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

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

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.