Peak District Walking Weekend
We escaped for a Peak District walking weekend, staying at the cosy Snake Pass Coach House holiday accommodation. It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding fells, with a warm welcome and plenty of space to dry boots and gear after long days on the hills.
Why the Snake Pass Coach House?
We loved the location – it’s tucked away in the heart of the Peak District but still within easy reach of all the walks we wanted to do. The accommodation itself was comfortable and well-equipped. We stayed in Apartment 2 at the Snake Pass Coach House and really enjoyed it. Staying here made it easy to plan early starts without worrying about a long drive to the hills.
Because of its peaceful location you do have to make sure you’ve taken everything you need with you. The nearest shops are in Bamford or Glossop, so a fair old drive, and the nearest pub is the Ladybower Inn.
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If you’re after other options, Haystack Haven looks lovely and has a hot tub if you’re into that kind of thing. For something similar, Ladybower Inn is in a great spot and gets good reviews. And if you’re feeling fancy, Birch Cottage is not far away and very swish, with it’s own pool!
Our Peak District Weekend Walking Itinerary
Day 1: Bleaklow Plane Wrecks Walk
We parked at Shepley Street in Glossop, and walked up onto Higher Shelf Stones, Bleaklow Head, Featherbed Top, Mill Hill and Harry Hut, passing 3 Peak District air crash sites on the way. This walk bags 4 of the Peak District Ethels as well. It’s a long walk, at 15 miles, but well worth it if you enjoy peaceful, secluded moorland.
As an alternative, you could head up onto Kinder Scout. Straight across from the cottage is the entrance to Fair Brook. This is a beautiful spot in the Peak District, with waterfalls aplenty and some little pools where you can have a dip. It’s also a great scramble up onto Kinder Scout if you wanted to go that far, with a 9 mile route below.
Day 2: Dambusters Challenge (plus Win Hill Sunrise)
Next up was our big walk of the weekend – the Dambusters Challenge walk, starting ridiculously early so we could catch sunrise from Win Hill. We stormed up Parkin Clough, thinking we weren’t going to get a sunrise as it was misty, then emerged through the clouds to a proper stunner. We had the whole top to ourselves as well – when does that EVER happen?!
The Dambusters Challenge Walk 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 great long Peak District walk.
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy a huge, all day walk, you could just hike up Win Hill and explore the woodland around Ladybower Reservoir.
Day 3: winnats pass, Mam Tor & the Great Ridge
On our final day, we went for a hike along Winnats Pass, Mam Tor and the Great Ridge. We were lucky and got another cloud inversion! We parked in one of the marked laybys near the top of Winnats Pass, explored there and then headed over to Mam Tor and Lose Hill.
Handy Tips for a Walking Weekend in the Peak District
- Weather: The weather on the tops can change fast – layers and waterproofs are essential. Make sure you’ve got your layers if you’re planning on hiking.
- Footwear: Make sure you’ve got decent waterproof footwear if you’re heading up onto the hills. They can get very muddy and boggy in places and it’s no fun walking in wet shoes.
- Parking and transport: Snake Inn is well-placed for walks up onto Kinder Scout. For the Dambusters Challenge we parked near the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, and for Winnats Pass we parked in a layby at the top of Winnats Pass. Please park responsibly if you’re visiting, and if the car park or layby is full, find another one or pick a different walk. Don’t park like an idiot.
- Dog-friendly? The Snake Inn Coach House doesn’t allow dogs.
- Early starts: Sunrises are worth it, but pack a headtorch! Check what time the sunrise will be, and aim to be at the summit 10-15 minutes before as often colours start appearing before actual sunrise.
- Best time to visit: Your best chance of seeing a cloud inversion is in Spring or Autumn, which is also when the sunrise times aren’t as awful!
We absolutely loved our weekend. Staying at the Snake Inn made it easy to pack in big walks without feeling rushed, and the variety – from the wild expanse of Kinder Scout to the gentler ridges of Mam Tor – means every day feels like a proper adventure. I’d definitely go back and try a few different walks next time (my “to walk” list is never ending!), but try and get another early morning start to catch that magic Peak District sunrise!
