The 12 best hikes in the Peak District National Park
The 12 best hikes in the Peak District National Park
The best hikes in the Peak District National Park present some of the most beautiful and accessible hiking landscapes 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 attraction of the Dales was simply a bit too strong.
The Peak District came to second place. Wedged between the northern cities of Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District National Park is probably the most accessible to England.
Great Britain's first national park is an idyllic landscape with a large selection of natural beauty. The occasionally bleak, but eternally beautiful landscape of the Pennine offers dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, rocky cliffs, picturesque market cities and cozy villages that are apparently untouched by time.
It is one of the best hiking destinations in England-ideal for micro adventure-and is supported by an excellent infrastructure with a wide selection of accommodations, restaurants and drinks.
Best hikes in the Peak District National Park
We selected the best hikes in the Peak District National Park for all skills, from airy afternoon trips to more demanding multi -day hikes.
Further information on further activities, access data and accommodation options can be found on the website of the national park.
1. Mam Tor
distance: 14km (9mi) Duration: 3-4 hourly difficulty: Medium
Alt = "Mam Tor im Peak District"> Daniel_Kay/Shutterstock Mam Tor at sunrise
Mam Tor is a 517 m (1,696 ft) high hill, which is known as the "trembling mountain" after a number of landslide have fallen down. Located near Castleton in the High Peak area from derbyshire, it offers one of the best hikes in the Peak District and was described as England's greatest tightrope walk.
The stone footpath offers some of the most accessible and dramatic views in the Peak District. The circular route also leads past the charming villages of Castleton and Hope, which are ideal for refreshment stops.
2. Children's scout
distance: 27km (17mi) Duration: 7-9 hourly difficulty: Middle heavy
alt = “Children Scout is one of the best hikes in the Peak District”> Irina Poliakova/Shutterstock Children Scout is one of the best hikes in the Peak District
This all -day circular hike winds around a huge high Plateau with breathtaking views. On the way, hikers come past the dramatic waterfall of children Downfall and can complete the hike with an optional but entertaining scramble via Grindsbrook Clook.
The loop can be committed in both directions, but most migrate to clockwise. The route can also be abbreviated by jumping over the plateau at each point, even though the terrain will be swampy under your feet.
3. Saddleworth Moor
distance: 12km (7.5MI) Duration: 3-4 hourly difficulty: Medium
alt = "Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District"> Sakhanphotography/Shutterstock Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District
This wonderful hike leads over the northern edge of the Peak District National Park and connects the villages of Marsden and Uppermill. The path follows the raised bogs between the valleys Colne and Tamen, a route that is permeated by local history.
The path offers a fantastic cross -section through the classic landscape of the South Pennine as well as some unique sights such as the standing tunnel, the Saddleworth Viaduct and the Redbrook Reservoir.
4. Bakewell according to Chatsworth
distance: 12km (7.5MI) Duration: 3-4 hourly difficulty: light medium
alt = “The village of BakeWell”> Marbury/Shutterstock The village of Bakewell
No visit to the derbyshire or in the Peak District would be completely without a detour to Bakewell to try this pudding (just don't call it a cake!). Apart from the delicious dessert, Bakewell is famous for its nearby idyllic paths that pull through the ponds and meadows of Calton Pastures.
This gentle hike leads past a number of mansions and charming villages and offers the opportunity to watch Chatsworth's famous herds of red and fallow deer that strip through the park landscape.
5. The cockroaches
distance: 10km (6MI) duration: 2-3 hourly difficulty: light medium
alt = “A climber enjoys the view of the cockroaches”> Sponsor/Shutterstock A climber enjoys the view from the cockroaches
The ridge line of the cockroaches is famous for its violet heath, which explodes in color in late summer. The cockroaches are also popular with climbers and have long been used as training grounds for the mountaineers of once. The climbers and bouldering are still frolic in the cliffs, but on this extraordinary path you will rather meet hikers.
The aft route leads over a dramatic ridge before it quickly falls into a moss -covered gorge before it pulls a loop back and follows the gorge on the opposite side.
Once a Wallaby colony lived in the area after a local zoo-like one had released the animals in 1940, as war regulations ordered the closure of private zoos. Unfortunately, it is assumed that the bag colony has died out after initial flowering, although sporadically alleged sightings have been reported.
6. Chrome Hill
distance: 10km (6MI) duration: 2-3 hourly difficulty: light medium
Alt = “The Dragon’s Back is one of the best hikes in the Peak District”> Daniel_Kay/Shutterstock How can someone resist to climb the dragon back?
How can you resist a hike along this striking chain of limestone hills, which are known as dragon ridges? A miniature massif rises from the surrounding hay meadows near Buxton and offers some of the most memorable views in derbyshire.
