WINNATS PASS

One of the best Peak District walks just a short drive from Manchester if impressive views and steep climbs are your thing!

Start: Castleton Visitor Centre, S33 8WN

Distance: 5.02 miles

Elevation: 900 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

This walk takes you high above Winnats Pass and around Castleton, meaning you can take in this amazing Peak District village from all angles. The start of the route leans towards the challenging side, taking you up a steep and rocky path straight up to Winnats Pass, so consider if this one’s for you before heading out.

The first ascent is steep with scrambling required. Thankfully, a kind soul has left a climbers rope tied to a gate post which gives you all the leverage you need. We’ve been meaning to give this one a go for a while, and it didn’t disappoint.

The route starts near Castleton Visitor Centre where you’ll find a shop, cafe and toilets… among a gorgeous array of nearby pubs, eateries and cafes.

The car park is pay and display, but there’s street parking available nearby (be aware these fill up quickly during peak hours, so we recommend getting down early).

Once atop Winnats Pass, you’ll follow a trail that leads close to the boundary wall and takes you along the top of the pass. Be sure to stop and take in the views on this part of the walk, we were blown away watching the tiny cars winding their way through the Way.

From here, you’ll head along a footpath in the direction of Mam Tor, before taking a detour to Odin Mine: a disused mine thought to be in use since around 1260. The landscape surrounding makes for great exploring, leading you to the collapsed road constructed beneath Mam Tor.

Once you reach Treak Cliff Cavern, look out for signs that tell you about the history of the area. Winnats Pass and the surrounding environment was once under a tropical sea, making the site protected by law due to the many fossils of sea creatures which lived here over 350 million years ago.

The valley was created by melting glaciers which gradually dissolved, creating streams which flowed through and under cracks in the rock. One of these streams created a large underground cave system which eventually collapsed, leaving Winnats Pass you see today!

With so much to see in such a short walk, this is undoubtedly one of our favourites when visiting Derbyshire.

Fancy giving it a go? Follow the walk here

WHALEY BRIDGE INCLINE

With neighbouring Buxton and Hayfield (home of Kinder Scout) often taking the peak-shaped glory, Whaley Bridge can be overlooked as a place to grab your boots and go for a walk — and that’s part of the reason it’s one of our favourite places to explore.

Start: Canal Street Free Carpark, SK23 7LX

Distance: 6.9 miles

Elevation: 1,000 feet

Duration: allow 2-3 hours

Navigation: follow our route here

Just a 20 minute drive from Stockport and only 40 from Manchester, Whaley Bridge is one of the most accessible Peak District villages to visit from our neck of the woods — but that doesn’t mean it loses any of its charm. While many walkers use the village as a great base to explore other more challenging routes, Whaley itself has many idyllic spots that’re often overlooked by tourists and ramblers alike.

Whether it’s a walk along Bugsworth Basin towards Eccles Pike, or a trip to nearby Goyt Valley, Whaley Bridge has much to offer in untouched countryside and gorgeous landscapes to explore.

But for us, the true showstopper in Whaley is its own surrounds. Due to the popularity of other routes nearby, we pretty much had the entire trail to ourselves (except for plenty of sheep… and even some llamas!)

Our walk starts at the Whaley Bridge Canal Basin, which you can follow along to Marple one way and Macclesfield the other. Following the incline, you’ll come across plenty of stiles and well-marked paths through idyllic farmland and fields up to Kettleshulme, with a well-earned pitstop at The Swan Inn mid-route.

On the homeward leg, you can stop off at Todd Brook Reservoir and Brookfield Pond nature reserve for a final pit stop and a much-deserved refuel.

Fancy giving this walk a go? Follow one of the High Peak’s best routes here

THE ROACHES AND LUD’S CHURCH

Always fancied venturing to Lud’s Church? This walk offers a quieter alternative route, taking in some of the best sights the Peak District has to offer…

Start: Roaches UKC Parking, ST13 8UA

Distance: 7.7 miles

Duration: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 1,100 feet

Navigation: follow our route here

The Roaches walk usually offers a quieter route up to Lud’s Church, offering the breathtaking views to match. Before approaching The Roaches trig point, you’ll meander through an unusual sandstone landscape that’ll transport you to a time gone-by.

