White Peak Walks Vol 2 Southern Dales

The southern part of Mark Richards' Peak District “trilogy” covers the area south of Youlgreave and Bakewell. 30 routes in the Peak District National Park up to 10 miles long. Mark Richards’ style owes much to Wainwright, but here he proves equal to the master.

Even though increased mobility has extended the diversity (in terms of sights and sites) of beautiful countryside within range of the millions who inhabit middle England, the White Peak remains tremendously popular among casual walking visitors. The area offers an amiable landscape despite the vagaries of its climate, dissected by countless walls, abundant in pastures and woodland, its limestone outcrops completing the interplay of green and white. It also offers a well-maintained footpath network. The 'net' effect ensures that walkers feel at ease and relaxed in their wanderings as in few other places in England.

The boundaries of this guide are defined on the east by the long spine of Axe Edge and Morridge, to the south by the Weaver Hills and Ashbourne, continuing north-eastward with the B5035 to Cromford and Matlock, cutting west via Youlgreave to Parsley Hay and Earl Sterndale back to the source of the Dove. This is predominantly limestone country, with only the shale uplands west of the upper Dove and lower Manifold and the gritstone of Harthill and Stanton Moors to lend contrast. To strong walkers, the selection of outings may seem of modest ambition, but for the majority of casual visitors they will be found to be of perfect length for refreshing exercise and a gentle introduction to this truly beautiful walking region.