Peak District (Top 10 walks): The finest walks in the Peak District National Park (UK National Parks: Top 10 Walks)

Product Information

First published in 2004, this is the third edition of Paul Besley's guide of over forty walks covered by the eastern sheet of Ordnance Survey White Peak map OL24. This means no folding, unfolding, flapping or tearing of the map to locate the routes. From the estate’s visitor center, you’ll follow a path down towards a pond and an old barn. From there, the charming path runs downhill to a bridge that crosses Burbage Brook to the entrance of Hollowgate. After the second stream, there is a short steep ascent that can be quite slippery after rain. You are then at the main car park for Burbage valley. A path leads away from the car park stile which takes you to Higgar Tor. The top of Higgar Tor is popular and can get quite busy on warm summer days during the tourist season, however, the views from here are stunning. The multiple routes that cross the epic Peak District are a perfect showcase of the green landscapes and ancient isles. And hiking here is totally safe. The routes are well-trodden, well-signposted, and the weather is never too extreme. But that doesn’t mean you should just hotfoot it off on a hike without thinking twice. The Peak District is a wild environment, so it pays to know what you should expect and what you should prepare in advance.

At the top of the Hollowgate, there’s a natural tower of boulders called Owl Tor, which is a pretty good spot to chill for a minute. We’ve carefully curated some of our favorite trails in this British national park, to make sure there’s something for just about every hiking ability. There are short strolls, bracing hill walks, mystical moorland adventures, and challenging multi-day treks.

A Small Loop

The Peak District's landscape varies dramatically, with historic towns and dramatic rolling hills. You can discover routes through the White Peak area of the South - with pastoral countryside criss-crossed by dry stone - or take on more challenging walks in the rugged Dark Peak of the north, characterised by distinctive gritstone.

Abandoned millstones can be seen from some of the Burbage Valley walks. Another Small Burbage Valley LoopMam Tor, meaning “Mother Hill,” is located in the High Peak area and stands at 517 meters above sea level.