Discover some of the Peak District’s most celebrated scenery with this collection of 15 short walks exploring Edale and the Hope Valley. 

From sweeping ridge walks and gritstone edges to tranquil reservoirs and charming villages, these routes showcase the dramatic landscapes at the heart of the national park, ideal for relaxed days out and family-friendly adventures.

• Each walk is presented with a clear Ordnance Survey map and step-by-step route description, with numbered waypoints linking map and text for straightforward navigation across the Peak District.
• Practical information is included for every route around Edale and the Hope Valley, covering parking, public transport, facilities and local highlights, so you can plan your day with ease.
• Explore iconic Peak District locations including Mam Tor and Hollins Cross, Castleton and its caverns, Kinder Scout, Stanage Edge, Ladybower Reservoir and the historic North Lees area, with routes combining ridge panoramas, woodland paths and riverside scenery.
• Routes range from 3 to 10km and are graded easy to moderate, featuring manageable distances and short climbs without technical terrain, making them suitable for beginners, families and leisurely walkers.
• A handy route summary table helps you choose the perfect outing by distance, duration and difficulty, while local recommendations highlight viewpoints, cafés and traditional pubs along the way.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guidebook is your all-in-one companion for discovering Edale and the Hope Valley on foot. Whether you are climbing airy ridges, wandering through picturesque valleys or enjoying peaceful reservoir circuits, these carefully chosen routes offer rewarding short walks in one of the Peak District’s most loved areas.

15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Edale and the Hope Valley - Quick Facts

Location: Hope Valley, Peak District, England
Number of walks: 15 circular routes
Distance: 3–10km (2–6 miles)
Typical duration: Under 3 hours per walk
Terrain: Moorland paths, gritstone edges, valleys, reservoirs and farmland
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families
Highlights: Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Kinder Scout, Stanage Edge, Ladybower Reservoir and Castleton
Navigation: OS maps with numbered waypoints and clear route descriptions
Facilities: Information on parking, refreshments and public transport for each walk
Best season: Year-round, with spring wildflowers, summer ridge views and colourful autumn landscapes

Author Highlight

“Imagine for a moment the Peak District as a giant, layered cake. The high moorland of the Dark Peak is the firm covering on the top, while at the base are the softer and delicate dales of the White Peak. Edale and the Hope Valley is the delicious filling in the middle, providing walkers with a mouth-watering treat that will satisfy every taste and appetite.”

- Andrew McCloy, author of 15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Edale and the Hope Valley

Using this guide
Route summary table
Map key
Introduction
Walking in Edale and the Hope Valley
Travel and bases
Looking after the national park
The Walks
Kinder Scout via Ringing Roger and Grindslow Knoll
Edale: Upper Booth and Barber Booth
Hollins Cross and Mam Tor
Castleton and the caverns
Castleton and Hope
Win Hill
Hope to Edale
Ladybower Reservoir
Bamford
Stanage Edge and North Lees
Hathersage
Bretton Clough
Eyam
Higger Tor and Carl Wark
Longshaw
Useful Information

Seasons

Spring is for the wildflowers and hedgerows of Edale and Hope valleys, summer is for sunny hilltop views and post-walk drinks outside village pubs, and autumn is for purple heather moorland and woodland colours.

Centres

Edale, Hope, Castleton, Hathersage, Bamford, Eyam, Bretton

Difficulty

Some of the hill walks are steep and rocky underfoot with sharp or long climbs, while others involve more modest slopes and gradients. All require sturdy footwear with decent grip and a reasonable level of fitness. The valley bottom and village routes are largely gentle and straightforward, requiring no special equipment.

Must See

The Peak District offers iconic and panoramic peaks such as Mam Tor, Kinder Scout and Win Hill. It’s home to the start of the Pennine Way and the walkers’ hub of Edale. Discover the drowned village beneath Ladybower Reservoir, the world-famous gritstone cliffs of Stanage Edge and the historic plague village of Eyam. Explore Castleton’s dramatic limestone gorges, Norman castle and show caverns, as well as Brontë connections and Little John’s oversized grave at Hathersage. Enjoy purple heather moors and glorious woodland at Longshaw and Burbage.

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.