Walking Weekends | Edale, Peak District

16th February 2026 | Words by Matt Jones | Photos as credited

The Peak District might not reach the heights of Snowdonia or the Lake District, but what it lacks in altitude, it more than makes up for in character. And nowhere demonstrates this better than Edale, a tiny cluster of hamlets tucked beneath the peat-stained ramparts of Kinder Scout.

This unassuming valley holds a special place in British outdoor history. In 1965, it became the starting point for the Pennine Way – Britain's first National Trail – a 268-mile trudge across England's wild northern uplands to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. But Edale's significance stretches back further still. In 1932, the infamous Kinder Scout Mass Trespass saw ramblers clash with gamekeepers over the right to roam these moors, a pivotal moment that ultimately led to the creation of our national parks and greater public access to the countryside.

Today, Edale serves as a proper outpost of the outdoors, complete with two legendary walkers' pubs, welcoming cafes, a chip shop, and a well-stocked local shop. The Moorland Visitor Centre provides essential intel on conservation efforts protecting this important habitat, plus walking inspiration for everything from gentle valley rambles to serious moorland expeditions. The Dark Peak's signature landscapes – deep peat hags, sodden groughs, and gritstone tors – await those willing to venture onto the plateau above.

Great walks from Edale

Edale sits in a natural amphitheatre of hills. To the north, the Kinder plateau sprawls across the skyline like a broken table, its edges fringed with gritstone outcrops and tumbling waterfalls. South of the valley, the Great Ridge links the Hope Valley to Edale, connecting a succession of classic viewpoints including Mam Tor and Lose Hill.

The walking here ranges from straightforward valley strolls to proper Peak District epics demanding map-and-compass navigation skills. What makes Edale particularly appealing is its accessibility – you can arrive by train and walk straight from the station into the hills, no car required.

Rushup Edge and Mam Tor

This classic circuit delivers big views from some of the Peak District's most iconic viewpoints without straying into serious mountain territory. The route initially follows the Pennine Way out of Edale, where you might find yourself sharing the trail with long-distance backpackers in it for the long haul.

Pass through the hamlet of Upper Booth – once, like Edale itself, little more than a shepherd's shelter or 'booth'. From here climb across the head of the valley, crossing Whitemoor Clough to reach Rushup Edge. Follow the ridge over Lord's Seat to reach the trig pillar at Mam Tor's 517m summit, perched on the southern edge of the Dark Peak with spectacular views across the White Peak and down into the notable dry gorge of Winnats Pass.

The real magic happens when you walk the aptly named Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, with both the Hope Valley to the south and Vale of Edale to the north dropping precipitously away on either side. Return downhill along paths and country lanes back to Edale. At just over eight miles, it's eminently manageable in half a day, though don't underestimate the lung-busting ascents and rocky terrain, plus assorted stiles and stone gaps to negotiate.

Lose Hill

Like a full stop placed at the end of a long sentence, Lose Hill punctuates the eastern end of the Great Ridge. At 476m it's a relatively modest summit, but the hill's prominence makes this viewpoint feel like a lofty perch indeed, offering spectacular views west along the Vale of Edale, north to the moors of the High Peak, and east to imposing Stanage Edge.

Lose Hill is also known as Ward's Piece, named after early twentieth-century walkers' rights activist G. H. B. Ward, an ardent tramper of the High Peak. In photographs, Ward was normally pictured in stout boots and a flat cap, sporting a rather magnificent moustache.

To reach Lose Hill and follow in his footsteps, take the footpath southeast out of Edale, crossing the River Noe and heading uphill to Hollins Cross. Once you've climbed up to the Great Ridge, turn left to pick up the undulating, well-trodden path that leads to Lose Hill's panoramic summit. Many walkers descend to the village of Hope from here, but you can swing left downhill to Townhead before turning sharply north, crossing the railway line at Bagshaw Bridge and then following paths and lanes along the valley floor to Nether Booth, Ollerbrook Booth and finally back to Edale.

Kinder Scout

For adventurous hillwalkers seeking the archetypal 'big day in the Peak District', this is it – an arduous but exhilarating 14-mile loop with some 1,365m of total ascent. You'll bag Kinder Scout, at 636 metres the highest point in the whole national park. This circuit also ascends the steep flagged path of the notorious Jacob's Ladder, passes Kinder Reservoir and culminates at the spray-soaked falls of Kinder Downfall.

It's a full day's walk that requires proper hillwalking kit, including map and compass. Once you're up on the Kinder plateau, the deep peat hags and sodden, Bournville-coloured channels (or groughs) through the blanket bog can look disconcertingly similar. In poor weather, it's all too easy to lose your bearings.

