The Best Long Walks in the Peak District

Hathersage, Stanage Edge and Burbage Edge – 11 Miles

This walk explores the Eastern Moors of the Peak District and visits Stanage Edge and Burbage Edge, areas which were devastated by wildfire in recent years. This 11 mile walk starts from Hathersage and climbs up to Stanage to enjoy the sweeping views, before returning via the Longshaw Estate and Padley Chapel.

Cheshire 3 Peaks – 13.5 Miles

For those looking for a serious day out in the hills, the Cheshire 3 Peaks walk delivers in every sense. This 13.5 mile circular route starts and finishes at Teggs Nose Country Park and takes in three of the most distinctive summits on the Cheshire and Peak District border – Teggs Nose, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor.

Back Tor and Ughill Moors – 14 Miles

If you’re looking for a remote Peak District walk with plenty of wild moorland scenery, this Bradfield to Back Tor and Ughill Moors walk is a fantastic choice. This 14 mile circular route heads out from the village of Bradfield and climbs onto the quiet and expansive moorland.

Bamford Edge, Stanage Edge, Higger Tor, Surprise View – 15 Miles

This walk explores the gritstone edges of Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge, including the cave known as Robin Hoods Cave, then heads over to Higger Tor and Carl Wark before visiting Surprise View. The route then returns along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. This is a great route if you’re ticking off the Peak District Ethels – you bag 3 in this 15.5 mile walk, plus 2 trig points.

Kinder Scout Perimeter Walk – 16 Miles

This Kinder Scout Perimeter walk winds it’s way around the edges of the plateau forming the highest mountain in the Peak District, Kinder Scout. Don’t let the distance fool you into thinking this is a steady walk – it’s tough enough to warrant a place on this list!

Fairholmes to the Grinah Stones – 17 Miles

If you like peace and solitude on the moors, this walk, following the River Derwent through the Derwent Valley, could be for you! With a visit to the Barrow Stones, an optional stop off at Ronksley Cabin and a return alongside the River Westend, this walk explores some of the wildest areas of the Dark Peak. If you want an escape for a few hours, this is a great walk.

Derbyshire 3 Peaks – 18 Miles

This 18.5-mile route takes on three of the area’s highest points – Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones – with a total elevation gain of around 2,750ft (that’s roughly 840m). It’s a challenging day out, but you’ll be rewarded with dramatic moorland views, sweeping gritstone edges and a real sense of achievement. It starts and finishes near a pub too!

Dark Peak Snake – 20 Miles

If you’re looking for a proper Peak District challenge walk, the Dark Peak Snake is one to add to your list. This 20 mile route links together some of the wildest and most remote landscapes in the Peak District, starting with a hands-on scramble up Blackden Brook onto Kinder Scout before following the dramatic northern edge across to Mill Hill.

Edale Skyline – 20 Miles

It’s a classic challenge walk – the Edale Skyline, 20 miles on the hills around Edale. Starting from Hope, this walk heads up to Win Hill before climbing up Kinder Scout via Crookstone Knoll, winding round to Kinder Low and then passing Brown Knoll, Rushup Edge and The Great Ridge of Mam Tor and Lose Hill before dropping back down into Hope. The views on a clear day are incredible!

Dovestone Skyline – 21 Miles

This 21 mile walk is over the Saddleworth moors around Dove Stone Reservoir. Taking in Aldermans Hill, the Pots and Pans Stone and War Memorial, Broadstone Hill trig point, Rimmon Pit Clough, Birchen Clough, The Trinnacle, Ashway Cross, Alphin Pike trig point and then a lap round Dove Stone Reservoir and Yeoman Hey Reservoir to finish. On a clear day the views are amazing!

10 Reservoirs Walk – 23 Miles

This 10 Reservoirs walk is a slight adaptation on the one devised by the Long Distance Walkers Association. This is a beautiful moorland walk over the Saddleworth Moors, but includes some severe climbs, including a scramble up Rimmon Pit Clough, a climb up Black Hill and a steep climb up Crowden Valley towards Laddow Rocks. It’s also run as an annual race organised by CraggRunner, which comes in around 27 miles – I highly recommend it!

Black Hill Walk – 23 Miles

This challenging Black Hill Peak District walk is 23 miles and takes in 4 Peak District trig points, including Featherbed Moss, Black Hill, West Nab and Hey Edge. It also takes in the County Top of Black Chew Head and the amazing Laddow Rocks. This is a walk which showcases the absolute best of the Dark Peak.

South Pennine 24 – 24 Miles

The South Pennine 24 is a challenging moorland walk organised by South Pennine LDWA. Every year up to 150 walkers and runners take on the challenge and head up onto the moors, tackling 3900ft (1188m) of ascent and descent.

Dambusters Challenge Walk – 24 Miles

This is an epic Peak District walk covering almost 24 miles of moorland above Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs made famous by the Dambusters during World War 2. Taking in some of the more well known Peak District peaks such as Win Hill, Alport Castles, Back Tor and Lost Lad, this is a brilliant day out on the hills.

Derwent Valley Skyline – 24.5 Miles

The Derwent Valley Skyline is not a walk for the faint hearted. It’s 24.5 miles of unforgiving Dark Peak terrain, with the finest bogs and peat groughs for you get your boots stuck in. This route involves lots of off path sections, so good navigation is a must! Leaving Derwent Edge the walk visits Margery Hill, Outer Edge and Bleaklow Stones before returning via Crook Hill, visiting 4 trig points along the way.

What should I wear on a long walk in the Peak District?

• Broken-in walking boots with good grip or trail running shoes
• Wicking base layer, warm mid layer and waterproof jacket and trousers
• Walking socks, plus a spare pair
• Hat and gloves, even in summer

What should I pack for a long walk in the Peak District?

• Plenty of water and more food than you think you’ll need
• Map and compass
• Charged phone and power bank
• Head torch
• First aid kit with blister plasters
• Emergency shelter or foil blanket
• Walking poles for the descents

Long Walks in the Peak District FAQs

How long does a 20 mile walk in the Peak District take?
At a pace of 2 to 3 mph, a 20 mile walk takes roughly 6.5 to 10 hours of walking time. Add breaks, and allow extra for steep climbs and boggy moorland, which can slow you down considerably.

Which long walk should I do first?
If you’re new to long distance walking, start with one of the 11 to 14 mile routes, then work your way up to the 20 mile plus challenges as your fitness and navigation confidence grow.