13 Spectacular Walks From Edale
Edale is one of the best starting points for walks in the Peak District. With a train station right in the village, you can leave the car at home and step straight onto beautiful footpaths. These 13 walks from Edale include everything from gentle valley strolls to challenging moorland scrambles. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly routes, high plateau hikes, or scenic circular walks, this guide covers distances from 4 to 16 miles, helping you choose the right walk for your time, energy, and the winter or summer conditions.
Gentle Edale Walk from Edale Train Station – 4.5 Miles, Easy Valley Route
A low-level walk starting and ending at Edale Train Station. This easy 4.5-mile route explores the valley bottom with stunning views of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. Ideal for beginners, families, or those looking for a relaxed walk without climbing.
Steel Cotton Rail Trail: Hope to Edale – 7 Miles, Moderate Valley & Moor Hike
This Hope to Edale route, but reversed! Follow the Steel Cotton Rail Trail from Edale to Hope. This moderate 7-mile walk combines valley paths and moorland sections, making it scenic and accessible. Perfect for walkers using public transport, as the train can take you back to the start.
Steel Cotton Rail Trail: Edale to Chinley – 8 Miles, Moderate Moorland Hike
This 8-mile section from Edale to Chinley starts at Edale Train Station and climbs Jacob’s Ladder. Enjoy moorland scenery before descending into Chinley. Moderate difficulty with open terrain and wide views.
Edale to Kinder Scout and Mam Tor – 12 Miles, Challenging Circular Hike
This 12 mile Kinder Scout and Mam Tor circular walk starts from Barber Booth car park in Edale and heads up the beautiful Crowden Clough onto Kinder Scout. The route then explores the southern edge of Kinder Scout, with stunning views over Edale and beyond, and heads around to Brown Knoll and Rushup Edge. It then visits the ever-popular Mam Tor before dropping back down into Edale. Best for experienced walkers seeking stunning views.
Edale to the Dragon Rapide on Kinder Scout – 7.5 Miles, Challenging Plateau Walk
This walk from Edale climbs Grindslow Knoll before heading off over the Kinder Scout plateau to discover the wreck of the Dragon Rapide on Edale Moor, the Seal Stones on the northern edge of the plateau and returning via the ‘Seven Minute Crossing’ across the plateau. This is a challenging 7.5 mile walk and good navigational skills are essential.
Edale to Ringing Roger Scramble – 5 Miles, Adventure Scramble
This walk from Edale takes in the scramble up Ringing Roger on Kinder Scout before heading along the ridge of Upper Tor and Nether Tor, before scrambling back down Grindsbrook Clough. If you don’t fancy scrambling up there is a path you can take. A 5-mile route ideal for adventurous walkers or older kids.
Edale to Grindslow Knoll Circular Walk – 4 Miles, Popular Scramble
A classic 4-mile scramble starting in Edale. Visit Grindslow Knoll (601m) and enjoy valley and moorland views. Perfect for a shorter morning hike.
Grindsbrook Clough Scramble to Grindslow Knoll – 7 Miles, Classic Peak District Scramble
A classic Peak District scramble, with a twist! This Grindsbrook Clough scramble walk avoids the crowds before visiting Grindslow Knoll, then hiking along the tops to descend via Ringing Roger, and is 7 miles, perfect for a morning or afternoon out on the hills. Moderate to challenging.
Kinder Scout 3 Trig Points Walk – 13 Miles, Plateau Hike
A walk to bag all 3 of the trig points on the Kinder Scout plateau! Requires navigation skills and care across boggy moorland.
Jaggers Clough to Kinder Scout – 8 Miles, Hidden Scramble & Plateau Walk
This walk starts just outside Edale village centre in Nether Booth and scrambles up the lesser known Jaggers Clough. It then follows the high path on the Kinder Scout plateau round to Grindsbrook Clough before descending back into Edale, passing the Old Nags Head on the way. Moderate difficulty with fewer crowds.
Kinder Scout Perimeter Walk – 16 Miles, Long Circular Plateau Hike
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can walk all the way around the top of Kinder Scout, you can! This route heads up Ringing Roger and then follows the edge path anti clockwise. It’s a great way to experience the changing sides to Kinder Scout. You can also add on a trip up to the summit of Grindslow Knoll if you want to bag another top. Challenging long hike with panoramic views.
Crowden Clough Scramble – 7.5 Miles, Rocky Gorge to Plateau
Tucked away just outside Edale, this 7.5-mile Crowden Clough scramble is a brilliant way to reach the top of Kinder Scout. Starting from Barber Booth, the route follows a quiet path before heading into the rocky gorge of Crowden Clough, where hands-on scrambling takes you up onto the Kinder Plateau. From there it swings back down via Ringing Roger, with wide views over Edale making for a stunning finish (and there’s the Old Nags Head Inn on the way too). Rocky scramble with stunning views.
Grindslow Knoll and True Kinder Scout Summit – 7.5 Miles, Classic Summit Hike
This 7.5 mile walk starts in Barber Booth and heads up Grindslow Knoll before exploring the Peak District’s highest mountain and the true Kinder Scout summit. It then heads down Jacob’s Ladder. Classic Peak District hike with iconic rock formations.
Want to make a weekend of it? Here’s where we stayed when we had a weekend in Edale.
Have you got a favourite walk in Edale?
Frequently Asked Questions About Walks From Edale
Q1: Are these walks suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, routes like the gentle Edale Walk or Grindslow Knoll circular walk are perfect for beginners or families. They are low-level, easy to navigate, and start from Edale Train Station.
Q2: Can I take the train to start or finish these walks?
A: Absolutely. Many walks, such as the Steel Cotton Rail Trail sections, start and finish at Edale Train Station or nearby stations, making car-free walks easy.
Q3: Which walks are challenging or require scrambling?
A: Routes like Edale to Ringing Roger, Crowden Clough Scramble, and Kinder Scout 3 Trig Points are more challenging and involve scrambling over rocks and plateau navigation. Kinder Scout is not to be underestimated – the weather changes quickly up there so make sure you’re prepared.
Q4: Are dogs allowed on these walks?
A: Most walks are dog-friendly, but always check local signs and restrictions. Some plateau sections may exclude dogs due to wildlife protection.
Q5: What distances do these walks cover?
A: Walks range from 4 miles (Grindslow Knoll Circular Walk) to 16 miles (Kinder Scout Perimeter Walk), suitable for short walks or full-day hikes.
Q6: When is the best time to do these walks?
A: Clear, dry weather is ideal, but winter walks are possible if you take care with icy or boggy sections. Summer brings stunning moorland views and wildflowers, including heather.
