8 BEST WALKS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT
Looking for the BEST walks in the Peak District? Look no further…
The Peak District attracts thousands of tourists each year to its many peaks… and with good reason! Aside from its stunning natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, and endless opportunities for exploration, The Peak District has a charm that many other national parks don’t… with many a quaint northern village to visit along your way.
Luckily for us, this magical place is right on our doorstep — and is certainly high up our list when it comes to planning a hike not too far from Manchester. New to the Peak District? If you’re yet to explore the magnificent trails right on our doorstep, you might as well start with the best first, eh?
To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a list of the BEST 8 walks in the Peak District — they won’t disappoint.
Mam Tor, Edale
Mam Tor is a classic walk in the Peak District, and for good reason! It offers stunning views across the Edale Valley, and is a relatively easy climb for beginners. The trail is well-marked and takes you through the famous Winnats Pass, a narrow limestone gorge. Don’t forget to snap some pictures at the summit and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys!
Start: Peak Cavern, Castleton
Distance: 7.41 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
Ascent: 1,700 feet
Navigation: follow our trail step-by-step here.
2. Kinder Scout, Hayfield
Kinder Scout is the highest peak in the Peak District, and a popular spot for hikers. The walk can be challenging, but the views are worth it! You’ll pass through wild moorland and take in views of the surrounding peaks. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way. Keep an eye out for mountain hares, red grouse, and even peregrine falcons!
Distance: 8.15 miles
Duration: allow approx. 3-4 hours
Elevation: 1,500 feet
Start: Bowden Bridge Car Park, SK22 2LH
Navigation: follow our route here.
3. Bamford Edge, Hope Valley
Bamford Edge is a stunning ridge walk that offers some of the best views in the Peak District. This is a real treat of a walk, offering some of the best views in the Peak District. With just a short climb at the start, you walk towards Bamford Edge and are instantly rewarded with incredible views of Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs. Up top, you’ll also find another great vantage point in the form of Win Hill. The easygoing nature of this route makes it a popular location for sunrise and sunset.
Distance: 3.53 miles
Elevation: 650 feet
Duration: 1.5 hours
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY
Navigation: follow the route here.
4. Thor’s Cave, Wetton
This is a brilliant route that takes in some of the best landmarks the Peak District has to offer: the beauty of Manifold Valley and the magnificence of Thor’s Cave. Just look at those views!
Thor’s Cave is an iconic natural cavern on the side of the Manifold Valley, making it a perfect spot to reward your efforts after a long day’s walk. Some scrambling to the chamber is required, making it perfect for big kids and little ones alike. There are some steep uphill segments but the views are worth it. The views out into the valley are immense, but do make sure to take care while exploring there are steep drops shortly after the entrance and the surface can be slippery.
Start: Wetton Mill, DE6 2AG
Distance: 7.74 miles
Duration: allow 3-4 hours
Elevation: 1,350 feet
Navigation: follow our route here
5. Padley Gorge and Stanage Edge, Hathersage
Stanage Edge is a popular spot for rock climbers, but it’s also a fantastic walk with stunning views. The trail takes you along the edge of a gritstone escarpment, where you can see views of the Hope Valley and the Dark Peak. Keep an eye out for the resident mountain goats, and take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Peak District.
Our favourite circular walk takes in less-populated trails from the busy Stanage Edge routes around Hathersage, with equally impressive views. Starting at Upper Burbage Bridge Car Park just outside of the town centre, this trail takes you to the magical Padley Gorge, before meandering back for a short scramble up Carl Wark — an awe-inspiring rocky tor.
Start: Upper Burbage Bridge Car Park, Hope Valley, S32 1BR
Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation: 650 feet
Duration: allow approx. 2 hours
Navigation: follow step-by-step
6. Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale
Dovedale is a beautiful valley walk that takes you along the River Dove. The trail is relatively flat and easy-going, making it a great option for families or those looking for a more relaxed hike. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers and otters. Take some time to appreciate the stunning rock formations, such as Thorpe Cloud and the famous stepping stones!
Thorpe Cloud is a gorgeous limestone hill that attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its unique shape. The route up to the summit is easy-to-follow, navigated by blue markers on signposts. With some steep parts that’re a good challenge for beginners, the walk is short and sweet with plenty of options to extend if you’re feeling particularly energetic.
Start: Blore Pastures Carpark, DE6 2BS
Distance: 5.49 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Elevation: 1,000 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
7. B52 Crash Site
By no means the easiest walk but defintiely a firm favourite amongst locals, the climb up to Higher Shelf Stones and the Over-Exposed crash site is definitely one of the most rewarding ones close to Manchester.
Starting from Glossop makes for a longer ascent — but if you’re looking to shorten the route, parking on Snake Pass near to the Pennine Way entrance gives you the best of both worlds: a shorter trail with the same amount of rewards.
Unlike a lot of the more strenuous hikes where the best views lie way up top, this route offers you insane views with every step you take.
Along the way, you’ll escape the confines of the valleys in favour of the sanctuary of high moors. The streams you see along the way make for a great respite on a sunny day — but it can get quite boggy so walking boots are a must on this one.
Start: Manor Park, Glossop
Distance: 9.24 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
Ascent: 1,600 feet
Navigation: follow the route step-by-step here
8. Snake Woodlands
Easily missable as you drive along Snake’s Pass (A57), this magical wonderland is hidden from view until you venture down into the woodland adjacent. This stunning pine forest landscape will have you feeling like you’re in the depths of a Canadian national park, much less on the outskirts of Glossop…
Surrounded by rolling hills, pine trees and babbling streams, you won’t be short on fairytale-like scenery on this short circular walk. In fact, this route has a mix of everything: magical woodlands, eerie moorland and even some spooky ruins to boot.
This route in itself is an absolute gem — but if you’re looking to get a few extra miles in, popular Peak District landmarks Higher Shelf Stones and the B52 Crash Site can easily be incorporated.
Start: Hope Woodland Car Park, S33 0AB
Distance: 3.59 miles
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation: 400 feet
Navigation: follow the route here.
