Some of the tougher treks might require some more specialized gear, but mostly the walks in Peak District require just a basic kit that’ll keep you safe and happy. If you really want to get away from the crowds that you can find in some of the Peak District’s most popular walks, you need to consider hitting this trail. Spend several days walking from pub to pub through spectacular landscapes, travelling slowly and gently on foot, which allows more time to savour the special qualities that make these areas unique. The wet ground and cold temperatures that come with winter also mean wearing proper hiking boots. Whatever you get, just make it has a good grip and is waterproof! You start at the Longshaw Estate, and shortly after you’ll be heading out into the countryside on this well-marked trail. You’ll pass a charming area of woodlands on Froggatt Edge, that gives the trail an extra fantasy touch.

After the second stream, there is a short steep ascent that can be quite slippery after rain. You are then at the main car park for Burbage valley. A path leads away from the car park stile which takes you to Higgar Tor. The top of Higgar Tor is popular and can get quite busy on warm summer days during the tourist season, however, the views from here are stunning. Respect the natural environment –The Peak District is a protected area, and hiking among this slice of nature means leaving no trace behind. Do not disturb the natural environment, and keep away from animals — they’re minding their own business, so you should too.

All walks have been plotted using Ordnance Survey online mapping tools. The main paper maps for the area are the OS Explorer Dark Peak OL1 and White Peak OL24. Harvey and the BMC Dark Peak maps are also useful. Always take a map and compass, even if you are using a GPS device. This Pathfinder Guide makes the ideal companion for country walks throughout the Peak District. Clear and easy to follow directions are accompanied by detailed Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale maps and specially commissioned photographs. With 28 colour-coded routes to choose from, all tried and tested by seasoned walkers and varying from extended strolls to exhilarating hikes, there is a walk to suit all situations. Trails here are well kept but do get muddy after rain, and that’s something the Peak District gets a lot of… UK weather, baby! Woo! Try to visit during summer or late spring, where temperatures will probably go around 20ºC. At the top of the Hollowgate, there’s a natural tower of boulders called Owl Tor, which is a pretty good spot to chill for a minute.

Personally, I prefer walking the path at the top of the Edge. This passes a gloomy looking quarry with some impressive and difficult climbs. If you have youngsters with you, please make sure that they are safe, particularly at the quarry, the ground at the top of the quarry walls is crumbly and loose in places, also slippery when wet. We’ve carefully curated some of our favorite trails in this British national park, to make sure there’s something for just about every hiking ability. There are short strolls, bracing hill walks, mystical moorland adventures, and challenging multi-day treks. The guide introduces you to the area and highlights the most scenic walks. Each walk entry begins with a box giving start, distance, height gain, time, parking and route terrain. This is followed by a short overview highlighting the routes features. The main route finding instructions have paragraphs numbered corresponding to numbers on the OS map making navigation safe and easy. There are GPS references for all the route waypoints and the route is highlighted in yellow on the map. The guide also includes information on where to park, good pubs and places of interest along the route. Kinder Scout doesn’t sound like a tough trek at all —but trust us, it’s quite a challenge. The plateau sits at 636 meters above sea level, making it the highest point not just in the Peak District, but also in Derbyshire and the entire English East Midlands. Walking is one of Britain's favourite leisure activities, and this guide to the Peak District features 50 mapped walks from 2 to 10 miles, to suit all abilities.This guidebook provides 35 day walks and 7 longer walks and trails exploring the eastern section of Derbyshire's limestone area. The walks are spread across the area, starting in pleasant towns and villages including Bakewell, Tissington, Eyam and Middleton. Largely travelling along well-marked paths over gentle rolling landscapes, these walks are suitable for walkers of all abilities.

In fact, Peak District was the UK’s first-ever national park, designated as such in 1951. The place was the stage of a famous mass protest in 1932, against the prohibition of hiking in its free open land. First published in 2004, this is the third edition of Paul Besley's guide of over forty walks covered by the eastern sheet of Ordnance Survey White Peak map OL24. This means no folding, unfolding, flapping or tearing of the map to locate the routes. This is one of a series of books with great walking routes covering the most popular and scenic areas of Britain. I have always found Cicerone guidebooks to be well produced with excellent introductions to the area in question and containing detailed descriptions of well-chosen walks. This new guide is no exception. Each walk entry begins with at-a-glance details of distance, time, terrain, parking and public transport access where available. Clear route-finding instructions are provided together with simple overview coloured sketch maps, but OS Explorer map sheet numbers are also provided. The text also includes brief notes on features of interest along the way and there are colour photographs throughout.

So, at this stage, you’re definitively clued up on all things Peak District. You know a bit of history, you know how to stay safe, and you have a rough idea of the wonders you have ahead of you… From the Lord’s Seat, you descend onto the trail that winds along the ridge to Mam Tor itself, before making the short, steep ascent up the stone path to the summit. The scenery on all sides, including the Loose Hill at the far end of the ridge, makes the effort well worth it. And don’t rush it; not only is the descent into the gorge always slippery, but it’s also got some epic atmosphere. Slow is the way to go! Derbyshire County Council closed this path in May 2022 until at least April 2025. Motor vehicles are no longer allowed on that section of road. In view of the length of time and the precarious situation I have completely revised that section of the walk.

As you would expect from Cicerone, each walk is clearly detailed including distance, terrain and local points of interest. Some walks are easy, some more challenging, providing a range of difficulties for all. This Peak District walk allows you to explore one of the most mystical, picturesque, and charming spots in the entire park: Lud’s Church. The route follows old railway lines, footpaths, and a canal towpath. Embarking on this one also means seeing some of the urban fringes around Sheffield and Oldham, as well as the slopes of Cheshire and the moorlands of Staffordshire. Before you set off on your epic journey, take a moment to read through some of our tips and helpful safety advice: summary of distance, time, gradient, level of difficulty, type of surface and access, landscape, dog friendliness, parking and public toilets.

Peak District Maps and Guides (1:25000)

The latest book by acclaimed rambling scribe Mark Reid, it once again draws upon his extensive knowledge of the North Country's footpaths, historic villages and premiership boozers." While not as extreme in inclines as some other crazy hikes, nor as far-flung or remote, the Peak District has enough natural intrigue and hilly trails to keep even veteran hikers mesmerized. The multiple routes that cross the epic Peak District are a perfect showcase of the green landscapes and ancient isles. And hiking here is totally safe. The routes are well-trodden, well-signposted, and the weather is never too extreme.