Things to Do in the Peak District

True to its name, most of the Peak District is comprised of rough and mountainous terrain. Split into the Dark Peak (largely moors and gritstone) and the White Peak (lots of limestone), the Peak District is a paradise for hikers and climbers.

Located at the farthest end of the Pennine Mountains, most of the Peak District rises over 1,000 ft or 300 metres. The highest point is Kinder Scout, measuring 2,087 ft or 636 metres. Instead of sharp or jagged peaks, discover an ancient region full of rocky hills, sweeping valleys, eerie landscapes and high escarpments.

Stanage Edge

The gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge is one of the best-known locations within the Peak District. The impressive rock-face towers 25m high and sits 458m above sea level at its highest point. Its escarpment runs for almost four miles from the Cowper Stone all the way to Stanage Edge. Quarrying coupled with natural erosion has created a steep and stunning cliff-face drawing climbers from near and far.

Of course, you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy the area around Stanage Edge. Plenty of hiking opportunities abound, and the views and unique geological features make the outing worth it. Stanage Edge is located near the cosy wee stone village of Hathersage.

Kinder Scout

This is the highest point of the Peak District. Boasting stunning views, a moorland plateau and nature reserve, Kinder Scout is one of the harder Peak District walks. The expansive views justify the meaning of its name: “wide views.” Fun fact: the plateau was the site of the 1932 mass trespass which led to public access of open lands.

Sites of interest include Edale Cross, located on an ancient route across open moorland and once a medieval boundary marking the edge of a royal forest. Also visit the cascade Kinder Downfall, legendary home to a mermaid who can grant immortality (see more on this below).

Mam Tor

Another popular hike in the Peak District is the “Mother Hill.” This 517-metre high hill sits in the Hope Valley between the Dark Peak and White Peak regions. Combined, these regions comprise the Peak District. The Mam Tor hike weaves through the dappled green slopes of Winnats Pass, offering an iconic photo op. Drink in Mam Tor’s sweeping views and discover some fabulous ridge-walking.

Like most of the Peak District, there are a number of caves and underground spaces nearby. Mam Tor is also sometimes known locally as the “Shivering Mountain.” There is a new distillery, the Shivering Mountain Distillery, tucked into the Hope Valley, home to a couple of types of gin.

 

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Born in the village of Haworth north of the Peak District, the Brontë sisters are among England’s most beloved and respected authors. They are perhaps England’s most famous literary family.

Charlotte Brontë, the eldest of the Brontë sisters, visited a friend in the village of Hathersage in 1845 while writing Jane Eyre. The quaint village and its vast and desolate environs offered inspiration and atmosphere for her iconic novel.

Walking along Stanage Edge, immerse yourself in the endless hills and moors that form an ever-present background to Jane Eyre, before gazing upon North Lees Hall. This 16th-century tower is recognised as the inspiration for Thornfield Hall, the principal house in the novel. Even the name “Eyre” is a local family name.

Emily Brontë, the author of Wuthering Heights, has creative ties to this area too. The rough, rocky landscape with its vast atmospheric stretches had a hand in influencing the dark and desolate setting found in Wuthering Heights. Hiking these eerie landscapes, it’s not hard to imagine Heathcliff and Cathy out on the moors.

Read more about Jane Austen, the Brontës, and other English authors and the landscapes that inspired their works here.

 

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Hathersage

The quaint stone village of Hathersage is popular amongst visitors to the Peak District, catering to outdoor lovers and hillwalkers. Hathersage was visited by authors such as Charlotte Brontë (while writing Jane Eyre), as well as Daniel Defoe (of Robinson Crusoe fame).

Accessed by train, Hathersage is an ideal jumping-off point for hikers wishing to explore Stanage Edge, Robin Hood’s Cave and the Peak District National Park.

This postcard-perfect stone village of just 2,000 inhabitants has a lovely medieval church. Inside, find a stained glass window was saved from Derwent Chapel just before the village was “drowned” to create a reservoir.

North Lees Hall is on the outskirts of the village. This ancient tower is generally accepted as inspiration for “Thornfield Hall” in Brontë’s novel Jane Eyre.

 

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Bakewell

A bustling market town, Bakewell lies in the southern reaches of the Peak District and is a popular spot with visitors.

When you hear the name of the town, dessert might come to mind. This is no coincidence! The village of Bakewell is known for a beloved English delicacy, “Bakewell pudding,” a delicious jam pastry that legend says was created by mistake in the mid-1800s. A related tasty treat is the Bakewell tart, a variant of the Bakewell pudding. It’s safe to say there is no shortage of treats in this corner of the Peak District.

The village also has a church founded in Saxon times, an Elizabethan dwelling, a number of Anglo-Saxon crosses, a medieval arched bridge, and of course the traditional outdoor market (held on a Monday).

This substantial village is home to a number of cosy pubs, shops and quaint stone buildings. Bakewell is located close to Chatsworth House, a stand-in for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley from the Pride and Prejudice film. This is not the only Jane Austen connection. Bakewell is the inspiration behind the village of Lambton in the novel Pride and Prejudice. Austen’s descriptions in the novel evoke the real-life town you see today.

Hope Village

This thimble-sized stone village is adorable and quaint. Located at the confluence of the River Noe and Peakshole Water, the village of Hope has a 13th-century church home to a number of impressive gargoyles. It also has a couple cosy cafes and pubs.

Hope Valley reaches out on every side of the village, making the area a popular place for hikers and those looking for a quiet getaway.

Hope is also an ideal starting point to explore the atmospheric valley of Cave Dale to the viewpoint of Mam Tor. Not far away are the remains of the Roman fort of Brough.

 

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As the highest waterfall in the county, the 30-meter-high Kinder Downfall is also worth exploring. The scenery is surrounding the falls is magnificent, and the cascade is rugged and stunning. But what makes Kinder Downfall and the dark pool at the bottom of the waterfall particularly interesting is its folklore.

Legend has it that a water spirit, sometimes referred to as a mermaid, haunts this pool. She supposedly shows her tail on the eve of Easter. Other sources say that the mermaid in the pool can grant immortality to those who see her, or else offer the ability to see into the future, depending on which version of the tale you hear. Though be careful – such gifts always come with a price!

A myth such as this one likely points to Kinder Downfall and its mountainous surroundings as being an ancient spot of importance or worship.