Chrome Hill is often referred to as the only true summit in the Peak District and rarely disappointed its hikers. The striking line of seven jagged peaks is supposed to resemble the huge “panels” that were found along the spine of a Stegosaurus dinosaurs.
After the topping -out ceremony on the Dragon’s Back, it is only polite to exchange your daring stories in a pint and an inserted egg in the cozy pub quiet Woman Inn in Buxton.
7. Padley gorge
distance: 4km (2.5mi) duration: 1-2 hourly difficulty: light
alt = "The river of the Went along the Padley Gorge"> Paolo Sanna90/Shutterstock The river of the Went along the Padley Gorge
This fast and quiet walk through a forested valley along the River Derwent offers an alternative view of the Peak District. There are no dragons or peaks along the Padley Gorge; Only a devastated forest, rippling streams, a cozy café and a hotel, a bar and a restaurant from the 18th century (right on the way).
The forests look most beautiful in autumn when the lively orange and red tones of the leaves complement the deep green of the moored boulders that are scattered over the valley slopes.
8. Monal Dale / Monsal path
distance: 7.4km (4.6mi) / 14km (8.5MI) Duration: 2-3 hourly difficulty: light medium
Alt = "Gravestone Viaduct at Monsal Head"> Bernd Brüggemann/Shutterstock Gravestone Viaduct at Monsal Head
Back to the height paths follows this attractive path of a former railway line that runs through the heart of the White Peak region. It includes riverside paths and a forested gorge as well as the tombstone Viaduct, a striking relic of the region's industrial heritage.
The hike begins and ends in Monal Head, but can easily be expanded to expand the villages of Little Longstone and Great Longstone by continuing the Monsal Trail. Both villages have delightful pubs that serve the hearty dishes.
The entire Monsal Trail - 14 km long and a consideration is worth considering up to the Bakewell mentioned above with its delicious puddings.
9. Birch
distance: 8.6km (5.3mi) Duration: 2-3 hourly difficulty: light medium
alt = “Nine Stone close the stone circle with Robin Hoods Stride in the background”> Simonharrod/CC 2.0 Nine stones close the stone circle with Robin Hoods Stride in the background
The region around the village of Birchover is a magical landscape, if not almost scary. The landscape here is littered with primeval burial mounds, dramatic steep slopes made of sandstone, pointed boulders and mysterious old stone circles.
To round off the whole thing, this cryptic landscape is either hidden deep in a dark forest area or exposed to a wild and wind -whipped plateau. This not to be missed is full of history and mythology and also offers some of the most fantastic names of England: The Gray Ladies, Nine Stones Close Stone Circle and Robin Hood’s Stride to name just a few.
10. Hatersage and Strange Edge
Distance: 9.5 km (6 miles) Duration: 2-3 hourly difficulty: easy to medium
alt = "mountaineers at the top of the Stanange Edge"> Tom_sanderson/Shutterstock climber at the top of the Stanage Edge
This path leads through the beautiful valley, which is assumed that it has inspired several literary classics. The path is passed by North Lees Hall, a manor house from the 16th century, which is believed to be inspired by Mr. Rochester's house in Jane Eyre, and Stanage Edge, where hiker can get her best impression of Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice.
Apart from the classics, the impressive cliffs from Stanage Edge offer a wonderful view over some of the most famous landscapes of the Peak District, including the Derwent and Hope Valley, Mam Tor and Children Scout.
11. The Kalksteinweg
distance: 74km (46mi) Duration: 3 Tage swimming: difficult
alt = "The village of Castleton"> Steve Meese/Shutterstock The village of Castleton
The best and most famous long -distance hiking trail of the Peak District could be completed in two days. However, it is much more pleasant to distribute the route over three or even four days if you really want to take your time to absorb the landscape.
The Limestone Way begins in the village of Castleton and leads south, winding through the huge limestone plateau of the White Peak derbyshire Dales. Apart from the extraordinary landscape, the path leads through a series of picturesque villages on the way to Rocester.
12. Pennine away
distance: 45km (28mi) Duration: 2 Tage swimming: difficult
Alt = "The Pennine Way in the Peak District"> Wutthikrai Busayaporn/Shutterstock The Pennine Way meanders through the Peak District
Great Britain's oldest path (opened in 1965) crosses some of the most beautiful highland landscapes in England. It is far from the most famous and one of the most popular long -distance hiking trails.
The Pennine Way begins in Edale in the Peak District and runs 431 km (268 miles) to the north to the Scottish Borders. If you don't feel like a complete hike, the Peak District section naturally shows the best of the national park and includes many of the above hiking trails.
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main picture: Daniel_kay/Shutterstock
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