The Ultimate Guide to Peak District Walks #4

Summit Seekers: 10 Challenging Hikes for Breathtaking Views

For walkers craving altitude and expansive vistas, the Peak District’s gritstone edges and high peat plateaus deliver unforgettable challenges. Kinder Scout, the park's highest point, offers multiple testing ascents. The classic Edale Skyline circumnavigates the entire plateau, a serious undertaking with significant ascent rewarded with wilderness immersion and panoramic views. A slightly shorter but equally dramatic option is the Kinder Scout Plateau Circuit starting from Edale station, traversing the wild boggy summit past landmarks like Pym Chair and the Downfall.

Ridge walks provide exhilarating exposure. The Great Ridge linking Mam Tor to Lose Hill offers relatively accessible drama, but extending it into the Mam Tor and Cave Dale circuit adds geological wonder, descending into a limestone gorge reminiscent of adventure films. For sheer scale, the Stanage Edge and Bamford Edge Circuit showcases the longest gritstone escarpment in the Peaks, beloved by climbers and offering jaw-dropping views over Ladybower Reservoir.

Epic challenges await seasoned hikers. The Six Edges Walk near Baslow traverses Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Birchen, Gardom’s and Birchen Edges – a rollercoaster of rocky viewpoints. The Alport Castles and Derwent Reservoir route explores the UK’s largest landslide feature, creating a rugged 'fortress' landscape with far-reaching wilderness views.

• Safety & Preparation for High-Level Hiking:

  • Navigation Skills Essential: Plateaus like Kinder feature featureless terrain prone to fog. Carry map, compass (& know how to use them), plus GPS backup.

  • Weather-Wise: Conditions change rapidly. Pack waterproofs, warm layers, hat/gloves even in summer. Check forecasts meticulously.

  • Footwear: Sturdy ankle-supporting boots with grippy soles are non-negotiable for rocky/peat terrain.

  • Bog Awareness: Stay on paths where possible across peat moors. Poles help test ground.

  • Start Early: Allow ample daylight. Inform someone of your route/return time.

Conquer the peaks:
Let's Go Peak District Challenging Walks