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Walking in the Peak District - White Peak West

40 walks in the hills of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire

Guidebook describing 40 day walks in Derbyshire's White Peak, part of the Peak District National Park. One of two volumes, this book covers the west of the region and explores limestone landscapes, green dales and delightful rivers. Potential bases include Buxton, Hartington, Thorpe, Ashbourne, Cheddleton and Winster.

The eBook is also sold by Google Play Books, Apple Books, Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo.

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

Detailed overview

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.

Where and when to go

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

Which format is best for me?

Printed book

A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps — everything you need on the trail.

ISBN9781852849771
AvailabilityPublished
Published17 August 2021
Reprinted26 August 2026
Weight 270g

eBook

The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.

Updates

  1. Updated

    Walk 9 Buxton to Castle Naze

    A new stile has been installed. It is the same style as others used on the estate in places. There are hand holds, boot treads, and no barbed wire. I have attached photos.

    This maintains access of Combs Moss to Corbar Hill. This is not a public right of way but a permissive path on open access land.

    The route description in the book P71 should now read '...then bear NE for a few metres until you reach a stile in the wall on the right. Go over the stile and follow the wall line S downhill...'

Meet the author

Paul Besley

Paul Besley

View author


Paul Besley is a writer who began exploring the British Landscape while at school in the 1970s. His focus of work is the interaction between human and the land. His work has evolved into the study of how the physical environment imprints itself on humans and how as a race we respond. His belief that walking is a simple activity has led him to support the effort of many just starting out on a lifetime of pleasure. He has a desire to show people that walking does not just have to be in the hills and mountains of national parks or rely on expensive equipment but can be enjoyed from the front door of home through our urban landscape and out into our local countryside. His books, Day Walks in the South Pennines and 1001 Walking Tips for Vertebrate Publishing, and the three Peak District guidebooks for Cicerone Press, are well respected by walkers and explorers of all ages. He lives close to the Peak District in The Outdoor City of Sheffield with his partner, metalsmith Alison Counsell, their three dogs Monty, Olly, and Scout.