The Peak District National Park offers a number of walking opportunities for all levels of fitness and the region has a number of walking routes that are perfect for a family day out
With the weather looking warm this weekend as we head towards the official start of summer, many are planning to capitalise on the good forecast by venturing into the great outdoors. If you’re contemplating a drive or an outing this weekend, there are several destinations the Peak District National Park provides numerous walking opportunities for all fitness levels for those who live close enough.
For others further afield it may pose the perfect opportunity for a last-minute UK break. Ranging from brief, family-friendly strolls to more demanding full-day hikes, the area offers diverse and picturesque routes for everyone to try.
READ MORE: ‘I made one change to my meals and lost weight, felt fuller and cut down my caffeine’
Some of the most frequented routes and stop-offs encompass the Peak District’s tallest peak, Kinder Scout, with its dramatic waterfall, or Chee Dale Gorge, which features a walk through a deep, narrow gorge adorned with striking rock formations.
One trail that has recently been recognised among the best valley walks to undertake this year is a hike featuring a charming village and breathtaking views from a scenic ancient valley that people often overlook, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Using AllTrails reviews and Google search data, the outdoor specialists at GO Outdoors have unveiled the top ten UK valleys to visit this summer. The team have also offered advice on appropriate attire and how to prepare for a valley walk.
While Coire Gabhail, also known as The Lost Valley, in Scotland tops the list, further south and closer to home, the Cave Dale Valley, part of the Castleton walking route, boasts a commendable 4.4 out of 5 rating. This 5.5k trail has garnered over 400 reviews on the AllTrails’ platform.
This delightful trail offers the chance to explore Castleton and meanders through the stunning limestone valley of Cave Dale in the national park’s Hope Valley.
Labelled as a moderate walk and estimated to take just under two hours to complete on average, this out-and-back trail near Castleton in Derbyshire is a favoured route for hiking, mountain biking and running, so you’re bound to cross paths with other outdoor enthusiasts.
The trail commences in the village of Castleton, where you can amble through the charming streets and pause at one of the cafes or pubs for some refreshments.
You’ll then pass the Castleton War Memorial in the Market Place and continue through the streets past Peveril Castle, which harks back to the late 11th century.
Following Bar Gate, you’ll need to adhere to the signs for the Cave Dale footpath, which guides you through a gate in the narrow gorge and continues through Cave Dale, a dry limestone valley sculpted by glacial meltwater, sometimes referred to as ‘The Secret Valley’.
The path is flanked by rocky slopes on either side and dotted with small caves; at certain junctures, you can spot the castle ruins before traversing across grassland and returning to Castleton for a well-deserved pint in one of its cosy pubs.
The trail remains open throughout the year, but caution is advised during wet or icy conditions as the terrain, particularly at Cave Dale, can become slippery.
Dogs are welcome companions, but encounters with livestock may occur along the way, necessitating the use of leads.
While Castleton village lacks a train station, it does offer a regular bus service. However, reaching Castleton is most conveniently done by car.
For those opting for public transport, trains to Hope are available, with stops between Sheffield and Manchester. From Hope, a short bus ride will take you to Castleton.
There are also longer routes incorporating Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, including a moderately challenging 9.3km route that takes approximately four hours to complete.
Commenting on the UK’s valley trails that made the list, Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, said: “When visiting valleys, it is best to wear comfortable and supportive footwear as there is often uneven terrain.
“On more difficult hikes, such as Coire Gabhail, it may be a good idea to bring supportive equipment like walking poles. This will help you maintain balance and make the experience of tougher hikes more enjoyable.
“It is always important to check how you feel throughout any walk. If you feel out of breath, or that a walk is too hard, turn back.”