Image: Black Rocks, Peak District, England
The Peak District National Park is one of Britain’s most ancient landscapes: a vast expanse of hills, forests and patchwork fields, crisscrossed by rivers and dotted with great lakes and reservoirs. It’s a fantastic place to go hiking, and one of Britain’s great National Trails starts here in the village of Edale. You can get to the Peak District by train in 45 minutes (direct and regular service) from Manchester Piccadilly, so it’s ideal for a day trip.
For short trips like this one, you can book your individual rail tickets in advance through The Trainline. If you’re making a longer journey, one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to explore Britain is with a BritRail pass that allows you unlimited journeys, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Catch the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale, a village on the southern fringes of the Peak District National Park. To make the most of the daylight, catch the 08.49am or 10.49am trains.
The Peak Centre has a huge array of activities on offer including; a climbing wall, archery, walking, rock climbing, abseiling and fencing! There are a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
Hire some bikes and explore the beauty of the Peak District National Park, stopping at rivers, ridges and scenic spots to take breath-taking photos! You'll find Derwent Cycle Hire in Bamford (direct train from Edale – Bamford 9 mins).
A traditional country pub with a beer garden and sun terrace so you can eat and drink while admiring the spectacular countryside! Reach it by direct train from Edale – Hathersage (13 mins) or Bamford (4 mins)
Once the site of an Iron Age fort, Mam Tor is a prominent hill known for its fantastic views over the Peak District, and all the way to Manchester on a clear day. If you’re looking for a nice simple walk into this gorgeous landscape, this nice 2 hour jaunt will suit you well. It’s not too steep, and there are plenty of pubs and cafes around the starting/end point if you need a tea or a tipple.
The Great Ridge, high on the Dark Peak (yes, this walk makes you feel like you’re in Game of Thrones) runs for 4 miles and offers fantastic views throughout. Starting in Edale, this route will take you to the fantastic summits at Lord’s Seat and Mam Tor — considered one of the best views in the Peak District. The whole walk takes around 5 and a half hours, and is of moderate difficulty.
If you want a challenging Peak District hike, the Kinder moorland walk is around 7.5 miles long and takes you up to the High Peak Moors. Beginning from Edale Station, you’ll join the Pennine Way, follow the River Noe through ancient woodland then up the steep Jacob’s Ladder. Continuing the climb, you’ll soon be high in the otherworldly atmosphere of the Kinder Plateau, from where you’ll be able to take in incredible views of the Vale of Edale. This walk takes about 5 hours, and considered difficult.
