The 12 best walks in the Peak District National Park

The 12 best walks in the Peak District National Park

The best walks in the Peak District National Park showcase some of the most beautiful and accessible walking scenery in England

When we moved to the country we almost ended up in the Peak District. It was a back and forth between there and the Yorkshire Dales, but in the end the pull of the Dales was just a bit too strong.

However, the Peak District came a close second. Wedged between the northern cities of Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District National Park is arguably England's most accessible wilderness.

Britain's first national park is an idyllic landscape with a wide range of natural beauty. The occasionally bleak but eternally beautiful Pennine landscape features dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, rocky cliffs, picturesque market towns and cozy villages seemingly untouched by time.

It is one of England's best walking destinations - ideal for micro-adventures - and is supported by excellent infrastructure with a wide range of accommodation, dining and drinking options.

Best walks in the Peak District National Park

We've picked the best walks in the Peak District National Park for all abilities, from breezy afternoon jaunts to more challenging multi-day hikes.

Further information on other activities, access details and accommodation options can be found on the national park website.

1. Mam Tor

Distance: 14km (9mi)Duration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Medium

alt="Mam Tor in the Peak District">Daniel_Kay/ShutterstockMam Tor at sunrise

Mam Tor is a 517 m (1,696 ft) high hill known as the "Trembling Mountain" after a series of landslides cascaded down its slopes. Located near Castleton in the High Peak area of ​​Derbyshire, it offers one of the best walks in the Peak District and has been described as England's greatest ridge walk.

The stone walkway offers some of the most accessible and dramatic views in the Peak District. The circular route also passes the charming villages of Castleton and Hope, ideal for refreshment stops.

2. Child Scout

Distance: 27km (17mi)Duration: 7-9 hoursDifficulty: Moderate

alt="Kinder Scout is one of the best walks in the Peak District">Irina Poliakova/ShutterstockKinder Scout is one of the best walks in the Peak District

This full-day circular hike winds around a huge high plateau with breathtaking views. Along the way, walkers pass the dramatic waterfall of Kinder Downfall and can complete the walk with an optional but fun scramble across Grindsbrook Clough.

The loop can be walked in either direction, but most walk counterclockwise. The route can also be shortened by jumping over the plateau at any point, although the terrain underfoot will be boggy.

3. Saddleworth Moor

Distance: 12km (7.5mi)Duration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Medium

alt="Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District">SAKhanPhotography/ShutterstockSaddleworth Moor in the Peak District

This wonderful walk takes in the northern edge of the Peak District National Park and connects the villages of Marsden and Uppermill. The trail follows the high moors between the Colne and Tame valleys, a route steeped in local history.

The trail offers a fantastic cross-section of the classic South Pennine landscape as well as some unique sights such as Standedge Tunnel, Saddleworth Viaduct and Redbrook Reservoir.

4. Bakewell to Chatsworth

Distance: 12km (7.5mi)Duration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Easy-medium

alt="The Village of Bakewell">Marbury/ShutterstockThe village of Bakewell

No visit to Derbyshire or the Peak District would be complete without a trip to Bakewell to try this pudding (just don't call it a tart!). Aside from the delicious dessert, Bakewell is famous for its nearby idyllic trails that criss-cross the ponds and meadows of Calton Pastures.

This gentle walk passes a number of stately homes and charming villages and offers the opportunity to view Chatsworth's famous herds of red and fallow deer roaming the parkland.

5. The cockroaches

Distance: 10km (6mi)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy-medium

alt=“A climber enjoys the view from the cockroaches”>Sponsor/ShutterstockA climber enjoys the view from the cockroaches

The Cockroaches ridgeline is famous for its purple heather, which explodes in color in late summer. The cockroaches are also popular with climbers and have long been used as a training ground for the mountaineers of yesteryear. Climbers and boulderers still cavort in the cliffs, but hikers are more likely to be encountered on this extraordinary path.

The figure-eight route climbs a dramatic ridge path before quickly descending into a moss-covered ravine before looping back and following the ravine on the opposite side.

A wallaby colony once lived in the area after a local zookeeper released the animals in 1940 when wartime regulations ordered private zoos to close. Unfortunately, the marsupial colony is believed to have died out after initially flourishing, although alleged sightings have been reported sporadically.

6.Chrome Hill

Distance: 10km (6mi)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy-medium

alt="The Dragon's Back is one of the best hikes in the Peak District">Daniel_Kay/ShutterstockHow can anyone resist climbing Dragonspine?

How can you resist a hike along this striking chain of limestone hills known as Dragonback? A miniature massif rises from the surrounding hayfields near Buxton and offers some of the most memorable views in Derbyshire.

