5 of the Best Peak District Walks in the UK
This is a guest post written by Rob from The Outdoor Adventure Blog. Check out his website for more outdoor adventures in the UK and follow him on Instagram.
There are hundreds of great walks in the Peak District, so narrowing it down to a list of just five is something of a challenge. In this guide, I’ve tried to list some routes that are absolutely stunning but are often quieter than some of the more well-known Peak District walks.
Often overlooked in favour of the ‘big’ mountains of Snowdonia or the incredible vistas of the Lake District, the Peak District really is a walker’s paradise. From wild moorland plateaus to imposing gritstone escarpments, there are plenty of options for adventure seekers. And, if you like your walks to be a bit more leisurely, there are plenty of routes that meander gently alongside rivers too.
Your options for great Peak District walks are almost endless, but here are five of my favourites.
- Chrome Hill
- Kinder Scout via Grindsbrook Clough
- Dovestone Reservoir
- Chee Dale
- Alport Castles
See also:
Mam Tor and Kinder Scout Circular Walk
The Roaches and Lud’s Church Circular Walk
Day Hiking Gear Essentials
1. Chrome Hill
Chrome Hill and the adjacent Parkhouse Hill are often collectively known as the Dragon’s Back. When you see them from a distance you’ll understand why. These two hills rise straight out of the earth like mini-mountains and from a certain perspective resemble the jagged spine of a mythical creature.
Sat in a quiet corner of the Peak District, these hills were relatively unknown until the ever-increasing rise of Instagram put them on the map. As far as hills go, there aren’t many that are as photogenic as these ones, and the many hundreds of photos that have been shared by landscape photographers have inspired many people to visit. That said, it’s still a fairly quiet part of the Peaks and if you pick the right time you can still have the hills to yourself.
Whether you’re armed with a camera or not, this is a stunning walk and one to be enjoyed.
The walk begins and ends in the nearby village of Earl Sterndale. There is plenty of on-street parking in the village, near the Quiet Lady pub. From here it’s a simple case of crossing the fields behind the pub before the hills come into sight and the route becomes self-explanatory.
When I walked this route, I did so very early in the morning in the hope of catching some golden light at sunrise. The downside to this was that the village pub was not yet open when I returned to the village after my walk. I’ve heard good things about the pub though, and it’s always nice to end a walk with a spot of liquid refreshment.
Chrome Hill – OS Maps Route
2. Kinder Scout via Grindsbrook Clough
There are many ways to tackle Kinder Scout, but starting in the village of Edale and making a circular route that goes up Grindsbrook Clough and back down Jacobs Ladder is a particular favourite of mine.
The route starts gently and you’ll find yourself wandering alongside the babbling Grindsbrook as you make your way up the valley. The well-defined path soon disappears though, and it’s a short but exciting scramble up to the plateau.
Those new to the Peak District might be expecting Kinder Scout – the highest point in the Peak District – to be, well… a peak. But actually, the highest point is simply marked by a trig point within the vast swathe of moorland known as the Kinder Plateau. It’s an incredible landscape nonetheless, and you can expect incredible views and stunning rock formations to keep you entertained as you walk.
The route eventually leads you down Jacobs Ladder and follows part of the Pennine Way back into Edale.
Kinder Scout via Grindsbrook Clough – OS Maps Route
3. Dovestone Reservoir
This circular route high above Dovestone Reservoir is one of those walks that is absolutely perfect for a sunny Sunday. It’s long enough to make a proper day of it, but easy-going enough that you can really enjoy it without feeling exhausted. And, the beauty of this walk is that you have stunning views over the water to the surrounding hills for almost the entire walk.
Dovestone Reservoir is at the northern end of the Peak District, near Oldham in Greater Manchester.
There are lots of ways to tackle this route but essentially you are heading up from the water’s edge and then taking the well-worn path that follows the top of the hills overlooking the reservoir. It’s a steep climb to the top but once you’re up there you’ve got a good couple of hours of walking on fairly level terrain.
This is another walk that has become a favourite amongst Instagrammers. The rocky outcrops known as the Trinacles have become a popular place to pose for a photo for those brave enough to scramble up.
Dovestone Reservoir – OS Maps Route
4. Chee Dale
Think stepping stones in the Peak District and you probably picture Dovedale and the iconic stepping stones that cross the river below Thorpe Cloud. It’s one of the Peak District’s most popular spots. But, being so popular has its drawbacks and the area can often feel overcrowded on sunny weekends.
Fortunately, the Peak District has another picturesque location where you can wander beside the river and hop over stepping stones: Chee Dale.
Near the Monsal Trail, the Chee Dale walk cuts through a steep-sided gorge and follows the River Wye. In the summer months, the thick green canopy of leaves above your head give the gorge a foreign feel and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you are somewhere far more exotic than the Peak District. You might even spot orchids growing here, which only adds to that sense.
It’s a relatively short walk but not an easy one. You’ll be scrambling up and down steep slopes, clambering over tree roots, and trying to remain upright as you navigate some of the slippier sections. But be grateful; it’s this challenging terrain that puts many people off and even on a sunny weekend Chee Dale remains secluded, peaceful and quiet.
Chee Dale – OS Maps Route
5. Alport Castles
The huge rocky pinnacles that were left behind after what is thought to have been the largest landslide in the country resemble the towers of an imposing castle. And so Alport Castles got its name.
This nine-mile walk begins at the northern end of the Ladybower Reservoir, with parking at the Derwent Visitor Centre. The route climbs steadily up above the treeline and onto open moorland. From there it’s a long but level hike over to the site of Alport Castles.
Although most of this walk follows well-worn pathways across the moorland, the Alport Castles area itself is very rough and rocky and can be quite treacherous when wet and icy.
It’s said that there are Peregrine Falcons nesting nearby, so leave plenty of time to sit and watch the skies for a while.
From Alport Castles, you have the option to make a circular route that explores more of the hills or simply retrace your steps back to the Derwent Visitor Centre.
Alport Castles – OS Maps Route
Before You Go
Thanks for reading this guest post travel guide on the 5 great Peak District walks. If travel guides like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more!
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