Peak District Grand Circuit: Caves, Dales and Moorland

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The route · 6 stops

1
Bakewell
2 nights
The Peak District's most celebrated market town, sitting on the River Wye at the heart of the White Peak. Two nights here give time to explore the medieval five-arched bridge, walk the limestone dales, and follow the Monsal Trail by bike. Don't leave without trying an original Bakewell Pudding.
The Peak District's most celebrated market town, sitting on the River Wye at the heart of the White Peak. Two nights here give time to explore the medieval five-arched bridge, walk the limestone dales, and follow the Monsal Trail by bike. Don't leave without trying an original Bakewell Pudding.
Park at Granby Road car park (pay-and-display). The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop on the Square serves the authentic pudding, quite different from the tart sold elsewhere.
2
Chatsworth
1 night6m · 7 km from previous
One of Britain's grandest stately homes, set in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland above the River Derwent. Spend the afternoon in the state rooms, then walk to Edensor village. Haddon Hall, a remarkably intact medieval manor, is 3 km south and worth combining on the same day.
One of Britain's grandest stately homes, set in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland above the River Derwent. Spend the afternoon in the state rooms, then walk to Edensor village. Haddon Hall, a remarkably intact medieval manor, is 3 km south and worth combining on the same day.
Chatsworth House is busiest at weekends. Visit on a weekday for shorter queues. Book online for a combined house and garden ticket to save time at the gate.
3
Castleton
2 nights18m · 22 km from previous
The Dark Peak's natural base, tucked below the dramatic ridge of Mam Tor and the limestone cliffs of Winnats Pass. Two nights allow a morning in Blue John Cavern, an afternoon on the Mam Tor ridgeline, and a visit to Peveril Castle's Norman keep. The village pubs are good for evening meals.
The Dark Peak's natural base, tucked below the dramatic ridge of Mam Tor and the limestone cliffs of Winnats Pass. Two nights allow a morning in Blue John Cavern, an afternoon on the Mam Tor ridgeline, and a visit to Peveril Castle's Norman keep. The village pubs are good for evening meals.
Mam Tor summit road is permanently closed to traffic. Park near Mam Nick on the B6061 and walk 20 minutes to the summit for the ridge walk east to Castleton.
4
Edale
1 night3m · 4 km from previous
The official southern terminus of the 430-km Pennine Way and gateway to Kinder Scout, the Peak District's highest plateau at 636 m. One night is enough: walk up Grindsbrook Clough to the plateau edge and return via Ringing Roger. The Old Nags Head pub at the village green marks the trail start.
The official southern terminus of the 430-km Pennine Way and gateway to Kinder Scout, the Peak District's highest plateau at 636 m. One night is enough: walk up Grindsbrook Clough to the plateau edge and return via Ringing Roger. The Old Nags Head pub at the village green marks the trail start.
Park at Edale Station car park (pay). The nearest fuel is in Hope, 3 km east. Kinder Scout paths can be boggy; waterproof boots are essential year-round.
5
Buxton
1 night15m · 18 km from previous
England's highest market town at about 300 m, built around natural mineral springs that attracted Victorian spa-goers. One night gives time for the restored Opera House, the Pavilion Gardens, and Poole's Cavern on the outskirts for a final underground contrast before the return to Bakewell.
England's highest market town at about 300 m, built around natural mineral springs that attracted Victorian spa-goers. One night gives time for the restored Opera House, the Pavilion Gardens, and Poole's Cavern on the outskirts for a final underground contrast before the return to Bakewell.
Buxton can be cold even in summer, so pack a layer. The Pavilion Gardens cafe is a good lunch stop. Poole's Cavern tours run hourly. Book ahead in peak season.
6
Bakewell
18m · 21 km from previous
Return to Bakewell to close the loop. Allow an hour for a final walk along the River Wye east of the medieval bridge before the journey home.
The riverside path east of the medieval bridge is flat and traffic-free, a good way to stretch your legs before a long drive home.
Return to Bakewell to close the loop. Allow an hour for a final walk along the River Wye east of the medieval bridge before the journey home.
The riverside path east of the medieval bridge is flat and traffic-free, a good way to stretch your legs before a long drive home.

Peak District Grand Circuit: Caves, Dales and Moorland

The route · 6 stops

Bakewell

Chatsworth

Castleton

Edale

Buxton

Bakewell

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