Best trails in Peak District National Park
Founded in 1951, Peak District National Park is the first established national park in the UK. It is spread throughout five counties, including Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester. The park covers 555 square miles and hosts over 13 million visitors per year. The Peak District is divided into the White Peak and the Dark Peak, offering a diverse landscape with limestone formations, glacial dales, gritstone edges, moorlands, and more. Kinder Scout, the highest point in the park, holds historical significance as the site of the Mass Trespass in 1932, which fueled the right-to-roam movement and led to the establishment of national parks in the UK. Mam Tor, also known as the Shivering Mountain, and the Roaches are iconic hills in the park. The Dark Peak features impressive gritstone edges like Bamford Edge, Derwent Edge, and Stanage Edge, which provide climbing and bouldering opportunities. The park also boasts fascinating caves, reservoirs, nature reserves, and railway paths.
Top trails
1
(6943)
•Moderate
•7.7 mi
Enjoy this beautiful, scenic, and popular trail that takes in a great mix of natural, historic, and mythical sights. Rugged terrain and sweeping views accompany you as you make your way to Hen Cloud, The Roaches, Doxey Pool, and Lud's Church. With some rocky scrambling involved, this trail will test your abilities but reward your efforts.
The trail starts with a very steep climb over rough and rocky terrain to Hen Cloud, a crag popular with rock climbers. Here you can enjoy views of East...
2
(4517)
•Moderate
•8.0 mi
•Est. 4.5–5 hr
This is a popular trail at the edge of the Dark Peak and White Peak region in the Peak District National Park, taking you up to Mam Tor, one of the most iconic hills in England, also known as the "Shivering Mountain”. From this first peak, the route continues along the undulating spine of the Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, Back Tor, and Lose Hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys before heading back via Castleton, Cave Dale, and Slitherstone Hill.
Start this...
3
(4198)
•Moderate
•6.6 mi
•Est. 4–4.5 hr
This is a rewarding, yet challenging circular route in the Peak District National Park that begins at Winnats Pass and visits Blue John Cavern, Mam Tor, Mam Tor Hill Fort, Hollins Cross, Back Tor, and Lose Hill. There are stunning panoramic views from the top of the peaks of the surrounding countryside. This route does not include the Elbow Ridge grade 3 scramble, but instead takes the path beside it along Winnats Pass.
This route is often extremely muddy after rain and during certain times...
4
(5643)
•Moderate
•8.5 mi
This is a fantastic, yet dangerous circular trail in The Peak District National Park. It takes you up Kinder Scout and past Kinder Downfall, retracing the steps of the famous Kinder Scout Mass Trespass - an act of wilful trespass by ramblers and members of the Young Communist League on 24 April 1932, to highlight the fact that walkers in England and Wales were denied access to areas of open country.
Kinder Scout, situated in the Dark Peak region, is the highest point in the Peak District....
5
(3682)
•Moderate
•5.5 mi
•Est. 2.5–3 hr
This is a beautiful trail in the Peak District National Park, taking you along the Bamford Edge and below the towering crags of Stanage Edge.
These striking escarpment form part of the exposed gritstone escarpments that stretch from the top of the Derwent Valley all the way to Chatsworth and beyond.
Start this trail at the Dennis Knoll car park at the corner of North Lees and the Long Causeway, an ancient packhorse route across the Peak District, linking Hathersage and Sheffield. From...
6
(2987)
•Moderate
•4.1 mi
Please note that this trail starts at the Top Pike Layby on the A6, not at the private farms across the valley, nor across the street.
The trail involves some clambering of rocks and a very steep hill, which can be tough. Keep in mind that some parts of this trail can get slippery in wet weather, making it significantly more challenging, so come prepared with the appropriate footwear.
This is a beautiful trail at the edge of Peak District National Park, taking you through the Chee Dale...
7
(1725)
•Moderate
•3.2 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
The Roaches is a spectacular gritstone escarpment in the Dark Peak of the Staffordshire Peak District National Park and a popular place to visit in the park. This trail takes you along the Roaches and visits Lud’s Church in the Black Forest Wood along the way.
The trail starts from Roach End, where you’ll follow the path down the slope and into Black Forest Wood to visit Lud’s Church, a fairytale-like chasm with moss-covered walls, which was created by a landslip and has served as...
8
(2240)
•Moderate
•8.3 mi
•Est. 4–4.5 hr
The Roaches is a spectacular gritstone escarpment in the Dark Peak of the Staffordshire Peak District National Park and a popular place to visit in the park.
This trail visits the iconic Hen Cloud, meaning ‘steep rock’, located at the southern end of the Roaches before continuing up the Roaches, visiting Doxey Pool and Lud’s Church on the way.
The route starts from a car park along Roach Road and takes you on an ascent up the western slope of Hen Cloud, a steep, rocky outcrop that offers...
9
(2433)
•Hard
•8.1 mi
Portions of this route are undefined with scramble sections. It should not be attempted in the winter months or when conditions aren't clear. Appropriate training, footwear, and navigation skills are required.
This is an exciting trail taking you up Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District National Park via Grindsbrook Clough and descending via Jacob’s Ladder.
This trail starts from the Edale Car Park and follows the road through Edale and Grindsbrook Booth before crossing the...
10
(4582)
•Moderate
•8.2 mi
This trail takes you up to Higher Shelf Stones and visits the B-29 crash site and memorial near its peak in the Peak District National Park.
