Find out all about how to enjoy a quiet and crowd free Peak District walk.

It’s no secret what an incredible place the Peak District is. Being the first National Park in the UK and one of the most visited. It’s a beautiful part of the country with lots to offer that appeals to any individual, family or group. From rolling hills, beautiful countryside, rivers, tourist attractions and of course many brilliant tea rooms, cafes, pubs and ice cream farms (it seems we like good food around here!) There is something for everyone!

 

Iconic Peak District Walks

There are so many well-known places in the area. Mam Tor, Kinder Scout and the Roaches, being three great examples of what the Peak District has to offer. They are accessible to most and perfect places for a walk or run along. They’re great to see a sunrise or sunset from and to sit with a brew and admire the view.

Even though I know these areas well, I keep discovering new routes and areas around them. A perfect reminder to keep exploring more and more of what’s around you!

 

 

 

Beat the Post Lockdown Crowds

However, with lockdown rules easing and social distancing restrictions in place, more and more people are now flocking to these areas. Feeling safer outside and enjoying what many of these places have to offer as well as being a cost-effective day out. Between that and the vast majority favouring a ‘Staycation’ as a last-minute holiday this summer. The popular tourist spots we know and love have become inundated with visitors more than ever.

In an attempt to avoid crowds during lockdown I soon realised to continue enjoying places like these, I would need to rethink when and where I could go for a walk or micro adventure. I set out to find hidden gems and quiet walks in the Peak District and wanted to share my tips and advice.

There are many hours in the day. With most of the population heading out between the peak hours of late morning until late afternoon, that leaves a huge chunk of time when the hills and honeypot areas are much, much quieter. 

 

 

 

Mini Morning Adventures

What better way to start your day than an early morning adventure. Watch the world wake up and enjoy sunrise from a place like Mam Tor, Winnats Pass or Chrome Hill. Have your breakfast while out on a morning walk or better yet, visit one of the nearby cafes for your morning cuppa and breakfast and support a local business. These will be their quieter hours, before the busier times of the day and you head home. 

 

 

 

 

Twilight Adventures 

Take advantage of the long summer days and longer lighter evenings by visiting places in the evening and at night. I soon discovered that evening and night walks are an incredible way of seeing places you know in a completely different light, literally! With the vast majority of people off the hills and out the valleys back home or at their holiday accommodation, you’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself which can be an incredibly liberating feeling, knowing the same area was heaving with people only a few hours earlier.

 

 

 

Another way to explore the Peak District without the crowds is to scout out new areas close by and there are many incredible places that are often overlooked in favour of their more famous neighbours.

Some picturesque alternatives to the busier tourist hot spots that are worth checking out include,

 

Win Hill

Instead of the often busier Bamford Edge or Lose Hill, head up nearby Win Hill. It comes with the bonus of having a trig point for those who like to seek these out. From the top of its peak, you’ll be treated to incredible moorland and heather clad views, looking over Ladybower to one side and the entire of Hope Valley to the other. With several different routes up to choose from, heading up either the steep but adventurous path of Parkin Clough from nearby Yorkshire Bridge, or from Hope via Hope Cross whichever way you go, no route will disappoint.

 

Rushup Edge

Mam Tor’s overlooked next door neighbour. A great place to walk in its own right, still with plenty of incredible views over Edale and Kinder but with much more space and freedom. Easily accessible with nearby parking and if you need to visit a trig point, further along you will find Brown Knoll Trig, which is almost deserted compared to Mam Tor Trig Point. Paragliders can also be seen taking off from its hillside when the conditions are right.

 

Burbage North, Higger Tor and Carl Wark. 

Instead of heading up and along nearby Stanage Edge, cross the road and you’ll be greeted by these enticing areas. With the climbing crags of Burbage North and South, the big boulders of Higger Tor and the open expanse of Carl Wark and the small stream of Burbage Brook in between, there’s plenty to enjoy and explore on a good walk. From here enjoy views that stretch out over towards Longshaw estate and beyond. 

 

Wyming Brook

Padley Gorge is without a doubt one of my favourite places for so many reasons and it’s not hard to see why this place is such a popular spot for many people who chose to spend a day here and around Longshaw Estate.

However, in favour of a much quieter similar area, look no further than nearby Wyming Brook Nature Reserve. Still a very popular place but without feeling quite so crowded. With beautiful woodland, waterfalls and great little areas for a paddle, this place ticks all the boxes.

 

Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks

The Roaches is a place of incredible natural beauty, with its rocky outcrops and formations, it’s enjoyed by many climbers, runners and walkers.

Look to its side and you will see the smaller but still large and impressive rocky outcrop known as Hen Cloud and to its rear Ramshaw Rocks. Head up either of these for a great walk and spectacular views over the Staffordshire Moorlands that will not disappoint. 

 

 

 

 

Finding Adventure Inspiration

Inspiration for new places to explore for me can come from a combination of Instagram, recommendations from friends and family, or local tourism websites. These are usually full of helpful advice and walking routes and local Tourist Information Centre’s. They have helpful staff who can advise you on anything you may wish to know about the area.

For inspiration from Instagram, type in #peakdistrict and wham! So many incredible and beautiful pictures are unveiled before you for your viewing pleasure, enticing you to go and explore them! Replace ‘peakdistrict’ with any area local to you and you’ll be treated with the same outdoor inspiration.

I recommend to anyone to look what’s local to you, where could you explore that’s new or a place you have been many times but have taken for granted. We don’t always need to travel far to explore and enjoy an adventure and in fact by looking closer to home, it can lead to being able to do more! You instantly give yourself more time to be able to go more places! See more! Explore more! Have more adventures and create more memories! 

So what are you waiting for? Keep exploring, keep staying safe and keep enjoying and creating all those Yugen moments in life.

Jeni xxx

 

 

 

We love these tips and advice from Jeni and can’t wait to explore some quiet walks in the Peak District! To follow her epic adventures follow her on Instagram at @apeakdistrictmum. Why not check out more hiking tips and advice in our hiking section.

Yugen Explore x