Article: The best hikes of England's Peak District
The best hikes of England's Peak District
The Peak District is England’s first national park and is one of our go-to spots when we’re not sourcing antiques. If you’re traveling to England and want to spend some time in nature, you must add a stop here to your agenda. Sam's cousin, Kel, is an incredible UK based photographer, and we are thrilled to be partnering with her to bring you this post. Check out our guide to some of the best hikes you can find while on your trip.
Mam Tor and The Great Ridge
This is probably the most well-known hike in Peak District and for good reason. It’s a moderate hike with breathtaking views and loads of sheep. Add Cave Dale onto your loop for a hidden gem, less busy than other sights on this trail. You'll also get views of Peveril Castle, as seen in The Princess Bride.
Expect some climbs, and some longer routes. Pack a sandwich and have yourself a whole day out.
Kinder Scout Plateau
While this is the hardest route of the bunch, it comes with excellent payoff. It’s a strenuous climb that takes you up to the highest peak in the park, with tons of dramatic vista views. We recommend bringing maps and making sure to check the weather before you set off—clouds can roll in and make it very hard to see.
Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud
This is one of our favorites, a gentle hike along the river with little to no real climbing necessary. Because of its accessibility, this route can get busy - we recommend going early. These are mostly shorter routes, perfect for bringing the whole family.
Alport Castles
If you want a full-on hike, check out Alport Castles. It’s a longer trail with more difficult terrain and includes walking alongside the Derwent Reservoir. As with Kinder Scout, make sure you keep an eye on the weather and bring sufficient supplies. Due to the advanced nature of this trail, it's likely to be less busy than some of the others we've covered here.
Curbar / Froggatt Edge
Looking for Highland cows? They can often be seen here. This area gives that classic England hiking experience, without as much work. It’s downright stunning in late summer/early fall when fields are full of purple heather. You can make your walk here longer or shorter, but whatever you choose, we’re confident it’ll be worth your time.
Padley Gorge
And finally: classified as an ancient temperate rainforest and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Padley Gorge cannot be missed. Sam spent much of his childhood here and it's a place we take our boys to as often as we get the chance. This area is beautiful all year long- with spectacular colors in the autumn and a perfect summer spot for families. Enjoy short walks or more challenging routes.
There’s so much to see and do in England—but The Peak District should not be missed.
P.S. Keep an eye on this space for content you won’t want to miss. We’ll be covering antiques, interiors and all things English. For more stunning photos like the ones featured above, give Kel a follow @_kellypearson_. She's the best of the best and we're lucky to have her as part of our crew.
Talk soon,
xx Liv
