Spring walking in the Dark Peak

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, an 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). 

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.

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. Make sure you have told someone where you are heading and what time you expect to be back. If you change your plans, let them know.

If you get into difficulties and need help, call 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.

Join us for a walk

If you don't have the confidence to walk in the Dark Peak without guideance, or you enjoy the company of a group, have a look at our What's On pages to find out when the next guided walk is.