The Dark Peak
The higher and wilder part of the Peak District, characterised by rough open moorland, gritstone cliffs and black peat. The Dark Peak covers mainly the northern part of the Peak District but also the eastern and western margins too.
Some of the most dramatic scenery can be found here with highlights including Stannage Edge (pictured), Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Win Hill.
Why is it called the Dark Peak? The underlying limestone here has a cap of gritstone which is darker in appearance than limestone. It has a softer shale underneath too, which means the ground holds water easily – hence the black peat bogs which are a common characteristic of the area. The combination of steep, rugged ground and boggy land means that the Dark Peak is largely uninhabited moorland, making for amazing hikes into the wild!
You’re likely to need waterproof boots (and good navigation skills), but will be rewarded with spectacular views!
The Dark Peak
The higher and wilder part of the Peak District, characterised by rough open moorland, gritstone cliffs and black peat. The Dark Peak covers mainly the northern part of the Peak District but also the eastern and western margins too.
Some of the most dramatic scenery can be found here with highlights including Stannage Edge (pictured), Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Win Hill.
Why is it called the Dark Peak? The underlying limestone here has a cap of gritstone which is darker in appearance than limestone. It has a softer shale underneath too, which means the ground holds water easily – hence the black peat bogs which are a common characteristic of the area. The combination of steep, rugged ground and boggy land means that the Dark Peak is largely uninhabited moorland, making for amazing hikes into the wild!
You’re likely to need waterproof boots (and good navigation skills), but will be rewarded with spectacular views!
Dark Peak Highlights
- Alport Castles hike from Derwent Reservoir – stunning, varied and away from the crowds!
- The Great Ridge and Win Hill – combine Lose Hill, Mam Tor and Win Hill in one mega hiking day! Not for the faint hearted!
- A shorter (but steep!) Win Hill loop – rewarding views after an up hill climb.
- Family friendly Mam Tor
- Mam Tor and Lose Hill from the beautiful town of Castleton, famous for its Blue John jewelry
- Kinder Scout, one of the most physically demanding yet rewarding parts of the Peak District
- Stannage Edge from Hathersage – one of the most famous parts of the Peak District for good reason!
- Dovestone Reservoir, Birchen Clough and the Trinnacle – a gorgeous walk!
- Derwent and Howden Reservoirs Loop – this can also be biked!
- Bleaklow Head – Bleaklow has a reputation for arduous walking, but the views make it worthwhile! You could do a loop from Old Glossop or an out and back route either via Torside Clough or the Pennine Way.
The White Peak
The White Peak, sometimes known as the Low Peak, covers the central and southern part of the Peak District, and is generally lower in altitude than the Dark Peak. You’ll find the White Peak from the Hope Valley southwards, enclosed by the Dark Peak on some of the west and east edges.
The rock here is limestone, paler in colour than the gritstone of the Dark Peak. It’s also porous, meaning you’re much less likely to find boggy ground. Due to the better soil, the White Peak is much better suited to agriculture and so you’ll see lots of farmland and species rich hay meadows here. The porous rock also means that caves, limestone gorges and dry valleys are common features of this area.
In parts, you’ll see that the White Peak has been fairly extensively quarried, exposing quite a bit of the underlying rock which is of interest to geologists.
Some of the most famous parts of the White Peak are Castleton on the northernmost edge, Bakewell, Matlock Bath, Monsal Dale, Dovedale, Lathkill Dale and the Manifold Valley.
The White Peak
The White Peak, sometimes known as the Low Peak, covers the central and southern part of the Peak District, and is generally lower in altitude than the Dark Peak. You’ll find the White Peak from the Hope Valley southwards, enclosed by the Dark Peak on some of the west and east edges.
The rock here is limestone, paler in colour than the gritstone of the Dark Peak. It’s also porous, meaning you’re much less likely to find boggy ground. Due to the better soil, the White Peak is much better suited to agriculture and so you’ll see lots of farmland and species rich hay meadows here. The porous rock also means that caves, limestone gorges and dry valleys are common features of this area.
In parts, you’ll see that the White Peak has been fairly extensively quarried, exposing quite a bit of the underlying rock which is of interest to geologists.
Some of the most famous parts of the White Peak are Castleton on the northernmost edge, Bakewell, Matlock Bath, Monsal Dale, Dovedale, Lathkill Dale and the Manifold Valley.
White Peak Highlights
- Luds Church and the Roaches – technically this is actually the west fringe of the Dark Peak, but it lies within the OS White Peak map, hence its feature here. A stunning part of the Peak District!
- Lathkill Dale – options include a short loop from Monyash and a slightly longer route enjoying more of the river.
- The Monsal Trail, usually an out and back route can also be enjoyed as a loop returning on higher ground.
- Padley Gorge is a family favourite! The wooded area is pictured here, but it opens out to a nice grassy area perfect for picnics and paddling!
- Dovedale, in the southernmost area of the Peak District
- Thor’s Cave and the Manifold Valley – absolutely stunning!
- Millers Dale scenic circular route
- Eyam and Abney – Eyam (pronounced Eem) is famous for the plague
- The Tissington Trail follows an old railway track and is a 13 mile route (one way) which can be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists.
Hiking Safety Disclaimer
The walking routes provided on this page all link out to external sources and we accept no liability for the accuracy of the information on these websites. This information is provided here only to help with your enjoyment of our beautiful area and should not be relied upon without the backup of a physical map, compass, good navigation skills and suitable hiking equipment. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday so please take appropriate health and safety measures whilst out and about and research your routes thoroughly prior to setting off.