Five of the best short walks in Edale and the Hope Valley (Peak District)
The Hope Valley is the geological dividing line between the northern gritstone and southern limestone that make up the Peak District. Walking here allows you to experience both the dramatic scenery and interesting landforms of the national park, from the heights of Mam Tor to the dramatic rocky escarpment of Stanage Edge and beautiful towns and villages. With easy access from the major cities of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester, the Peak District is the perfect location for a quick getaway in the countryside. Here are five of the best short walks in the Edale and Hope Valley to get you started:
15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Edale and the Hope Valley
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Edale and the Hope Valley in the Peak District. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route descriptions and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means everyone can enjoy walks.
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The best walk to the iconic Kinder Scout plateau...
What: Kinder Scout via Ringing Roger and Grindslow Knoll
Summary: Enjoy sensational views on this energetic and adventurous walk around Edale’s high skyline.
Start/finish: Old Nags Head pub, Edale
Time: 3hr
Distance: 7.2km (4.5 miles)
Climb: 380m
Edale’s narrow valley is dominated by the bulky outline of Kinder Scout, a high moorland plateau with steep sides and rocky outcrops. It’s an iconic location among hillwalkers, not just for its dramatic upland scenery but also as the site of early protests over public access. This is an exciting but challenging route, with plenty of ascent, steep slopes and often rough underfoot. Undertake it in good weather and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views and a tremendous sense of elevation.
The best walk for spectacular summit views...
What: Hollins Cross and Mam Tor
Summary: A long but steady walk to the top of an iconic Peak District hill for spectacular all-round views
Start/finish: Edale car park
Time: 2hr
Distance: 6km (3.7 miles)
Climb: 280m
The dramatic Great Ridge forms Edale’s southern skyline and this walk climbs gradually up to the crest and then along to the broad summit of Mam Tor. Despite the ascent, the paths are not overly steep and on the very top are wide and mostly paved. This means you can relax and enjoy the sensational views which take in the whole length of the Hope Valley.
The best walk for castles, caverns and gorges...
What: Castleton and the caverns
Summary: A scenic and energetic circuit of Castleton taking in a castle, caverns and limestone gorge
Start/finish: Castleton Visitor Centre, Buxton Road
Time: 2hr 30mins
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 270m
The popular village of Castleton at the head of the Hope Valley is surrounded by dramatic limestone scenery, including towering cliffs and plunging slopes, as well as the looming presence of Mam Tor. This varied and adventurous route heads up and out of the main valley past the entrances to Castleton’s famous show caverns, before crossing the open plateau above and returning on a rocky path through a deep gorge below the remains of a Norman castle.
The best walk to visit a famous gritstone edge...
What: Stanage Edge and North Lees
Summary: Climb up to a famous gritstone edge for spectacular views on this undulating valley and moorland route
Start/finish: Castleton Visitor Centre, Buxton Road
Time: 2hr
Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)
Climb: 220m
The impressive 6km-long gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge frames the eastern end of the Hope Valley and is one of the most famous climbing venues in Britain. This undulating circuit begins by exploring the attractive part-wooded hillside below, including a period house with Brontë connections, before making its way steadily up across moorland to the very top for far-reaching views. On the edge itself, it can be a little uneven underfoot, and be careful of sheer drops.
The best walk to explore the region's history...
What: Eyam
Summary: A short but undulating walk to learn about a village forever associated with a tale of sacrifice and hope
Start/finish: Eyam Museum, Hawkhill Road
Time: 2hr
Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)
Climb: 180m
Eyam (pronounced ‘eem’) is best known for a collective act of extraordinary self-sacrifice during an outbreak of plague in 1665–66. This walk begins with a long but steady pull up field and woodland paths to the hilltop above the village, then goes on to explore many of the sites associated with the famous episode, ending at the excellent Eyam Museum, where you can learn more about the village’s rich social history.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in the Peak District - Edale and the Hope Valley. Other highlights include Ladybower Reservoir. Hathersage, Hope to Edale and Bretton Clough. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
15 Short Walks in the Peak District - Edale and the Hope Valley
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Edale and the Hope Valley in the Peak District. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route descriptions and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means everyone can enjoy walks.
More information
