Dark Peak Walks

Experience the wild drama and unique character of the Dark Peak with a handpicked collection of 35 circular day walks and 5 classic long-distance routes, revealing the heart of one of Britain’s most atmospheric and varied upland landscapes. Explore brooding moorlands, iconic gritstone edges, and the unforgettable valleys of the Peak District’s northern reaches, including Kinder Scout, Bleaklow, Black Hill, and the Roaches.

Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned walkers, this definitive Cicerone guidebook presents inspiring routes for every ability, from gentle introductions to the area’s distinctive scenery to more demanding outings across remote wilderness. Whether you’re seeking peaceful rambles or the challenge of a full day on the high moors, these routes can be tailored to your pace and ambition.

• Choose from 35 circular day walks and 5 longer routes, with walks throughout the Dark Peak easily accessible from Hathersage, Castleton, Glossop, and Sheffield.
• Day walks range from 7–22 km (4–14 miles), each taking 3–7 hours, while long-distance routes (including the Kinder Scout skyline, Edale horseshoe, and Gritstone Edges) span 25–45 km (15–28 miles) and take 8–13 hours.
• Enjoy year-round walking through the dramatic gritstone landscapes, high moorland, steep ascents, and sweeping vistas of the Dark Peak, with options to cut some routes short for a gentler outing.
• Every hand-picked Dark Peak walk features a clear route summary, start and finish locations, 1:50,000 OS map extracts (1:100,000 for longer routes), GPX downloads, parking and public transport details, estimated walking times, and suggestions for local pubs, cafés, and tea rooms.
• Gain insights into the unique geology, history, plantlife, and wildlife of the Dark Peak, with background information provided for each walk.
• Most walks are circular, starting from recognised car parks across the Dark Peak, with public transport options where relevant to create linear or adapted routes through this distinctive upland landscape.
• The pocket-sized guidebook is packed with practical advice on terrain, navigation (including tips for moorland and winter conditions), and facilities specific to the Dark Peak, helping you plan and explore with confidence.
• Includes an overview map and route summary table to help you select the perfect Dark Peak walk for your day out.

Set out to discover the brooding moors, sweeping edges, and ever-changing moods of the Dark Peak at your own pace, in every season. With this trusted Cicerone guidebook, experience the very best walking this remarkable region has to offer.

Seasons

The area can be enjoyed in all seasons, although extra care (and kit) may be required in winter conditions.

Centres

Hathersage, Grindleford, Langsett, Marsden, Dove Stones, Edale, Upper Derwent Valley, Castleton, Greenfield, Chatsworth, Sheffield, Hayfield, Crowden, Hope, Dunford Bridge

Difficulty

Walking in the Dark Peak requires good navigational skills, especially in winter, and a good level of hillcraft. Having the correct equipment and clothing and knowing how to use it is paramount when venturing out onto the high moors.

Must See

Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District; Bleaklow, the second highest; Howden and Derwent Edges; Black Hill and the Wessenden Moors; the gritstone edges of Derwent, Bamford, Stanage, Burbage, Froggatt, Curbar, Birchen, Gardoms and the Roaches; the Eastern Moors; the Goyt Valley, Shutlingsloe and Wildboarclough

Map keys

Overview map

Introduction

Geology

Plants and wildlife

History

The future

Local services and transport

The walks

Responsible walking

Maps and navigation

Using this guide

Eastern Dark Peak

Walk 1

Chatsworth to Birchen Edge

Walk 2

Longshaw Estate and the gritstone edges

Walk 3

Fox House to Big Moor

Walk 4

Fox House to Stanedge Pole

Walk 5

Grindleford to Higger Tor

Central Dark Peak

Walk 6

Hathersage to Stanage Edge

Walk 7

Wyming Brook to Stanage Edge

Walk 8

Bamford Moor

Walk 9

Win Hill to Hope Cross

Walk 10

Kings Tree to Shepherds Meeting Stones

Walk 11

Westend and Bleaklow Stones

Walk 12

Derwent Edge

Walk 13

Alport Castles and the Woodlands Valley

Walk 14

Margery Hill to Back Tor

Walk 15

Low Bradfield and Dale Dyke

Walk 16

Langsett to Howden Edge

Walk 17

Langsett to Pike Lowe

Walk 18

Torside to Bleaklow Head

Walk 19

Wildboar Clough to Lawrence Edge

Walk 20

Old Glossop to Bleaklow Head

Walk 21

Kinder Scout Northern Edge

Walk 22

Kinder Scout Western Edge

Walk 23

Kinder Scout

Walk 24

Kinder Scout Southern Edge

Walk 25

The Great Ridge

Northern Dark Peak

Walk 26

Dunford Bridge to Ramsden Clough

Walk 27

Crowden Horseshoe

Walk 28

Crowden to Chew Valley

Walk 29

Marsden to Black Hill

Walk 30

Alphin Pike to Birchen Clough

Walk 31

Binn Green to Great Dove Stone Rock

Walk 32

Cotton Famine Road

Western Dark Peak

Walk 33

Goyt Valley to Shining Tor

Walk 34

Derbyshire Bridge to Shutlingsloe

Walk 35

The Roaches

Long day walks

Walk 36

Marsden to Edale

Walk 37

Langsett to Edale

Walk 38

Gritstone edges

Walk 39

Edale Horseshoe

Walk 40

Kinder Scout skyline

Appendix A

Route summary table

Appendix B

Useful information

Appendix C

Aircraft crash site locations