Our Favourite Walks in the Peak District

Thursday 25th August, 2022 by hs-admin

The Peak District, which includes the majority of Derbyshire as well as slivers of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and Staffordshire, was established as Britain’s first national park in 1951.

The park is divided into two distinct areas: Dark Peak, which is a region of swamp, heather, and outcroppings of black granite, is to the north, while White Peak, where charming mill villages are surrounded by green valleys and limestone caverns, is located to the South.

Here at Host and Stay, we want you to experience the best of everything – and that includes activities during your stay, as well as the property. So, here’s our list of the best Peak District walking routes.

Padley Gorge, Derbyshire

If you’re a beginner, or have little ones to consider, Parley Gorge is a great place to start. This short hour and a half stroll takes you through a forested valley, through which the River Derwent flows, offering views of  tributaries cascading from the peaks, frothing amidst aged forests that have not changed much through the years. The best of them is Padley Gorge, which drains Burbage Moor to the Derwent at Grindleford.

Explore this chasm on a wonderful little stroll that stops halfway through at a cosy inn. Then you will make a loop up through an industrial area, which is wrapped in woodland.

Distance: 3.7km/2.3 miles

Duration: 1.5 hours

Rating: Easy/moderate

Fancy Derbyshire for your next walking holiday? Find all the best places to stay.

Moorland Saddleworth, West Yorkshire

Have you just started your walking journey? You will love this beautiful and easy seven-mile walk that crosses the Pennine Divide, which is England’s largest watershed, and connects Marsden and Uppermill by boat-horse pathways. 

The parish of Saddleworth was originally in the West Riding of Yorkshire and gives the moor its name. Come and see the 9,000-year-old peat formation which contains large sections of bare peat, where the surface has fallen away.

Distance: 11.7km/7.3 miles

Duration: 4 hours

Rating: Moderate 

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The Roaches, Staffordshire

This stunning 9.3km walk in the Peak District National Park takes you past the jaw-dropping outcrops of Staffordshire. ‘The Roaches’ is a noticeable rocky ridge which rises over Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir. The ridge climbs to a height of 505m, adorned with rock formations. Hikers, rock climbers, and free runners enjoy it for its beauty and the challenge –  are you brave enough to join them? 

Make sure to visit in late summer when the heather is in bloom to really make the most of the view.

Distance: 9.3km/5.8 miles

Duration: 4 hours

Rating: Moderate

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Hollins Cross, Derbyshire

Hollins Cross is one of the Peak District’s most picturesque settlements, with this 8.5km climb located on the Great Ridge that divides Castleton from Edale. 

Since Hollins Cross is the lowest point on the ridge, it is frequently used by walkers who want to start a ridge walk or cross from one side to the other. Historically, this was the standard route from Castleton to Edale and before an actual church was built in Edale, coffins were transported there via Hollins Cross, earning the route the moniker “Coffin Road”. In order to reach ‘Coffin Road’, the path first travels through pastures alongside the Odin Sitch stream. 


Distance: 8.5km/5.2 miles

Duration: 3.5 hours

Rating: Moderate

 

Wanting to experience Hollins Cross? You will need a place to rest after all that walking!

Check out our amazing holiday lets.

Mam Tor, Derbyshire

Starting in Castleton, this 10.5km hike travels through some of the Peak District’s most renowned and beautiful regions. Not for the faint of heart, the trek is regarded as one of the best ridge walks in the nation, offering breathtaking views over Edale, Hope Valley, and even the edge of Kinder Scout. 

We recommend making this trip 13 km long by adding a stroll along the river on the way back.

Taking a trip to Derbyshire? View our fantastic range of holiday homes here. 

Distance: 14km/8.7 miles

Duration: 5 hours

Rating: Moderate/challenging

If you’re an avid walker, then you will know the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, especially before a hike. To find a comfortable spot to rest your head in one of our holiday lets, visit our website.

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