The Vale of Edale, the Penny Pot Cafe, and the Pennine Way
This low level walk leads you through vast, open fields and along parts of the Pennine Way, following streams and stone flagged paths through the Vale of Edale. Experience brilliant views of the hills from down in the valley. Starting from the Penny Pot Cafe near the village of Edale, see Edale church and visit the Moorland Centre to find out about the important moorlands nearby.
Map
Start:
The Penny Pot Cafe, grid ref SK123853
1
Facing the Penny Pot Cafe turn right to the end of the road then left at the T-junction. Pass under the large railway bridge and continue north along the road heading towards Grindsbrook Booth (approx. 700m), passing ‘The Rambler Inn’ on the left.
2
Passing the Moorland Centre on the right, and then Edale Church on the left along this road, continue until you can see the Old Nags Head pub ahead. Then take a left after New Fold Farm and join the Pennine Way (not the signposted public footpath). Follow the Pennine Way for approximately 2.6km, walking by a stream on your right gently uphill.
The Moorland Centre is a project by the Moors for the Future Partnership. Drop in to the visitor centre to find out more about moorland research. The Old Nags Head was built in 1577 and traditionally marks the start of the Pennine Way.
3
After passing through the gate at the top of the hill, turn left through another gate still signposted Pennine Way and follow the stone flagged path. Beware of stock grazing here, especially those with young, which are best to skirt around. If you have a dog on a lead and cattle show an interest it's often best to let the dog off the lead to run free. Continue along the stone path through the fields.
When walking through the Vale of Edale you will be surrounded by the hills of the Dark Peak. Lose Hill, Mam Tor, and Kinder Scout can all be seen at points along the walk.
4
The path will eventually start to descend, winding between two hillocks. After a gate you will pass a ruined farm building on the left. At the bottom of this path follow the rough track on the right which leads onto a lane. Before reaching a farm house and its out-buildings leave the Pennine Way joining a Public Footpath on your left (SK104854). Continue along this footpath for approximately 1.3km.
The Pennine Way was the first National Trail, and goes from Edale to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. Opened in 1965, it covers 268 miles.
5
As you pass through these fields you will cross two stone bridges and one wooden one. You will then cross over a railway bridge. Then follow the lane through the farm buildings and cottages and you will pass Edale Methodist Chapel on the left. At the T-junction turn left passing Bakers Fold Cottage. Continue approximately 80m on the road side then join the path signposted for Edale Station on your left. Continue on this path for 700m, passing back over the railway bridge.
Completed in 1894, the Hope Valley line links Sheffield to Manchester and crosses the Pennines.
6
After crossing the railway bridge turn right through a gate, and after the next gate follow the path to the right along the edge of the field. You will pass through three grazing fields after this gate. When leaving the fourth field, turn right onto a concession path following signs for Edale Station for approximately 700m.
Haymeadows
Look out for wildflowers in the fields. By cultivating hay meadows again, greater numbers and varieties of butterflies, bees, and insects are being attracted to the area.
7
After the second gate, cross the railway bridge once again and turn left. When the gravel road bears right keep to the left of the field, signposted to Edale Station once more. Follow these signposts until you reach the station. The Penny Pot is located just past Edale station carpark, along the road on the left.
Text to Donate
You'll have walked through several gates on your route through Edale. Each gate costs £200 to buy and install. By visiting our Peak District Appeal page you can make a donation that helps to keep these walking routes in good repair. Thank you. This is a charity donation service. The National Trust will receive 100% of your donation.
End:
The Penny Pot Cafe, grid ref SK123853
