The best walks and hikes in Peak District

FAQs about hiking in Peak District

• What types of landscapes can I expect to see when hiking in the Peak District?
  The Peak District offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, from green valleys and friendly summits to sweeping moorlands, rugged gritstone edges in the Dark Peak, and picturesque limestone dales and meadows in the White Peak.


• Are there hikes suitable for all abilities in the Peak District?
  Yes, the Peak District caters to all abilities, offering routes from easy strolls to moderate challenges. The most popular trails, like the Kinder Scout loop, are generally moderate and suitable for hikers with good fitness.


• What kind of wildlife can I spot while hiking in the Peak District?
  The Peak District is home to unique wildlife, including England's only population of mountain hares, which are particularly visible in spring with their white winter coats. Bird watchers can also spot red grouse, golden plover, merlin, and peregrine, alongside common residents like foxes.


• Can I find accommodation and places to eat easily in the Peak District?
  Yes, the Peak District houses historic towns that offer plenty of accommodation options and welcoming tea rooms, perfect for resting after a day of hiking.


• Are there any specific natural highlights or landmarks worth visiting?
  Absolutely! Don't miss prominent features like Kinder Scout (the highest point), the stunning limestone dales of Dovedale with its famous stepping stones, the dramatic chasm of Lud's Church, and the towering Roaches outcrop.


• Is the Peak District suitable for multi-day hikes?
  Yes, thanks to its rolling hills and easy access to towns for overnight stays, the Peak District is perfect for both day and multi-day hiking adventures.


• What is the best time of year to go hiking in the Peak District?
  While wildlife can be spotted all year, spring offers a chance to see mountain hares in their white coats. Generally, the diverse landscapes are beautiful in any season, making it a great destination for hiking year-round.


• What kind of terrain will I encounter on Peak District hikes?
  You'll encounter varied terrain including green valleys, rolling hills, sweeping moorland, rugged gritstone, and gentle limestone dales. Paths range from easily accessible trails to more exposed sections.

The varied landscape of the Peak District

The Peak District is a land divided into three distinct areas. Within its 555 square miles (1,438 sq km), you’ll find the geological regions of the White Peak, Dark Peak and South West Peak. Each area has its own flavour of landscape and you can use the different regions to guide your choice of Peak District walks. 

The Dark Peak dominates the north-eastern section of the national park and is home to sweeping moorland and rugged valleys. It has more than its fair share of rare animals and environments too. The Peak District has the only population of mountain hares in England and, despite their name, they’re partial to the heaths and moors this area has to offer. 

Blanket bog is another of the Dark Peak’s rare possessions, only existing in a few countries around the world. This peat-based bog environment allows cottongrass to thrive, transforming swathes of moorland into a white, fluffy blanket in early summer. You can find some of the best hiking trails in the Peak District in the Dark Peak area, including those around Kinder Scout, the highest point. 

In contrast, the White Peak area has a vast limestone plateau with diverse meadows and deep, green valleys. When you fall in love with the Peak District, and you likely will, the limestone dales in the White Peak may well be responsible. Dovedale alone has become a hiker’s paradise with its lush green hills and famous stepping stones. 

The South West Peak shares heathland and peat bogs with the Dark Peak but here you’ll be walking through patchwork farmland and rolling hills too. You’ll also find the great chasm of Lud’s Church and the towering Roaches outcrop, both astounding natural features. 

Wildlife to spot in the Peak District

Many hikers visit the Peaks to catch a glimpse of the mountain hares. You can spot them all year round but for the best chance, make a journey in spring when they still have their white winter coats and stand out against the blooming foliage. 

If you’re a keen bird watcher, Peak District hikes are sure to deliver. In the moors to the north, red grouse are common while you’ll need patience to catch sight of a golden plover. In the skies, you can see merlin and peregrine watching from above. Foxes are also a common resident and if you’re lucky, you might spot cubs bouncing along behind their mother.

Best hiking trails in Peak District

• • The most popular hike in the Peak District is the Kinder Scout loop from Edale , a 14 km hike taking around 4 hours with approximately 510 m of elevation gain — an Intermediate route suitable for hikers with good fitness.


• • The second most popular hike is the Mam Tor & Lose Hill loop from Hope , a 13.3 km ridge route (about 4 hours) with roughly 410 m of ascent — an Intermediate hike offering some of the best panoramic views in the national park.


• • Another frequently enjoyed route is the Monsal Head & Deep Dale loop from Ashford-in-the-Water , a 9.5 km hike (approx. 2h 43m) with around 220 m of climbing — an Intermediate option blending limestone dales, valley scenery, and accessible trails.


• • Across the collection, terrain ranges from rolling hills and sweeping ridges to green valleys and limestone dales, offering something for every type of hiker.


• • These insights reflect data from 3,968 recorded hikes and 250,295 people who have hiked in the Peak District.