THIS WEEK’S FEATURED WALKS:
ALL TRAILS
SOLOMON’S TEMPLE WALK
An short but idyllic in Buxton boasting impressive views
Perched high over the idyllic town of Buxton lies a monument like no other. Solomon’s Temple is Buxton’s very own folly. The Victorian viewpoint tower built in 1896 stands proudly atop the summit of Grin Low - and, unlike the true spirit of a folly (which usually have no practical purpose whatsoever), Solomon’s Temple actually occupies a site of ancient significance.
It’s built on the site of a tumulus, a Neolithic burial chamber, and replaced the ruins of an earlier structure built by Solomon Mycock. Before the existing tower was built, the area was excavated and contained several skeletons from the Beaker period - spooky stuff.
Grin Low, which Solomon’s Temple is built on, was the main location for the early Buxton lime industry. The large, oddly shaped mounds you see on the walk up to the summit are widespread remains of over 100 large ‘pudding’ lime kilns which date from the 17th-19th centuries.
And as for the route itself? Well, it’s one of our favourite walks this side of the Peaks, that’s for sure.
With your choice of woodland trails leading from Poole’s Cavern to the summit, you’re sure to be met with beautiful landscape and spectacular views whichever way you venture.
Fancy giving it a go? Follow the route here
BEST CIRCULAR WALKS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT: SOLOMON’S TEMPLE
An idyllic short walk in Buxton boasting impressive views
Start: Buxton Pavillion Gardens, SK17 6BE
Distance: 5.62 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 625 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
Perched high over the idyllic town of Buxton lies a monument like no other. Solomon’s Temple is Buxton’s very own folly. The Victorian viewpoint tower built in 1896 stands proudly atop the summit of Grin Low - and, unlike the true spirit of a folly (which usually have no practical purpose whatsoever), Solomon’s Temple actually occupies a site of ancient significance.
It’s built on the site of a tumulus, a Neolithic burial chamber, and replaced the ruins of an earlier structure built by Solomon Mycock. Before the existing tower was built, the area was excavated and contained several skeletons from the Beaker period - spooky stuff.
Grin Low, which Solomon’s Temple is built on, was the main location for the early Buxton lime industry. The large, oddly shaped mounds you see on the walk up to the summit are widespread remains of over 100 large ‘pudding’ lime kilns which date from the 17th-19th centuries.
And as for the route itself? Well, it’s one of our favourite walks this side of the Peaks, that’s for sure.
With your choice of woodland trails leading from Poole’s Cavern to the summit, you’re sure to be met with beautiful landscape and spectacular views whichever way you venture.
Fancy giving it a go? Follow the route here
THORPE CLOUD
Gothic manors… idyllic tearooms… and a trig point to boot — this walk in Ashbourne has it all
Start: Blore Pastures Carpark, DE6 2BS
Distance: 5.49 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Elevation: 1,000 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
Whether you’re here for the stepping stones across the River Manifold, or fancy indulging in the history of this quaint town’s old manor house, a day trip to Ilam Park is always a good idea.
After a meander around Ilam Hall, our route takes you up Thorpe Cloud as you summit the hill for breathtaking views across the dale, and return home via the stepping stones across the River Dove.
Thorpe Cloud is found in the White Peaks on the southern end of Dovedale — a gorgeous limestone hill that attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its unique shape and close proximity to Dovedale Stepping Stones.
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.
The Stepping Stones are a very popular Peak District attraction, so if you’re wanting to explore free from pedestrian traffic, we’d definitely recommend visiting off-peak if that’s an option for you.
That said, they’re a must-do Peak activity… and well worth the visit!
Grab yer hiking boots and follow one of our favourite Peak District walks here
SCAFELL PIKE
Being high up in the mountains can be some of nature’s best therapy. So why not give England’s highest a go?
Start: Lake Head Carpark, Wasdale CA20 1EX
Distance: 7.7 miles
Elevation: 3,000 feet
Duration: allow 4 hours
Navigation: follow our route here
Standing at 978 metres, Scafell Pike is an absolute must for anyone looking to bag England’s biggest peak. Whichever route you take, climbing Scafell Pike is a serious undertaking and requires pre-planning to tackle it safely. That said, be sure to check the weather before you grab for your boots.
We started at Lake Head Car Park, Wasdale, a popular pay-and-display carpark so getting down early is advised. The remote and scenic valley surrounding offers an idyllic starting point. The main path up to the summit is advised for beginners, but if you’re up for more of a challenge, the corridor route offers a more scenic alternative.
Taking on the Corridor Route, in our opinion, offers better views and a more diverse variety of terrain. It’s usually walked via Styhead Tarn from Borrowdale, but you can pick up the Corridor from Wasdale as you pass under the slopes of the Great Gable. Choosing this route means scrambling is required at parts, but the incredible vistas are well worth it.
The trail is a pretty straightforward one to follow, with a clear path for most of the way. Once approaching Greta Gill, there is a slight scramble down but it’s easy enough to descend.
The Corridor is a real mountaineers route and rewards you with breathtaking rock scenery once you ascend on the Corridor itself. In our opinion, this circular walk is the best option for breaking up the ascent while offering incredible views everyway you turn.
Once reaching the summit, if you’re lucky enough to be blessed with a clear weather day—the views you’re rewarded with will take you back and then some. If the weather permits, you’ll be able to bask in the beautiful Cumbrian coastline, with views stretching out to the Isle of Man and beyond.
For those looking for a real challenge, why not take on Sca Fell (England’s second highest mountain) and Scafell Pike in one day? Climbing both in one day throws in bonus views —and double the bragging rights— with an exhilarating descent back to Wasdale.
Fancy following our route up to England’s biggest mountain? Click here
UPHILL CHALLENGES:
WALKS WITH WATERFALLS:
