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

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.

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.

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