Lud’s Church itself is one the Peak District’s must-see landmarks, and from the moment you step foot into its surrounds, we’re sure you’ll understand why. Pictures definitely don’t do this place justice, so a trip to Lud’s is a must!

The ravine that makes up Lud’s Church is thought to have formed during the post-glacial period —some 11,000 years ago— by a large slip of Roaches Grit: a coarse form of sandstone.

It wasn’t until the 15th century that this place became a popular place to dwell— among a secret community, at least. A group of religious dissenters called the Lollards flocked here to hold covert religious meetings to escape the prosecution of the Catholic Church. It’s thought the name of a man arrested at one of these meetings, Walter de Ludank, inspired the name of the site.

Today, the area provides a dramatic nature walk through the Black Forest, transporting passers-by into old England and its many forgotten tales. You certainly don’t have to stretch your imagination too much to picture this place as the origin of many myths and mysteries.

Over the centuries, its’s been associated with tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, who’re thought to have hid here as a place of refuge.

Our route starts in Upper Hulme, first taking you up a fairly steep climb to Hen Cloud. From here, you’ll head up towards The Roaches, strolling along the top of the moorland until you reach woodland that takes you to Lud’s Church.

The Roaches is a 505-metre high ridge that soars above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir, making for incredible views on a clear day. Surrounding, there’s ample places to explore with lots of diversions for those wanting to spend the day discovering new paths.

With such a variety of landscapes in a relatively short walk, this is definitely one of our favourite walks up north. On a clear day up the ridge, you may even spot Snowdon in the distance.

Sound like your ideal day out? Follow the route here

MIDDLE BLACK CLOUGH

Fancy a trip to one of Derbyshire’s best waterfalls? Then this walk is a must

Start: Woodhead Tunnel Car Park, SK13 1JF

Distance: 7.66 miles

Elevation: 1,175 feet

Duration: allow approx. 3 hours

Navigation: follow our route here

Due to its hard-to-find location, once you reach Middle Black Clough you’re likely to have the waterfall and its surrounds entirely to yourself! A perfect spot for scramblers and wild swimmers alike, this hidden gem is a must-visit when passing Woodhead.

Starting on the Longdendale Trail, our route takes you through Woodhead Tunnels and over the moorland surrounding. Following our trail, the waterfall is right at the end of the walk—and you’ll want your waterproof boots for this one when you arrive as there’s a short water crossing.

Not surprisingly, this secret waterfall is a little tricky to find (even with our komoot trail) so be prepared to persevere in following the clough as far as you can until your reach a ford. Once here, follow Middle Black Clough up to the waterfall, and enjoy the surrounds!

Ready to go for a dip? Follow our route here

THOR’S CAVE

Thor’s Cave is known as one of the Peak District’s most famous caves… and with good reason.

Start: Wetton Mill, DE6 2AG

Distance: 7.74 miles

Duration: allow 3-4 hours

Elevation: 1,350 feet

Navigation: follow our route here

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!

From Wetton village, this route first takes you along the Manifold Valley and past Wetton Mill with more caves to explore, before allowing you to finish at the perfect beauty spot: Thor’s Cave.

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.

Thor’s Cave is a popular attraction so we recommend visiting out of season or towards the end of day to avoid a wait up to the cave. You can also shorten the walk—and fast-track your arrival on busy days— by simply heading to Thor’s Cave and back from Wetton, cutting out the meander along the Manifold Valley.

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.

The origin of Thor’s Cave name is unknown but has obvious links to the Norse god Thor. Historically, evidence of human occupation of Thor’s Cave has been found dating back to the latter part of the Stone Age, around 11,000 years ago—with continued use into the Iron Age and Roman period. Excavations of the area have found living utensils such as stone tools, pottery and bronze items, as well as burial sites for seven people.

Fancy giving it a go? Follow our route here

BAMFORD RIDGE

Derwent Edge hogs the limelight around Ladybower—this short loop offers the immense views… without as much legwork

Distance: 3.53 miles

Elevation: 650 feet

Duration: 1.5 hours

Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY

Navigation: follow the route here

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 rewarded with incredible views of Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs.

Just opposite, 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.

