10 of the best outdoor activities in the Peak District
With many of us choosing to holiday in the UK this year, some of our best loved outdoor spaces are seeing an increased number of visitors. The Peak District National Park is a popular area in normal times, and for good reason, so expect to see tourism booming there this summer!
Pre Covid, the majority of my weekends were spent in the Peak District, either climbing, walking or mountain biking. So it’s fair to say that I know the place pretty well and often recommend activities to friends and family.
But, when I recently had the help of a work experience student, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a fresh pair of eyes on the case and help find some new things to do.
So credit where credit is due, HUGE thanks to Rhys for his investigative work which uncovered a few different places to visit for outdoor activities in the Peak District.
1. Swim wild
Towards the western edge of the Peak District on the River Dane lies the Three Shires Head (where Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet). The river can be shallow and rocky in places but deeper under one of the waterfalls.
Head north east to the Ladybower area and you’ll find Slippery Stones in the Upper Derwent valley which is a very popular swimming spot (be prepared for a longer walk or bike ride to get there).
Alternatively, if you prefer your outdoor swimming to come with a cafe, changing rooms and toilets, Hathersage swimming pool will give you an open air experience with fabulous views and warm water!
2. Walk or cycle the Cromford Canal
Located just outside the edge of the Peak District National Park boundary (south of Matlock), Cromford Canal is a lovely place to visit and one which people heading straight for the centre of the Peak District will often drive straight past!
The whole canal is 14.5 miles long, joining Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. It’s an area rich in industrial heritage but the canal is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest between Cromford and Ambergate. I used to live near the area and loved visiting, especially in the summer months when it seemed to be teaming with wildlife.
The towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate is just over 5 miles long and includes an aqueduct. For those not wanting to walk the canal, check out the boat trips running from Cromford Wharf.
3. Explore the Eastern Edges
The eastern edges of the Peak District, close to Sheffield, is a superb place to explore and includes some of my favourite mountain biking, walking and climbing areas.
The Eastern Moors Tour in the Vertebrate Publishing White Peak Mountain Biking guidebook is a great introduction to the area. The route is relatively gentle, without too much up and down, and the surfaces tend to be good in all weathers. Plus the views across moorland and from the gritstone edges are incredible.
If walking is more your speed, check out this 6 mile circular walk on the National Trust website. It takes in Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge and White Edge, with a possible stop at the Grouse Inn en-route for a cheeky pint!
And climbing? Both Froggatt and Curbar are renowned climbing areas, but Froggatt was always one of my favourites.
4. Cycle on old railway tracks
The Peak District has some superb disused railway tracks which have been converted into trails suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The High Peak Trail covers a 16 mile distance between Parlsey Hay and Middleton Top (near Cromford, of Cromford Canal fame!). You can also access the Tissington Trail from Parlsey Hay (bike hire available) and ride just over 13 miles south towards Ashbourne.
The Monsal Trail is just under 9 miles and runs between Bakewell and Buxton. The full route only opened in 2011 when 4 railway tunnels (each around 400m long) were made safe and lit during daylight hours. Handy hint, check out one of my favourite cafes on this route!
5. Go Ape in the tree tops
Go Ape Buxton isn’t technically in the Peak District but with the national park boundary practically circling the town, I figured it’s close enough!
It’s one of the highest Go Ape courses in the UK and has one of their biggest Tarzan swings so perfect if you’re looking for an adrenaline buzz high in the tree canopy!
There are also walking routes available here, along with a cafe and picnic area if you want to bring your own.
6. Saddle up and trek the trails
The Peak District has a great network of bridleways for horse riding and the group Peak Horsepower work to develop this further. Their website also has some ideas for routes to follow on your own horse.
If you’re looking for a riding and trekking centre to book a trip, Northfield Farm at the village of Flash comes up high in TripAdvisor reviews. On the southern edge of the Peak District, Matlock Farm Park run 2 hour treks and has a cafe along with kids attractions.
7. Go underground
The Peak District is full of caves which can be explored in show caves or via a caving trip. If you’re looking to be guided on a caving adventure, check this link to Visit Peak District which lists some of the local certified caving instructors.
Castleton is home to some of the best show caves around, including Peak Cavern and Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. Speedwell Cavern includes a boat trip which guides you through a 230 year old lead mine.
If caves above ground are more your thing, there are a few you can pop into free of charge while out on a walk!
8. Walk the Great Ridge
The walk between Mam Tor and Lose Hill, known as the Great Ridge, is extremely popular with visitors - but when you see the views on either side, you’ll know why!
This 8.11 mile circular walk starting in Castleton is free to download from Viewranger and goes up the ‘broken road’ to the summit of Mam Tor. The road is the old A625 which collapsed and was finally closed in 1979. It’s now a twisted and gnarled piece of tarmac which always fascinates me when I’m there!
In 2018, around 600 walkers lit up the Great Ridge as part of the BMC’s Mend our Mountains campaign.
9. Climb the gritstone faces
The Peak District is renowned for its world class gritstone climbing - when climbing abroad and meeting climbers from other countries, they often mentioned Stanage Edge when I told them where we lived!
My archive blog post 5 Great gritstone crags in the Peak District gives an overview of some of my favourites, so I’ll not cover that again here. Suffice to say, if you’re an experienced climber, these guidebooks from Outside in Hathersage will give you all the information you need!
If you’re looking for a climbing guide to show you the ropes, check out Peak Mountaineering or Pure Outdoor
10. Messing about on the river
You’ll find lots of water sport activities in the Peak District located on the outer edges of the national park boundary.
Rapid Horizons based in Matlock run rafting, canoeing, kayaking and tubing trips down the River Derwent.
Tittesworth Watersports near Leek offer a range of activities as do Carsington Water near Ashbourne.
The Peak District rightly deserves its popularity with seekers of outdoor adventure. You may find some of the activities and locations here are pretty busy this summer, so it may be worth hiring a local guide who can take you to the lesser known locations if you’re looking for the quieter side of life.
The Sheffield based The Outdoor City website is also packed full of information which covers the Peak District.
