whole route.