Up top, you’ll be spoilt for walking-trail choice if you’re looking to extend the walk—with the option to include both Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs if you’re feeling particularly energetic.

Bamford Edge itself is a beautiful photo spot with many amazing rock formations. Facilities are limited on this trail, but there are public toilets available at the start of the walk (Heatherdene Car Park) and a cafe at Derwent Reservoir for those extending the route.

Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here

KINDER TRESPASS: HAYFIELD TO KINDER SCOUT

The Peak District ‘big one’… follow our route up to the highest point in the Peaks

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

Starting at Bowden Bridge, this trail takes you up to one of the Peak Districts most famous—and arguably, best— natural landmarks: Kinder Scout.

Along the way, you’ll follow in the footsteps of 500 walkers who, back in 1932, trespassed en masse from Hayfield to Kinder Scout to secure access right to open country for all to enjoy.

Bowden Bridge Quarry is where protester Benny Rothman addressed the crowd of ramblers before they set off to Kinder Reservoir. In Hayfield, you’ll find a large information board which explains the pivotal role the Trespass had in opening up routes for all to enjoy.

At the carpark, you’ll find public toilets and a pop-up coffee shop to fuel up for your climb. On a clear day, you can see right across Manchester and as far as Snowdonia, making this trail one of the best views in the Peak District. It’s an iconic hike, taking in the expansive moorland plateau of Kinder Scout as you ascend towards the highest point in the Peaks.

There are two routes up to the plateau, starting from Edale or Hayfield. Both make for a great day out, but the Hayfield walk takes in the most spectacular scenery along the way.

During the ascent, you’ll pass Kinder Downfall—the highest waterfall in the Peaks. Be prepared for uneven terrain and steep uphill climbs, so walking boots and proper preparation are needed for this one.

Up top, you’ll come across the Kinder Low trig pillar, marking the unofficial high point of Kinder Scout that makes for a great photo stop.

The descent takes you along steep grassy terrain and farmland, with some (easy) scrambling required on one rocky section, so take care during these parts. As you return towards Bowden Bridge, you’ll pass The Sportsman Inn, a great place to reward your efforts with a well-earned post-walk pint.

Ready to give this one a go? Follow our route step-by-step here

THE TORRS CIRCULAR

An idyllic 10 mile loop taking in the best of Stockport’s forgotten history

Distance: 10.5 miles

Duration: allow approx. 4 hours

Elevation: 1,200 feet

Start: Peak Forest Canal, Marple SK6 7NP

Navigation: follow the route here

On initial glance, New Mills may look like any ordinary Peak District village: small, picturesque with little much-to-do around the town. Venture just a few steps downwards towards the River Sett, and you enter another landscape entirely.

Below the hustle and bustle of the main shopping centre lies New Mill’s (not so) hidden gem: The Torrs. We’ve done this walk a few times, and every time we’re amazed by the astounding natural gorge that lies below.

Expect colourful cliffs, enormous viaducts and a long bridge that transports you to the Goyt Way; making for one of the best walks in Derbyshire.

The Torrs itself makes for a great short circular route if you’re not planning on venturing far, but our trail starts and ends in nearby Stockport. From Marple, you’ll head towards The Roman Lakes and passed the site of Mellor Mill Ruins. Once a shining star or the Oldknow Empire, Mellor Mill was the biggest spinning mill the world had seen during its time of construction.

What remains of the mill have since been taken over by the natural world, making for a gorgeous pitstop by the Peak Forest Canal and River Goyt.

Passing the ruins, you’ll make the ascent towards Mellor Cross—a local landmark on Cobden Edge. The cross was originally erected in March 1970, made by a carpenter local to the area. From The Cross, you’ll reach Mellor Moor, where you’ll be rewarded with views across the western edge of the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain.

The moor’s umpteen tracks date back to prehistoric Old Mercian trackways, and make great aids for exploration. The line of an ancient trackway is said to be the route of monks and pilgrims, with waymarkers signifying Old Mercian landmarks and monasteries.

Descending from the moorland, we head towards New Mills where you can stop for a well-earned refuel. The town boasts an impressive mix of independent shops, cafes and pubs, perfect for that much-needed pitstop before the homeward leg. We stopped off at Clockwork Cafe, which has all your caffeine (and Derbyshire Oatcakes!) cravings covered.

