3 day itinerary exploring Staffordshire Moorlands and the High Peak

Just a 10-minute drive from Leek is Peak Wildlife Park offering a truly unique and immersive animal experience. Its large walkthrough exhibits allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies, the park has something for you.

Step back in time and embark on a journey that will help you escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage on the Churnet Valley Railway. The 11-mile return journey along the valley takes you through contrasting moorland scenery. A stop off at the Kingsley & Froghall Station Tea Room is a must, a traditional tearoom serving a range of hot and cold food.

Heading out North of Leek you will arrive at The Roaches. With impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks, this area is loved by walkers and climbers and offers spectacular views over the Peak District National Park. The Roaches groups together two main gritstone outcrops, 'Ramshaw Rocks' famous for the 'Winking Man' rock formation and 'Hen Cloud', with Tittesworth Water nestled beneath. The Roaches is associated with craggy peaks, heather moorland, myths, folklore, and romantic film locations, the area has also become synonymous for wallabies roaming wild!

After a short scenic drive with stunning panoramic views brings you to the beautiful town of Buxton. Home of Buxton Water, this special thermal spa town is nestled in the centre of the beautiful Peak District and surrounded by the UK’s oldest National Park. Stunning ornamental gardens and world-famous Georgian and Victorian architecture provide an impressive backdrop to a rich and vibrant range of music, theatre and festivals. Buxton Opera House is one of Britain’s leading provincial theatres, with around 450 performances each year. The Opera House is situated within the Pavilion Gardens, a beautiful historic venue dating back to 1871 which superbly shows off the Victorian splendour of Buxton. Set within 23-acres of magnificent, landscaped gardens and play areas, the venue provides the perfect setting for fun and relaxing family days out, with great food and drink, shopping and over 100 events and festivals throughout the year.

Located on the edge of the town, is Poole's Cavern - - A Natural Gem. Poole’s Cavern is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Known as one of the finest caves in Derbyshire, this historic landmark offers a unique glimpse into the region’s geological wonders and ancient past.
Adjacent to Poole's Cavern is Go Ape - an enjoyable afternoon for friends and older families alike, enjoy 2-3 hours of non-stop action-packed fun.

After a busy day, it’s time for some health, healing and relaxation. The Palace Hotel has spa and leisure facilities and is a magnificent, Victorian hotel standing proud over the town.

The Buxton Crescent Wellness Spa promises its guests something special. The renovated spa brings together the very best of the traditional and the modern. At the heart of the complex is the original thermal pool, fed by mineral water from a nearby ancient spring. Adjoining the spa complex is the luxury hotel, allowing guests to enjoy a truly luxurious experience – accommodation with all the trimmings.

Leaving Buxton is a difficult task, but trust us, there’s even more to see! Discover unique shops and delicious food and drink as you explore the attractive streets, lanes and alleyways of local towns and villages with their eclectic mix of small, independent retailers selling everything from clothing, jewellery and gifts to art, crafts and local produce.

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Goyt Valley’, the town of Whaley Bridge is located at the head of the scenic Peak Forest Canal; a great place for walks and wildlife-watching. This small village, below Toddbrook Reservoir, offers tranquil walks and a charming selection of shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.

Not-to-be-missed in the vibrant town of New Mills is the Millennium Walkway, a 175-yard aerial walkway spanning a cliffside above the River Goyt and linking to Torrs Riverside Park, the starting point for several walking and cycling routes. Punctuated by impressive viaducts and historic mill buildings, the town boasts a mix of independent shops, cafés and pubs, a lively programme of events and a thriving arts scene.

Chapel-en-le-Frith nestles within the dramatic landscape of the Peak District providing a welcome respite from the moorland peaks with its acclaimed restaurants, traditional pubs, shops and fascinating history. The town grew up around the church, built in 1225, and as a key local administrative centre became known as the ‘Capital of the Peak’. Highlights in the old town include 18th century Church Brow and the traditional Market Place, with stocks and ancient cross.

Taking a scenic drive to the beautiful chocolate box village of Hayfield. There are a range of shops as well as a popular art gallery and gift shop and the Sett Valley Trail links Hayfield to New Mills. Hayfield is situated at the foot of Kinder Scout.  As the highest point in the Peak District, 2,087ft above sea level, Kinder Scout boasts unforgettable views, unique moorland and even a waterfall. It offers some of the most challenging but rewarding walks in the Peak District, where you’ll encounter gentle streams, dark gritstone, steep rocks to scramble up, unique peat and the glorious Kinder Downfall.

We started our itinerary in the market town of Leek, so it’s fitting to end this spectacular 3-day adventure in another market town of Glossop. Nestled at the foot of the famous Snake Pass, Glossop is an excellent base for exploring some of the Peak District's classic walking country, including Black Hill, Bleaklow, Kinder Scout and the Longdendale Valley. It dates back to the 12th century, with its pretty stone cottages and medieval market cross. The Grade II listed Town Hall is the central hub of the town, featuring distinctive industrial and civic architecture. Glossop Market Hall is the North's most exciting new Market Hall with shops, 6 kitchens, a bar, and a coffee shop.  Down in the main town centre, there's plenty of evidence of Glossop's prosperous past, built on the cotton industry in the 19th and 20th century. Mills have now been imaginatively renovated to house a wide selection of shops, pubs and a hotel, and Norfolk Square is a fine example of Victorian civic pride.

Before heading home, enjoy a delicious meal at Bank’s Bar and Brasserie, reflecting on a weekend filled with adventure, wellbeing and unforgettable landscapes.