Best Places to See Heather in the Peak District
From mid-July to early September, the Peak District bursts into colour as the heather blooms across the moors. If you’ve ever walked through a sea of purple under big skies, you’ll know just how magical it feels. I try to catch the Peak District heather every year – there’s just something about those wild, open landscapes mixed with the soft haze of heather that makes even a short walk feel amazing. Peak District heather is a must-see!
In this post, I’m sharing some of the best places to see heather in the Peak District, from well-known spots to quieter corners we’ve found on our hikes. I’ve also linked a few of our favourite walking routes, so if you fancy making a proper day of it, you’re all set!
1. Higger Tor & Carl Wark (near Surprise View, Hope Valley)
This is one of the most photogenic spots when the heather’s out. The contrast of purple blooms against the gritstone edges is incredible. You can do a circular walk from Surprise View that takes in Higger Tor, Carl Wark, and maybe even Padley Gorge for a paddle afterwards.
Try this walk: Padley Gorge, Burbage Moor and Higger Tor Walk | 8 Miles
2. Stanage Edge
A classic gritstone edge with long, sweeping views – and in heather season, it’s even better. The heather grows thick along the edge, especially around the southern end. It’s a great one for a sunrise or sunset walk.
Stanage Edge heather walk: Stanage Edge Circular Walk | 7 Miles
3. Derwent Edge & Back Tor
This area absolutely glows with heather in late summer. The path up to Back Tor is surrounded by purple, and the rock formations along the edge (like the Salt Cellar) make it even more dramatic.
Derwent Edge walks:
Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Edge | 8 Miles
4. Bleaklow & Higher Shelf Stones
A more rugged and remote option, but worth it. The moorland here is covered in thick heather, and you’re likely to have it all to yourself. The walk out to Higher Shelf Stones (and the nearby plane wreck) is a moody, atmospheric one, but going from Snake Pass takes a lot of the climbing out of it.
Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones walk: Bleaklow to Higher Shelf Stones Circular Hike | 6 Miles
It’s also worth exploring the northern edge of Bleaklow, as these tend to be quieter and are ideal for the more adventurous, as there’s lots of scrambles you can do.
Bleaklow Walks/Scrambles:
Torside Clough Scramble | 6 Miles
Wildboar Clough Scramble | 5 Miles
Old Glossop to Bleaklow Head and Cock Hill Circular | 8 Miles
5. Bamford Edge
A shorter walk than Stanage, but still a great option for big views over Ladybower and vivid patches of heather. A good one if you’re short on time or fancy something less exposed. Here are a couple of Bamford Edge walks you might like: Bamford Edge Walk | 6 Miles Bamford Edge – A Short Walk with Stunning Views | 2 Miles
6. Burbage Moor
Flat, easy paths and lots of accessible heather – ideal for families or a relaxed evening walk. There’s heather either side of the path, and the light around golden hour is especially lovely.
Try this walk: Burbage Edge Circular Walk | 5 Miles
7. Kinder Scout
The upper parts of Kinder can be surprisingly full of heather in places – especially on the approach via Grindsbrook Clough, Jacobs Ladder or Kinder Low. It’s wilder up here, but very rewarding if you fancy a longer hike.
Some popular Kinder Scout walks:
Edale to Ringing Roger Scramble | 5 Miles
Edale to Grindslow Knoll Circular Walk | 4 Miles
Jaggers Clough to Kinder Scout | 8 Miles
Crowden Clough to Kinder Scout Walk | 8 Miles
The northern edges of Kinder Scout are also packed with heather and are guaranteed to be much quieter. Blackden Brook and Fair Brook are both beautiful routes up onto the plateau.
Blackden Brook Scramble to Edale Moor Trig Point | 8 Miles
Fair Brook Scramble to Kinder Scout Northern Edges | 9 Miles
8. Win Hill
The slopes of Win Hill are transformed into a sea of purple when the heather is out! Whether you approach from Hope Brink or the short and steep way up Parkin Clough, Win Hill has arguably some of the best views in the Peak District.
Crook Hill and Win Hill Walk via Ladybower Reservoir | 9 Miles
Win Hill and Ladybower Reservoir Loop | 8 Miles
Ladybower Reservoir Walk With Win Hill | 8 Miles
9. Snailsden
One of my favourite places in the world, Snailsden is stunning when the heather is out. I like to run from Snailsden to Black Hill and back via Twizle Head Moss and Holme Moss. This is definitely a quieter part of the Peak District.
It’s worth noting that dogs are not allowed on this SSSI (here’s a link to the Open Access Land map), and there are no Public Rights of Way (shown as green lines on the Ordnance Survey map) up there – there are just paths over the Open Access Land.
Try these walks:
USAAF B24-H Liberator Crash Site on Twizle Head Moss, Holmfirth
Cooks Study Hill and Snailsden Pike End | 4 Miles
10. Wessenden Valley, Marsden
The Wessenden Valley is a “hidden gem” in the Peak District. Packed with waterfalls, stunning views and heather as far as the eye can see in summer, this area is well worth a visit.
Wessenden Valley walks:
Wessenden Moor Circular Hike | 4 Miles
Waterfalls at Wessenden | 5 Miles
11. Stanton Moor
Stanton Moor is a great place to explore. It’s packed with history, from ancient stone circles to curious rock formations, abandoned millstone quarries and curious towers. There is so much to see here, as well as being a great place to see Peak District heather.
Try this walk: Stanton Moor Walk [Cork Stone and Nine Ladies Stone Circle]
Do you have a favourite place to spot heather in the Peak District?
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