Discover the western landscapes of the Peak District National Park in the limestone heart of the White Peak — a region known for its green dales, quiet rivers and characterful villages scattered across Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire. From dramatic valleys and rocky outcrops to historic market towns and sweeping countryside, this part of the Peak District offers rewarding day walks.

This Cicerone guidebook presents 40 carefully selected day walks across the western White Peak, suitable for both beginner and experienced walkers. Written by outdoor author Paul Besley, it provides clear route descriptions and practical information to help you explore the area with confidence while discovering its landscapes, wildlife and history.

•  40 circular and day walks in the Peak District, ranging from 6–24km (4–15 miles), typically taking between 2 and 7 hours, offering options for relaxed outings or longer hill days
• Walks explore highlights of the western White Peak, including dramatic limestone dales, upland hills and iconic viewpoints such as Mam Tor and Winnats Pass
• Each route includes clear step-by-step descriptions supported by 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping to aid navigation across the White Peak
• GPX files are available to download, making it easy to follow routes using GPS devices or smartphone navigation apps on classic walks such as The Roaches, Lud's Church and Dovedale
• Practical guidance covers refreshment stops (pubs and cafés), transport options, and useful facilities in towns and villages along the routes, such as Castleton, Buxton, Ashbourne and Harlington, to help you plan each walk with ease

With its peaceful dales, sweeping hilltop views and timeless rural scenery, the western White Peak is a wonderful place to explore on foot. With this guide in hand, you can explore classic routes and step beyond the busy honeypots to discover the quieter paths, hidden valleys and unforgettable viewpoints that make walking in the Peak District so special.

Get the full White Peak walking collection with Walking in the Peak District – White Peak East, available to purchase separately, and discover even more circular day walks across the limestone landscapes of the Peak District National Park.

Peak District - White Peak West - Quick Facts

Guidebook: Walking in the Peak District – White Peak West
Location: Peak District National Park
Region: Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire
Walk type: Circular day walks
Number of walks: 40 routes
Distance range: ~6–24km / 4–15 miles
Typical duration: ~2–7 hours per walk
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with Ordnance Survey mapping and GPX downloads
Terrain: Limestone dales, rolling hills, farmland, valleys and upland paths
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for a range of walking abilities
Highlights: Mam Tor, Winnats Pass, Dovedale, Lud's Church, the Roaches
Nearby towns and villages: Castleton, Buxton, Ashbourne, Hartington, Leek, Ilam
Best season: Year-round walking, particularly spring to autumn for wildlife 

Author Highlight

“Set off in the early morning, and you can experience the sun rising from the east as you sit atop Mam Tor watching the Hope Valley appear out of the night, a cloud inversion gently drifting along the valley.” 

- Paul Besley, author of Walking in the Peak District - White Peak East

CONTENTS

Map key
Overview map
 
INTRODUCTION
The landscape
Plants and wildlife
History
Two important Peak District organisations
Local communities
Local services, visitor centres and transport
The walks
Responsible walking
Maps and navigation
Using this guide
 
NORTHERN SECTION
Walk 1 Castleton to Mam Tor
Walk 2 Winnats Pass to Cave Dale
Walk 3 Windgather Rocks
Walk 4 Goyt Valley
Walk 5 Bollington to Swanscoe
Walk 6 Lamaload to Shining Tor
Walk 7 Tideswell to Hay Dale
Walk 8 Buxton
Walk 9 Buxton to Castle Naze
Walk 10 Burbage to the Goyt Valley
Walk 11 Millers Dale to Wormhill
Walk 12 Millers Dale to Deep Dale
Walk 13 Trentabank to Sutton Common
Walk 14 Tegg’s Nose to Macclesfield Forest
Walk 15 Shutlingsloe to Chest Hollow
Walk 16 Three Shires Head
Walk 17 Rushton Spencer to Danebridge
Walk 18 Lud’s Church
Walk 19 The Dragon’s Back
Walk 20 Flash to Axe Edge
 
SOUTHERN SECTION
Walk 21 The Roaches
Walk 22 Hollinsclough to Hollins Hill
Walk 23 Longnor to High Wheeldon
Walk 24 Hen Cloud
Walk 25 Upper Hulme to Blake Mere
Walk 26 Upper Elkstone to Lumbs Farm
Walk 27 Leek to Gun
Walk 28 Onecote to Old Mixon Hay
Walk 29 Hulme End to Revidge

“Walk 30 Grindon to Butterton
Walk 31 Hartington to Sheen
Walk 32 Hartington to Pilsbury
Walk 33 Hartington to Biggin Dale
Walk 34 Wetton to Ecton Mine
Walk 35 Alstonefield to Wolfscote Dale
Walk 36 Froghall to Cheddleton
Walk 37 Waterhouses to Grindon
Walk 38 Ilam to Dovedale
Walk 39 Ilam to Beeston Tor
Walk 40 Ilam to Blore
 
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Useful websites
Appendix C Bibliography and further reading

Seasons

Spring through to mid autumn is the best period to witness the wealth of wildlife and beauty in the White Peak. A snowy winter walk can be an enchanting experience.

Centres

Castleton, Ilam, Buxton, Leek, Upper Hulme, Bollington, Tideswell, Hartington, Longnor, Waterhouses, Ashbourne, Whaley Bridge

Difficulty

Walks are gentle and follow well signed public footpaths where possible. Caution should be taken in wet weather as limestone can become very slippery.

Must See

Castleton and caves; Winnats Pass; Peveril Castle in Cave Dale; Windgather Rocks; White Nancy; Shining Tor; Shutlingsloe; Tideswell; Hay Dale; Buxton; Castle Naze; Deep Dale; Chee Dale; Macclesfield Forest; Three Shires Head; Danebridge; Lud's Church; The Roaches; Ramshaw Rocks; Upper Hulme; Hartington; Cheddleton Butter Cross; Dovedale; River Dove stepping stones; Ilam; Ilam Rock

May 2023

Walk 9 Buxton to Castle Naze

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