The trail starts in Old Glossop, where you’ll follow the road along the Glossop Brook before embarking on the gradual climb up to Higher Shelf Stones and the B29 Superfortress crash site and memorial.
The site itself is captivating; there are large parts of the fuselage, wheels and parts of the engine strewn over 400 yards of ground.
When the US Air...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Peak District National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Peak District National Park is The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, which has a 4.8 star rating from 6,943 reviews. This trail is 7.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,391 ft.
What is the longest trail in Peak District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Peak District National Park is Tour de Peak District. This trail is estimated to be 156.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Peak District National Park?
There are 1,439 trails in Peak District National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 290,310 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Peak District National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Peak District National Park has you covered. Tour de Peak District boasts the most elevation gain with 22,368 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Peak Epic Circular, which will get you 17,175 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Peak District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 291 camping trails in Peak District National Park and the most popular is Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,517 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Peak District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 1052 running trails in Peak District National Park and the most popular is Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,517 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Peak District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 278 biking trails in Peak District National Park and the most popular is Ladybower and Lee Wood Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 2,505 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 914 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Peak District National Park, including The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Loop, Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge, Kinder Scout and Kinder Downfall Circular, and Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge Circular.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 234 trails with archaeological sites in Peak District National Park, including Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Loop, Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge, Mam Tor Circular, Padley Gorge Circular, and Castleton, Mam Tor and Lose Hill Circular.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 76 trails with waterfalls in Peak District National Park, including Kinder Scout and Kinder Downfall Circular, Kinder Scout via Grindsbrook Clough and Jacob's Ladder Circular, Hill Houses and Kinder Low Circular, Edale and Kinder Scout Circular, and Middle Black Clough Waterfall.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 422 trails with cliffs in Peak District National Park, including The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Loop, Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge Circular, Chee Dale Gorge Circular, and Lud's Church from Roach End Circular.
Are there any trails with springs in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 76 trails with springs in Peak District National Park, including Chee Dale Gorge Circular, Winnats Pass, Mam Tor, and Cave Dale Circular, Miller's Dale and Chee Dale Gorge Circular, Miller’s Dale and Monsal, and Winnats Pass and Cave Dale Circular.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 112 trails with historical monuments in Peak District National Park, including Derwent Reservoir Circular, Baslow via Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge Circular, Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge Circular, Bakewell and the Monsall Trail, and Ilam and Dovedale via Thorpe Cloud.
Are there any trails with ponds in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 45 trails with ponds in Peak District National Park, including The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, Chee Dale Gorge Circular, Hen Cloud, The Roaches, and Lud's Church Circular, Miller's Dale and Chee Dale Gorge Circular, and The Roaches.
Are there any trails with caves in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 188 trails with caves in Peak District National Park, including Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge, Thor's Cave Circular, Mam Tor Circular, Hathersage and Stanage Edge Circular, and Winnats Pass, Mam Tor, and Cave Dale Circular.
Are there any trails with dams in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 124 trails with dams in Peak District National Park, including Bamford Edge Ladybower Circular, Derwent Reservoir Circular, Win Hill South Circular, Bamford Edge and Yorkshire Bridge Circular, and Derwent Reservoir and Hancock Wood Circular.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 145 trails with historical ruins in Peak District National Park, including Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge Circular, Teggs Nose, Ridgegate Reservoir, and Trentabank Reservoir Circular, Shining Tor and Goyt Valley Circular, Stanage Edge and Bamford Edge Circular, and Rivelin and Redmires Reservoirs Circular.
Are there any trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Peak District National Park, including Upper Hulme, Lower Lee and The Roaches Circular Route, Tittesworth Reservoir, Ramshaw Rocks, and The Roaches Circular, and Roaches and Reservoirs Circular.
Are there any trails with castles in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 106 trails with castles in Peak District National Park, including Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Loop, Castleton, Mam Tor and Lose Hill Circular, Winnats Pass, Mam Tor, and Cave Dale Circular, Mam Tor and Cave Dale Circular, and Winnats Pass and Cave Dale Circular.
Are there any trails with rivers in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 257 trails with rivers in Peak District National Park, including Thor's Cave Circular, Three Shires Head Circular, Flash and Three Shires Head Circular, Derwent Reservoir Circular, and Thor’s Cave, Old Hannah's Hole, and River Dove Circular.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 46 trails with picnic areas in Peak District National Park, including Dovedale and Tissington Circular, Bamford Edge, Stanage Edge, and Robin Hood's Cave Circular, The Tissington Trail, North Lees, Dennis Knoll and Stanage Edge, and Tissington Trail: Ashbourne to Alsop en le Dale.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 149 trails with scenic viewpoints in Peak District National Park, including Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge Circular, Mam Tor and Hollins Cross Circular, Dovedale to Milldale, Bamford Edge Ladybower Circular, and Ashford, Monsal Dale, and Shacklow Wood Circular.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with weather shelters in Peak District National Park, including Bakewell, Youlgrave, and Priestcliffe Circular, High Peak - Tissington Trails, High Peak Trail, Pilsbury Castle and Tissington Trail, and Bakewell, Youlgrave, and Monyash Circular.
Are there any trails with huts in Peak District National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with huts in Peak District National Park, including North Lees, Dennis Knoll and Stanage Edge, Blackden Brook Circular, Blackbrook Wood, Fox Hagg and Fox Holes Plantation, Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones Circular, and Edale to Sheffield.