Often referred to as the Peak District's one and only peak, Chrome Hill rarely disappoints hikers. The distinctive line of seven jagged peaks is said to resemble the giant "plates" found along the spine of a Stegosaurus dinosaur.

After the topping out ceremony on the Dragon's Back, it's only polite to share your daring stories over a pint and a pickled egg in the cozy Quiet Woman Inn pub in Buxton.

7. Padley Gorge

Distance: 4km (2.5mi)Duration: 1-2 hoursDifficulty: Easy

alt="The River Derwent along Padley Gorge">Paolo Sanna90/ShutterstockThe River Derwent along Padley Gorge

This quick and tranquil walk through a wooded valley alongside the River Derwent offers an alternative view of the Peak District. There are no dragons or peaks along Padley Gorge; just a desolate forest, babbling streams, a cozy cafe and hotel, an 18th century bar and restaurant (located right along the path).

The forests look at their best in fall, when the vibrant orange and red tones of the foliage complement the deep green of the mossy boulders scattered across the valley slopes.

8. Monsal Dale / Monsal Trail

Distance: 7.4km (4.6mi) / 14km (8.5mi)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy-medium

alt="Tombstone Viaduct at Monsal Head">Bernd Brüggemann/ShutterstockTombstone Viaduct at Monsal Head

Returning to the ridge trails, this scenic trail follows a former railway line that runs through the heart of the White Peak region. It includes riverside paths and a wooded ravine, as well as the Tombstone Viaduct, a striking relic of the area's industrial heritage.

The walk begins and ends at Monsal Head but can easily be extended to include the villages of Little Longstone and Great Longstone by continuing along the Monsal Trail. Both villages have delightful pubs serving hearty meals.

The entire Monsal Trail – 14km long and up to the aforementioned Bakewell with its delicious puddings – is worth considering.

9. Birch

Distance: 8.6km (5.3mi)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy-medium

alt="Nine Stone Close up stone circle with Robin Hood's Stride in the background">SimonHarrod/CC 2.0Nine Stones Close Stone Circle with Robin Hood's Stride in the background

The region surrounding the village of Birchover is a magical landscape, if not downright eerie. The landscape here is dotted with ancient burial mounds, dramatic sandstone escarpments, sharp boulders and mysterious ancient stone circles.

To top it off, this cryptic landscape is either hidden deep within a gloomy forest area or exposed on a wild and windswept plateau. This not-to-be-missed trail is steeped in history and mythology and also features some of England's most fantastic names: The Gray Ladies, Nine Stones Close Stone Circle and Robin Hood's Stride, to name a few.

10. Hathersage and Strange Edge

Distance: 9.5 km (6 miles)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy to moderate

alt="Mountaineers at the top of Stanange Edge">Tom_Sanderson/ShutterstockClimbers at the top of Stanage Edge

This trail takes hikers through the beautiful valley that is believed to have inspired several literary classics. The trail passes North Lees Hall, a 16th-century mansion believed to have inspired Mr. Rochester's house in Jane Eyre, and Stanage Edge, where walkers can get their best impression of Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice.

Aside from the classics, the impressive cliffs of Stanage Edge offer magnificent views over some of the Peak District's most famous landscapes, including the Derwent and Hope Valleys, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout.

11. The Limestone Path

Distance: 74km (46mi)Duration: 3 daysDifficulty: Difficult

alt="The Village of Castleton">Steve Meese/ShutterstockThe village of Castleton

The Peak District's best and most famous long-distance walk could – right off the bat – be completed in two days. However, it's much more pleasant to spread the route over three or even four days if you really want to take your time to take in the scenery.

The Limestone Way begins in the village of Castleton and heads south, winding through the vast limestone plateau of the White Peak Derbyshire Dales. Aside from the exceptional scenery, the trail passes through a number of picturesque villages on the way to Rocester.

12. PENNINE WAY

Distance: 45km (28mi)Duration: 2 daysDifficulty: Difficult

alt="The Pennine Way in the Peak District">Wutthikrai Busayaporn/ShutterstockThe Pennine Way winds through the Peak District

Britain's oldest path (opened in 1965) traverses some of England's most beautiful highland landscapes. It is by far the most famous and one of the most popular long-distance walks in Britain.

The Pennine Way begins in Edale in the Peak District and runs 431 km (268 miles) north to the Scottish Borders. Of course, if you don't feel like doing a full hike, the Peak District section showcases the best of the national park and includes many of the trails mentioned above.

old=““>

Main image: DANIEL_KAY/SHUTTERSTOCK

      .