Like they say, the early hiker catches the photo. The view over the Great Ridge is particularly good at sunrise and sunset, plus you'll avoid the late risers. Owned by the National Trust, the paths are well made and there are plenty of short circular walks in the area. Start point: Mam Tor National Trust Car Park Mam Tor and Cave Dale Evening light over Great Ridge, Mam Tor in the Peak District. Now that the safety announcement is over, here are our recommendations for the best hikes in the Peak District - to give you inspiration for your next beautiful hill walk. In this feature, we're going to look a little further than that.Īlthough you're never too far away from civilisation on a Peak District hike, there are plenty of cliffs to fall off, holes to fall down and open plateaus to wander around in the fog. Most people have heard of Padley Gorge, a deep but narrow valley in the peaks, or perhaps know the Monsal Trail. This means bogs, peat and heather moorland in the Dark Peak and rolling green green hills in the White Peak. The south is called the White Peak, dominated by white limestone and chalky soil. The northern part is known as the Dark Peak, with course black gritstone rock.

The Peak District has two halves with distinctly different geology. There are no fewer than ten named trails that pass through the area - quite possibly more as we speak - and the area is actually well known for its involvement in shaping Right to Roam laws and access to the UK's hills. The peaks are famous for limestone caves, precipitous edges (with views to match) and long distance hiking routes. The Peak District was the UK's first National Park, so it's no wonder that walking in the Peak District is so popular amongst British outdoor lovers.

High tor state park peak