If you're game, pick up the start of the Pennine Way from Edale to Upper Booth and walk along to the bridge at the bottom of Jacob's Ladder. Take a deep breath and start climbing. At the top, leave the Pennine Way to pick up field paths heading west, then swing north towards Kinder Reservoir. Skirt the western edge of the reservoir, then ascend William Clough before turning right to follow the steep path up to Kinder Downfall.

From here, follow the stream bed via Kinder Gates and look for a faint path. The nondescript 'summit' of Kinder, if you can find it, is a little way off this path. Emerge near Crowden Rocks and take the path back to the cairn at the top of Grindsbrook Clough. Descend carefully through a scrambly section to reach the path that takes you all the way back to Edale.

Crowden Clough and Ringing Roger

This half-day hike from Edale combines an exciting ascent of Crowden Clough – an easy but exhilarating Grade 1 scramble – with a visit to one of the Peak District's most Instagram-worthy landmarks: Ringing Roger, a cluster of weathered gritstone outcrops that make for stunning photographs.

Start from Edale and pick up the Pennine Way through Grindsbrook Booth. Soon leave the main path for a small footpath below Broadlee Bank Tor, which climbs northwest up Crowden Clough. The best scrambling is found either in the clough itself or on the steep path to the left of the brook.

Once you've reached the Kinder plateau, follow the clear path east along the ridge that leads to the top of Grindsbrook Clough. A short detour can also take in Grindslow Knoll, which gives fine views of the Hope Valley and the Great Ridge to the south. Continue tracing the southern fringe of the plateau, following the ridge and fording several streams past Upper Tor and Nether Tor to reach the head of Golden Clough.

Ringing Roger is a little further on, providing plenty more opportunities to get your hands on rock by scrambling among the outcrops. Once you've exhausted yourself pretending to be Alex Honnold, the quickest way back to Edale is to descend towards the clear path to The Nab and then zigzag back down to Edale for a well-deserved pint in the Nag's Head.

Getting there

Despite its remote feel, Edale is surprisingly accessible. If travelling by road, take the A6187 off the M1 into Hope and turn right. The best way to reach Edale, however, is by train. The village has its own station with regular services to and from Manchester and Sheffield.

Where to eat, drink & sleep

The Old Nag's Head

This traditional country inn dates back to 1577 and is well known for serving up hearty food in portions that will satisfy even the hungriest hillwalker. With two cottages you can stay in, the Old Nag's Head makes an ideal base for exploring Edale.

The Rambler Inn

Another classic walkers' pub, the Rambler Inn typically features blazing fires in every room, a fine selection of cask ales behind the bar, and friendly groups of tired but exhilarated walkers chatting about the day's adventures. With nine en-suite rooms, it's another great place to spend a walking weekend.

YHA Edale Activity Centre

Affordable dorm rooms or private rooms in an elevated setting with views out over the Great Ridge and Dark Peak.

Upper Booth Farm Campsite

A National Trust campsite located right on the Pennine Way, perfect for tents or campervans, with a shower block and stunning views.

The Penny Pot Café

A cosy café serving up breakfast, lunch, tea and cakes (including the ubiquitous Bakewell Tart – you are in Derbyshire, after all). Muddy boots and four-legged friends are both welcome.

Insider info

• The Nag's Head in Edale traditionally marks the start of the 268-mile Pennine Way, Britain's very first National Trail, which stretches across England's wild northern uplands to finish at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.
• Edale made a fleeting appearance in Series 4 of gritty BBC drama Peaky Blinders. Grindsbrook is the location of one of the brothers' homes, where the Changretta henchmen turn up at Christmas.
• In the early 1930s, Kinder Scout became the focus for early access campaigners who wanted the freedom to walk in open country such as the privately-owned moors. In 1932 this resulted in an infamous mass trespass that saw ramblers clash with gamekeepers, resulting in the arrest of five walkers. The event ultimately paved the way for greater public access to the countryside and the creation of national parks.
• The Peak District probably derives its name from the Old English word peac, meaning hill. The highest point in the national park is Kinder Scout at 636m, which is also the highest point in Derbyshire and the whole of the East Midlands.
• There are almost 210 square km of blanket bog in the Peak District. This rare habitat supports a range of plants and wildlife such as the carnivorous sundew, which catches insects on its sticky-haired leaves. Scarce upland birds include the curlew and golden plover, while other signature species include the mountain hare.