The oldest National Park in the UK, and an idyllic place for cycling, caving, and climbing – among many other activities – perhaps none more so than just a good stretch of the legs and a wander around. So, without further ado, here are our 5 favourite Peak District walks.
The walk up Mam Tor is the most popular in the Peak District, and for good reason, offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside. It is a relatively easy walk, so easily accessible and suitable for most people, so don’t worry if you’re more a Netflix-lover than you are a gym-goer. The walk follows a well-worn footpath, so getting lost is almost impossible. It also leads past several famous caves, all waiting to be explored – seemingly made for letting the children run wild from cave to cave whilst you look for the perfect photo opportunity over the rolling hills.
One of the earliest Norman fortresses, the castle walk built some time in the second half of the 11th century. The walk from the centre of Castleton is short, but it offers stunning views over Hope Valley as well as the village. If you want to make your day longer, you can also walk a little further and visit the Peak Cavern. Follow the footpath for incredible photo opportunities and views of the valley.
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, and the walks around it are some of the most challenging in the region. Whether you’re looking for a rewarding walk, or you’d like to try your hands at scrambling, this area is perfect for a slightly harder but fun-filled day out. The walk may be challenging, but the stunning views, which include a waterfall, will more than make up for the effort. Make sure you bring good shoes, a map and a compass though – this area is not as easy to navigate as Mam Tor for example, especially in bad weather.
For all you Pride & Prejudice fans, this is the one not to miss! Remember the iconic scene where Keira Knightley is standing on top of a cliff, overlooking the stunning countryside? Well, you can take that perfect photo for your Instagram account, and who knows, maybe you’ll meet your own Mr Darcy?
The closest village with a train station is Hathersage – start there and admire the many stunning viewpoints along the way. Try counting the number of Millstones you come across – abandoned since the mid-19th century, they’re an iconic part of the Peak District.
Close the village of Hope, you’ll find a stunning valley which contains the Ladybower Reservoir. Sometimes referred to as the Lake District of the Peak District, the reservoir is a stunning lake surrounded by natural beauty. It’s the perfect location if you want to practice your photography skills, especially during sunset. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view or walk around the entire reservoir if you want to stretch your legs.
