9 Best Walks In The Peak District, England

best walks in peak district
Charmaine
Charmaine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Are you an outdoor lover and ready to soak up breathtaking views? Then the UK’s first national park, the Peak District, should be on your to-do-now list. The Peak District is an upland area in England that features dramatic and diverse landscapes, endless interesting natural structures, a vast network of caves, picturesque villages, and pristine countryside. Pick from different activities, trail difficulties, and paths. Gearing to go hiking? Then lace up those hiking boots and check out our list of the best walks in Peak District, UK. Choose to stay on track or pick one off the beaten tracks as endless possibilities and experiences await you.

1. Mam Tor

In the clouds, Mam Tor Summit, Peak District, Derbyshire EXPLORED Jul 28 2014 ^336 - Flickr - ^Joe
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Hunt used under CC BY 2.0

Mam Tor, which means “mother hill” is a 517 m (1696 ft) hill near Castleton in the High Peak of Derbyshire. It offers majestic scenery, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture stunning images. You may opt to take the Mam Tor Circular Walk that takes around this beautiful scenery. This moderately difficult 3-mile (4.8-km) walk takes about two hours. The tor is a strenuous ascent with steps and rough surfaces, so don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear and dependable torches. These are essential for you, especially if you want to stay until dusk. 

Mam Tor

Address: Derbyshire Peak District, UK

Website: Mam Tor

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2. The Roaches & Luds Church

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

From the moment you step foot down the steps into the chasm of Lud’s Church, you’re greeted with the wow factor, perfect...

Posted by Peak District Walks on Wednesday, June 8, 2022

The Roaches & Lud’s Church is for you if you are looking for a quiet trail. The Roaches & Lud’s Church walking trail is right for you. It is characterized by a unique gritstone landscape and breathtaking views. If you choose the perfect day, then the top of the roaches also makes a great picnic spot. The moderately difficult hike covers 11.4 km (7 miles), which takes around 3 to 4 hours.

The Roaches & Luds Church

Address: Leek ST13 8TA, United Kingdom

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3. Sett Valley Trail

Sett Valley Trail
Source: Photo by user Dave Dunford used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Sett Valley Trail not only has great hiking trails but also a picnic area on site. An information center is also there to guide you on the trail and provide assistance. This 2.5-mile (4.0 km) valley trail used to be highly industrialized and so it is not surprising to pass by a former railway and weavers’ cottages along the way. It is also home to an enticing fauna - speckled wood butterfly, common carder bee and the great spotted woodpecker can be seen flying around. Along the way, you will be able to pass by the Hayfield Countryside Centre, for facilities and picnic sites. The beautiful Mousley Bottom Local Nature Reserve, with its woodland, wetland, and grassland and the Bluebell Wood Local Nature Reserve are nearby. A balance of both people and wildlife has been achieved at the Sett Valley Trail.

Sett Valley Trail

Address: 40 Station Rd, Hayfield, High Peak SK22 2ES, United Kingdom

Website: Sett Valley Trail

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4. Kinder Scout

Kinder Scout
Source: Photo by user James Burke used under CC BY 2.0

If you are looking for a challenging trail then Kinder Scout is the one. It is a 15-square-mile (39 sq km) plateau of blanket peat bog ringed by an impressive array of gritstone tors (rocky outcrops). Its dramatic edges offer an alluring charm that will make you come back over and over again. The Kinder Scout is appropriate for experienced hikers, not only of its difficulty but also because of its distance of 14.5 km (9.0 miles) and elevation of 625 m (2,051 ft). Fastpack and start early for the circuit route roughly takes four to five hours. Don’t forget to celebrate with a pint at the Ramblers before heading home.

Kinder Scout

Address: High Peak S33 7ZJ, UK

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5. Bamford Walk

Bamford Edge
Source: Photo by user Abarrajon used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bamford Edge will place you at a whole new facet of adventure. On a clear day, you will have an unobstructed view of the Hope Valley. It is at an elevation of 1381 ft (420 meters) and is always a pleasure to visit, rain or shine. The beauty along the trail is breathtaking. The terrain is upland and can be rocky, but the paths are easy to follow. You may also spend the night and camp out. There are many tracks to choose from so whether you decide to take the short or the long circuitous path, it will be worth your while.

Bamford Walk

Address: Ashopton Rd, Hope Valley S33 0AD, United Kingdom

Website: Bamford Walk

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6. Eccles Pike

Eccles Pike Topograph.
Source: Photo by user Simon Harrod used under CC BY 2.0

The Eccles Pike stands at 370 m (1,210 ft) and it is the perfect start for first-time hikers. Its well-followed footpaths and narrow lanes are enjoyable. It offers good views of Manchester and the Kinder Scout plateau. The stroll can begin gently and then the terrain slowly progresses to a zig-zag ascension. When on top, you will be embraced by landscape views of the High Peak hills. The descent is gradual and will even allow you to have a lovely view of the Combs Reservoir with some livestock grazing.

Eccles Pike

Address: Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak SK23 9RS, United Kingdom

Website: Eccles Pike

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7. Longshaw

Longshaw Estate
Source: Photo by Flickr user Sheffield Tiger used under CC BY 2.0

The Longshaw Estate is another gorgeous part of the Peak District. Whether it is for a family day out or as a base for serious walkers and cyclists- Longshaw can cater to it all. It has trails suitable for all abilities and interests. Look out for spectacular wildlife too. A moderately difficult trail, it covers 3 miles (4.8 km) and can be covered in 2 hours. There are some steep sections, especially after rainfall. So, come with your hiking buddy. If you are looking for a relatively easy trail then do the Longshaw Estate Burbage Brook walk and walk alongside a tumbling stream and wildlife-rich meadows. This walk only takes an hour and covers only 2.3 miles (3.6 km).

Longshaw

Address: Orrell, Wigan WN5 7GA, UK

Website: Longshaw

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8. Stanage Edge

High Neb, Stanage Edge - geograph.org.uk - 392163
Source: Photo by user Stephen Horncastle used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Stanage Edge is not only for walkers but also for rock climbers. This is situated north of Hathersage; it has amazing views of the Dark peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. It is advised that people bring their maps and compass and also wear sturdy boots to fully enjoy the trails without disruptions. If you choose to start at the village of Hathersage, this 9-mile (14.4-km) walk will take you along wonderful cliffs of Stanage Edge and magnificent views.

Stanage Edge

Address: Hope Valley S32 1DZ, UK

Website: Stanage Edge

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9. Tissington Trail

The tunnel at the start of the Tissington Trail, Ashbourne - geograph.org.uk - 130214
Source: Photo by user Oliver Dixon used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Tissington Trail was originally a trackbed that carried express trains from Manchester to London. The line was closed in the 1960s and it was turned into a trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside that is free for access to everybody. This trails runs at 13.2 miles (21.3 km) and will take one around 4 hours and 30 minutes on foot. What’s wonderful about this trail is that it is 100% traffic-free.

Tissington Trail

Address: Ashbourne DE6 1RA, UK

Website: Tissington Trail

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Stunning scenery in Peak District

Peak District in the UK has all the wish-list of walks. Your paths are waiting, so get on your way. But remember to leave nothing but footprints and take part in the preservation of the surroundings so that more generations can enjoy these best walks in Peak District, UK.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Charmaine is a Filipino food and travel blogger who is in constant search for new adventures and experiences. Travelling around the world has given her a wider perspective about life and a deeper...Read more

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