Wildlife at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
From valley floors to wooded cloughs and upland peat moors, we are working to improve nature across the Kinder, Edale, Snake and Upper Derwent areas of the Dark Peak.
What to expect when visiting Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
Please read this article to help you plan your visit to Kinder, Edale and the High Peak and be in the know before you go. Please be aware that our car parks can get very busy by 9am on weekends, bank holiday weekends and school holidays, so please have less busier places to explore in mind or come back at a quieter time.
Winter walking guidance
Winter is a great time of year to get out on the hills. We've pulled together some useful walking advice if you're thinking of exploring the High Peak, which will help to make your day out safe and enjoyable.
Autumn colours in the High Peak
Discover the dramatic scenes across the High Peak as autumnal colour flows across the landscape and awakes the senses to new sights, sounds and smells.
A bracing walk at Derwent Valley, in the Peak District
This bracing walk leads you alongside the Ladybower Reservoir, through farmland, and emerges high on the moors with fantastic views of the Derwent Valley and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Moderate
- 1 hour 20 mins
- 4.0 miles (6.4km)
High Peak explorer checklist
Planning your day before you head off in to the High Peak countryside is the ideal way to ensure your time in the outdoors is safe and enjoyable and is a visit that is kind and considerate to the landscape and local communities. Please take a moment to read our information and top tips to help with planning your day.
Organising outdoor events across our Peak District sites: how-to guide
If you are thinking of planning an outdoor activity event on National Trust land, then please work with us and use our events system to ensure your event is one that is successful and respectful of the landscapes at the same time. Read on to obtain important information to help you.
Respect rural communities: Get in the zone
You don't need to book your spot in any of our National Trust car parks across the Peak District but we would always advise checking the website of the area you plan to visit and have alternative car parks in mind, should you require a back up option.
Kinder moorland walk
Leave the car behind on this exhilarating walk that starts from Edale train station and takes you high up on the windswept Kinder plateau. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
- Challenging
- 4 hours 30 mins
- 7.5 miles (12.05km)
Edale Circular Walk
This easy circular walk provides excellent views of the Vale of Edale and the surrounding hills. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
- Moderate
- 1 hour 30 mins
- 3.4 miles (5.45km)
Mam Tor circular walk
From the top of Mam Tor you'll be able to see across the Edale Valley and the over to the Derwent Moors. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
- Moderate
- 2 hours
- 3.0 miles (4.8km)
Mam Tor Autumn Stargazing Walk
Providing far reaching views, wide open skies and little light pollution, the area is a perfect spot for star gazing. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
- Moderate
- 45 mins
- 1.0 mile (1.6km)
Below Kinder Scout: A circular walk around Kinder reservoir
The Snake Path was the first in a series of successes for the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society in their mission to win public access to the moors. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 5.2 miles (8.35km)
Kinder Scout mass trespass walk
Follow the footsteps of the trespassers over Kinder Scout from 1932 on this circular route from Hayfield to Kinder and back. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
- Challenging
- 5 hours
- 8.0 miles (12.85km)
Kinder National Nature Reserve
Be kinder to Kinder. We know that so many people enjoy exploring Kinder but might not realise that it is a National Nature Reserve that needs everyone's help to look after it. Please read on before you visit, to discover some vitally important ways you can help to look after this special place for nature and for people.
Respect your environment: Be Fire Aware
Look after the places you love by exploring the Peak District National Park responsibly and be fire aware. Open fires such as campfires and BBQs are not allowed in the Peak District National Park, as they are a risk to public safety and the wildlife that live here.
Walks across the High Peak
Whether it's a stroll to Kinder Reservoir, a wander through ancient woodlands or a meander over moorlands, there's plenty of walks to be discovered when you explore the High Peak Estate.
Noticing nature this spring
Find time to reconnect with nature and discover all those uplifting signs of spring.
Summer walking in the Dark Peak
Summer is a great time of year to get out on the hills. Here's some useful walking advice if you're thinking of exploring the Dark Peak.
