Welcome to The Great Outdoors
Step out or ride out into Derbyshire's spectacular High Peak. Make the most your time here and discover our great walking trails or jump on a bike to explore our beautiful cycle routes.
Derbyshire's High Peak is an area of dramatic natural beauty, with high moorland plateaus, steep-sided valleys, spectacular reservoirs, and stunning gritstone edges in the magnificent Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park.
The High Peak has some of the area’s finest walking and cycling routes, including routes around the beautiful Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs of Ladybower, Bamford and Fernilee, plus picturesque Peak District walks around the scenic Goyt Valley and impressive Kinder Scout - the highest point in the National Park.
And once you've worked up an appetite, there are lots of great places to rest, relax and recharge your batteries with delicious local food and drink, and vibrant shopping at quality, independent retailers.
As well as stunning views, the High Peak has a wealth of charming towns and villages to visit, with vibrant high streets to explore, great places to visit, eat and drink, a packed programme of events and great public transport links to the cities of Sheffield and Manchester.
Get here by bus or train
Getting to Derbyshire's High Peak by bus or train couldn't be easier. The main rail line from London Euston stops at Stone-on-Trent, Macclesfield, Stockport and Manchester Picadilly, with excellent public transport links into the Peak District National Park. Once you arrive, Northern's rail lines will take you into the heart of the area, with train stations including Buxton, Glossop, New Mills, Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith. The High Peak also has great bus services providing access to some of the area's most popular towns, villages and key attractions. Find out more about getting here.
Great walks and cycle routes
Exploring Buxton and beyond on an E-Bike
Discover Buxton and the surrounding countryside on 2 wheels - a suggested half day (16 Miles) and full day (33 miles) routes - e-bikes can be hired…
Whaley Bridge to Windgather Rocks Walk
This beautiful 6.6 mile walk takes you out of the historic town of Whaley Bridge to the mighty gritstone crag of Windgather Rocks (416m), offering…
Old Glossop, Shire Hill and Swineshaw Reservoir…
This wonderful walk takes you out of the lively heart of Glossop town centre, through the historic streets of Old Glossop, and within only a short…
Glossop Circular Route
Glossop Circular Walk is a 21 kilometre (13 miles or 30,000 steps) circular walk around Glossop using bridleways, public footpaths, tracks and quite…
Hayfield to Whaley Bridge - High Peak Road…
This scenic route takes in the high point of Kettleshulme for far-reaching views.
Upper Peak Forest Canal
Enjoy a scenic route along the upper part of the Peak Forest Canal, a once-bustling industrial hub in the Goyt Valley.
Longdendale Trail
Cycle along a scenic former railway line that once ran between Manchester and Sheffield, passing idyllic reservoirs along the way.
Ladybower Reservoir Cycle Route
This scenic family-friendly cycling route takes you around part of Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District's Upper Derwent Valley.
Explore our towns and villages
Bike Hire in the High Peak
Business Directory True North Adventures @ Bike & Boot
Ebike hire, guiding and coaching from Hope, Peak District
Business Directory Parsley Hay Cycle Hire Centre
The ideal starting point to exploring some of the Peak District's most popular trails.
Business Directory Derwent Cycle Hire
Discover easy, family-friendly cycle routes in the Upper Derwent
Business Directory Bike Garage
Bike Garage has been providing mountain bike hire since 2010 from its workshop in Bamford. Voted best cycle hire in the Peak District by Tripadvisor travel blog. Winner of Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2020, 2021 & 2022.
Business Directory Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire Monsal Trail
Cycle hire on the iconic Monsal Trail, 3 miles from Buxton.
Business Directory Peak Ascent Cycles
Looking to have an awesome adventure out in the Peak District? Then why not hire one of our e-bikes, perfect for friends and families.
High Peak Walking & Cycling Festival
20th to 29th September
This Autumn we're celebrating all things walking & cycling across the High Peak.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the High Peak's picturesque trails and routes, catering to all levels of walkers and cyclists. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.
Check out our program of guided walks, cycle routes and town trails with a mix of free community walks to chargeable walks, hikes and cycle routes with expert guides.
And why not enjoy our towns and villages during your visit with a whole host of independent shops, cosy pubs, welcoming cafes and artisan crafts, you're sure to find something to love.
For the full list of walking and cycling events visit our festival page
Festival events
Events
Combs Moss from Buxton Railway Station guided walk
Join us for a walk of 15km from Buxton railway station exploring the moorland plateau of Combs Moss above the town to find an ancient hillfort, hear…
Events
Mount Famine & South Head 8km walk - Women Only
Join Peak Outdoor Coaching and enjoy some of the best scenery in the Peak District! With two Ethels to bag, this moderate 8km loop has some…
Events
Right Way in a Day Navigation Course with Pure…
Embrace the freedom of the hills and seize the opportunity to navigate with confidence.
Events
Mountain Biking Taster Day with Pure Outdoor
Fun and action-packed one day course, an introduction to Mountain Biking in the Peak District
Exclusive Walking & Cycling Festival offers
Discover adventure and community at our High Peak Walking and Cycling Festival and what's more we have some fantastic offers during the festival week - 20th to 29th September 2024.
Enjoy all that the High Peak has to offer with the chance to meet like-minded people who share your passion for the great outdoors.
Stay a little longer
Places to stay
Business Directory Palace Hotel Buxton & Spa
Britannia Hotels are proud to introduce the Palace Hotel Buxton & Spa, located in the spa town of Buxton.
Business Directory Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel
A stay at the Buxton Crescent is the perfect opportunity to sleep in a magnificent heritage building, with all the service and amenities of a 5-star hotel.
Business Directory Losehill House Hotel & Spa
Losehill House is the perfect blend of luxurious facilities in the glorious surroundings of the Hope Valley in the Peak District, with stunning views overlooking Win Hill. Take time out to enjoy the spa, indoor heated pool, sauna & hot tub.
Business Directory The George Hotel – Hayfield
Nestled in the heart of picturesque Hayfield, The George exudes an irresistible charm that captures the essence of countryside comfort.
Business Directory Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels
A new Leisure Hotel brand for the 21st century - welcoming walkers, dog owners, cyclists and adventurers to the Peak District
Business Directory Crowden Camping and Caravanning Club Site
In the heart of walking country, the site is at the end of a challenging stretch of the Pennine Way with incredible views of the Peak District National Park. A perfect site for walkers in the Dark Peak region of the Peak District National Park
More to See & Do
Business
The Bulls Head, Old Glossop
The Bulls Head offers you a warm Derbyshire welcome, comfortable rooms, a wide selection of real ales and good quality, traditional pub food.
Business
The Gallery, New Mills
A cool and elegant small shop dramatically perched above the Goyt on High Street in New Mills
Business
Bridge Bakehouse
The village bakery and coffee shop is the bustling hub of the rural village of Whaley Bridge
Business
New Mills Arts Theatre
From live music & comedy to musical theatre & dance there is something for everyone.
Project funded by
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