Spring walking in the Dark Peak

Edale valley sunshine — Sunshine over the Edale valley

The footpaths and bridleways across Kinder, Edale and the Dark Peak can make an exhilarating day out, whatever the weather.

You never know what you may see. If you're lucky you may spot the delicate deep pink flowers of bilberry bushes, or hear the eerie "currrrrleeeww" call of the curlew, a increasingly rare moorland bird. Download one of our walking or cycling routes or work out your own using an Ordnance Survey map for the Dark Peak (OL1). The Penny Pot cafe in Edale is next to the station, perfect for a warming stop off.

Bilberry bumblebee on bilberry plant — Bilberry bumblebees are a declining species that feed on and nest near billberry plants

Kinder Scout

On Kinder Scout, the Pennine Way around the plateau is the safest route to use now that restoration work has successfully increased the depths of the peat bogs. The restoration is part of the conservation work going on across the High Peak moors as part of the 50 year vision for this area.

river Kinder and rocks from plateau looking over view — At the top of Kinder Downfall on a still day.

Spring walking advice

Even in spring, conditions can be several degrees colder and windier than in the sheltered valley. If you are planning a full day's walk, check the weather forecast before you go and make sure you have suitable footwear, warm and waterproof clothing, map and compass, headtorch with spare batteries, fully charged mobile phone, whistle, first aid kit and plenty of food, drink, spare gloves and socks. Navigational skills are important on the moors in case of low cloud or whiteouts.