After a refuel is where you’ll be greeted with the trail’s main event: The Torrs Millennium Walkway. This 175-yard aerial walkway spans the cliffsides above the River Goyt, with links to many walking and cycling routes should you choose to travel a different way home. New Mills Heritage Centre provides maps and guides for several nearby walks, including the iconic Kinder Trespass Trail.

In 1932, around 500 walkers from Manchester trespassed en masse from Hayfield to Kinder Scout to secure access right to open country for all to enjoy. Back then, walkers across England and Wales were denied access to areas of open country—luckily for us, the trespass helped pave the way for the establishment of the Pennine Way and other long-distance footpaths enjoyed today.

Fancy following in their footsteps? You can follow our Hayfield to Kinder Scout route here.

On the home stretch, the Goyt Way makes for a relaxing, flat stroll—taking you passed landmarks such as Bruce’s Clock in Strines. In medieval times, Strines stood as a large hunting forest—The Forest of the Peak—before local gentry settled here during the Elizabethan period.

Bruce’s Clock was originally found on the grounds surrounding Strines Hall, with the comings and goings of local people ordered by the striking of its bell in days when clocks and watches were rare household acquisitions.

After briefly meeting back up with The Roman Lakes footpath, you’ll finally reach The Peak Forest Canal to make the last stretch back to Marple.

The Waltzing Matilda sometimes moors here, so keep an eye out if you’re looking to refuel on woodfired pizza.

Fancy giving this walk a go? You can follow our GPX directions here

PADLEY GORGE

Gently flowing waterfalls… easy-going ascents… impeccable views and a pub pit-stop, Padley Gorge loop is one of the Peak District’s best circular walks

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

Route Overview:

This 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.

Higger Tor, Hathersage Moor, Carl Wark and Burbage Edge are all included in this loop. Starting at the free car park at Burbage Bridge, you’ll be hard-pressed to see another soul for the first half of the walk, as you walk along side a stream and through the forest away from the more popular trails.

Be prepared for a slight scramble as you reach the tops of Higger Tor and Carl Wark. The approach from Burbage Bridge can also get a little boggy, so make sure to grab your waterproof boots before attempting this one.

Why not extend your walk with a visit to Little John’s grave? As you head towards Hathersage, you can expect magical panoramic views of faraway landmarks, moors and meadows.

Follow our route step-by-step here - happy exploring!

DRAGON’S BACK LOOP

Want to feel like you’ve spent the day in Middle Earth? This route’s for you.

Start: Hollinsclough, SK17 0RH

Distance: 5 miles

Ascent: 1,000 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow step-by-step

Starting and finishing in the pretty hamlet of Hollinsclough, this walk has it all: magnificent views across the Staffordshire and Peak District wilds, paths criss-crossed with ancient stone walls, and summits galore… taking you through the breath-taking landscapes of the famous Dragon’s Back over the tops of Chrome Hill (424m), before meandering back up Parkhouse Hill (360m).

From here, you descend through untouched farmland and idyllic country lanes to make the return back to Hollinsclough.

With challenging terrain in places, our route to the summit of Parkhouse Hill should only be taken on if you’re confident at scrambling. There’s free street parking in the village but spaces are limited to so plan ahead if you’re arriving by car.

The views of the landscapes surrounding are sure to take your breath away at every part of this route. But the real highlight for us came in the form of a wonderfully idyllic pitstop, The Honesty Shop.

This perfectly stocked café-come-hut-come-shop has all your refuel needs covered, with hot drinks, sweet treats and fresh local produce aplenty. The Honesty Shop has no staff and relies solely on the good nature of passers-by to do the right thing - a comforting reminder that we were far away from the hustle of the city.

The walk can be shorted by cutting out the final ascent over Parkhouse Hill or extended by following your nose to the summit of High Wheeldon.

Another option is to start at The Quiet Woman pub in Earl Sterndale, not far from Buxton. Unsurprisingly, the many routes surrounding the limestone reef knolls of Chrome and Parkhouse Hills make for magnificent views throughout.

You can follow our route step-by-step here.

Fancy having a go? Tag us using #getlostmcr, we love seeing your wild adventures!