For those of you who can’t make our Guided Walkking Weekends here is a cracking series of what we consider to be the best walks in the Peak District which you can do whenever you want. There’s a variety of distances and terrain. From the wild, rugged peat and gritstone of the High Peak, to the gentle limestone hills of the White Peak, we’ve something for everyone. And if you don’t feel confident heading out of your own yet, why not consider booking yourself in for one of our Hill Skills courses.
Win Hill and Crook Hill round (11.5 miles/18.5 km)
Another Dark Peak classic tackling the ramparts of Win Hill. This delightful route takes us on a round of two hills that may just tax your thighs and calves. Win Hill, peaking into the sky like a miniature volcano, is followed a few miles later with a climb of Crook Hill on the other side of Ladybower Reservoir. This shortish route is perfect for a winter’s day, best pack the torches though, just in case. Two hills and a tad over ten miles. You couldn’t ask for more! Learn more here
Stanage Edge and Carhead Rocks (3 miles/5 km)
Stanage Edge is famous for different things to different people. From a climbing mecca, to a film location for Pride and Prejudice fans, to Robin Hood’s Cave, this short walk has it all. Heading out along Stanage, we return on lower ground via a little known gem of a footpath that skirts along the top of Carhead Rocks. The walk affords wonderful views down into the Hope Valley. Got two hours spare? Then try this walk. Learn more here
Derwent Watershed: Howden Edge (18 miles/29 km)
Sometimes I like to just get out to the wilderness, where I can walk on my own and enjoy the solitude and Howden Edge offers this in bucket loads. This is a tough walk through some of the most challenging terrain that the Peak District has to offer. It requires good navigation skills and legs of steel. However, the wild and remote nature of this route means that you will enjoy perfect peace, seclusion and solitude! Be warned: doing this walk on anything but a perfectly dry day may see you victim of the man-eating bogs! Learn more here
Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill in the White Peak (4.4 miles/7 km)
As you drive into Longnor, these hills appear to combine and are locally known as the ‘Dragon’s Back’. Until the year 2000, walking along the dragon was prohibited, but the advent of the Countryside Rights of Way Act denoted this as access land so now it’s opened up to walkers and in our opinion definitely one of the best walks in the Peak District. It’s an easy walk and a fabulous place to enjoy, but be warned, for these two micro-alpine summits, you will still need a fair head for heights! Learn more here
White Peak Wanders, Lathkill Dale (11.5 miles/18.5 km)
Starting from Youlegreave this delightful walk follows the stunning Lathkill Dale all the way to Monyash. From here you’ll follow the Limestone Way over the hills and back to Youlegreave. As with all my favourite walks, there’s plenty of contrasts, you head out beside the river and finish walking over the hills. It’s a tad over 11 miles in distance, easy going and with only one cheeky bit that will lead you up a short hill at Cales Dale. Go in the spring – it will be great! Learn more here
Walking the Gritstone Edges: Hathersage Circular, Stanage, Burbage & Froggatt Edges (14.5 miles/23.5 km)
This delightful circular route leads you out of Hathersage and takes in the rocky outcrops and edges of Stanage, Burbage and Frogatt before returning along the green and picturesque River Derwent. It offers so much; a visit to the grave of Robin Hood’s lieutenant, Little John, in Hathersage; North Lees Hall of Bronte sisters fame and Robin Hood’s Cave. If you were to spend just one day of your life walking in the Peak District, this would be the walk to go for. Learn more here
The Edale Skyline (18 miles/29 km)
Annually the Edale Skyline is famous amongst fell runners as a tough winter event spanning 20 or so of the highest miles that the Peak District has to offer. This slightly shorter variation takes in the best of the Dark Peak from the heights of Kinder Scout before heading over to the classic and many times photographed Great Ridge. This is truly up there as one of the Peak District’s best walks. If you have the miles in your legs, give this mighty wander a day of your time. Learn more here
The Nine Ladies of Stanton Moor (11 miles/18 km)
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor are nine free-standing stones forming a circle ten metres in diameter and possibly dating back as far as 1000BC. These standing stones form the focal point for this scenic 11 mile walk. One can not help but be filled with a sense of awe whilst wandering amongst them. Overall an easy walk in pleasant undulating scenery ideal for lovers of mystery and magic, archaeology and history! Learn more here
Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud (7 miles/12 km)
I must have been in my twenties when I first discovered Dovedale and I find I’m still discovering new experiences each time I return. This walk is ideal for doing on a summer’s morning culminating with a picnic by the water: it would be perfect as a family walk (though testing for some kids I imagaine). It does get busy however, so if you’re going to make a visit, I’d suggest coming mid-week and avoiding it on the weekends!
This actual route combines the open sheep-grazed pastures of the local hills with the lush depths of this iconic valley. It also manages to tick off a visit to Reynard’s Cave (and numerous others along the way) as well as having the summit of Thorpe Cloud to tick off. My advice is to walk this anti-clockwise and thus savour the delights of Dovedale and the summit of Thorpe Cloud for the finale! Learn more here
Kinder Scout via a scramble up Crowden Clough (6 miles/9.5 km)
A wonderful way to gain access to the Peak District’s highest hill: Kinder Scout. On this walk you will enjoy a great little adventure by scrambling up Crowden Clough from Upper Booth. Best done on a scorching hot summer’s day when the water-falls of Crowden Clough have dried to a trickle. (Or just get a right soaking!) Learn more here
Further reading
Ten of the Best Peak District Mountain Biking Routes
The Tongue in Cheek History of the Peak District
Hill Walking Made Easy(ier)
Kit Yourself Out for the Outdoors
Peak District Weather Forecast
What to do in an Emergency Outdoors
A Fear of Heights: We’re All on the Same Journey
Top Tips to Get Your Children Walking
Training for challenge walks – guide to get fit