Skip to content

Walking and cycling in Kinder, Edale and the High Peak

A group walking on Mam Tor, Peak District, Derbyshire
Walking on Mam Tor | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Enjoy walks and breath-taking bike rides at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak. Plan for your day out and discover the best, what to bring and follow the safety information below to make the most of your visit to the Peak District.

Walking in the Peak District

The Peak District is a great place for walking in all seasons and there are plenty of mapped routes you can follow to enjoy peaceful, stress-free walks through this vast and changing landscape.

Discover views over Edale Valley and the Derwent Moors from the heights of Mam Tor, enjoy a circular walk around Kinder Reservoir, or be blown away by a windswept walk on the Kinder plateau. 

If you’re stepping off the beaten track, bring along an Ordnance Survey map and compass to navigate your own path through the Peaks – you may discover some quieter, less-travelled routes. Always be prepared and plan your walk in advance.

Cycling in the Peak District

The Peak District is the perfect place to challenge yourself to a picturesque bike ride. There are two cycle-friendly routes in this area of the Peaks: an 18-mile moorland bike ride around the Howden, Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs; and a 20-mile route through the Hope and Derwent Valleys.  

A family walking their dog on a lead at the High Peak Estate on a sunny day. The valley is visible behind them, with green fields, trees and peaks visible in the distance.
Family on a walk at High Peak Estate | © National Trust Images / Trevor Ray Hart

Equipment

Don't forget to bring everything you need for a day outdoors; here's some recommendations to help you prepare before your visit.

Walking  

  • Suitable footwear and clothing for the weather 
  • Map, compass and whistle  
  • Head torch with spare batteries  
  • Fully charged mobile phone  
  • First-aid kit and hand sanitiser  
  • Plenty of food and drink 
  • Bag to take all your litter home with you  

Cycling  

  • Reflective clothing and bike lights 
  • Cycle helmet for all cyclists 
  • Puncture-repair kit  

Safety information

The weather across the Peak District can be unpredictable, so make sure you’re prepared for changing conditions and pack sun cream or extra socks! Take extra care in wet weather – some routes can get muddy and slippery underfoot.

Plan your route before you visit and download any maps, walks or information before setting off as the mobile phone signal is limited or non-existent in many areas of the Peak District. If you’re a solo explorer, please make sure another person knows your route and where you are heading for the day.

When cycling, make sure your bikes are cycle-ready before you leave home and be prepared for emergencies. Look out for pedestrians on your bike ride – there may be other people enjoying the multi-use paths too!

Head to the Mountain Rescue England and Wales website to find out more about the Be Adventure Smart Campaign, which provides practical and life-saving advice for exploring the countryside safely.   

A silhouette of a cyclist against the sky on a trail at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Derbyshire
A cyclist at Edale | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

Be Peak District Proud

Help us look after the places you love to visit by taking all litter home with you. Be fire aware and please don’t bring barbecues or cooking equipment to the Peak District, and note that camping and campfires are not permitted. Dogs must be kept on leads to keep wildlife and farm animals safe.

Help keep the Peak District countryside a safe and thriving haven for wildlife and for people – protect, respect and enjoy - and be #peakdistrictproud   

Two children sitting on the big stones at Back Tor, Edale, Derbyshire overlooking the stunning view.

Discover more at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak

Find out how to get to Kinder, Edale and the High Peak, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Sunny view with blue sky, from a rocky peak out over open moor and fields, with water in the distance
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak 

Discover breath-taking views of the Peak District, natural landscape features and the best spots for wildlife watching at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak.

Two dogs on their leads stood on top a rock next to their owners
Article
Article

Visiting the Peak District with your dog 

Walking with your dog is a great way to enjoy the scenic walks and stunning views of the Peak District. Here is some information and guidance about visiting the area with your dog.

View from the top of Kinder Downfall in the Peak District, Derbyshire
Article
Article

The history of Kinder, Edale and the High Peak 

Discover how the Peak District became the UK’s first National Park and uncover the turbulent history of this vast and peaceful landscape.

Woodland runners at Tyntesfield, Somerset
Article
Article

Organising outdoor events in the Peak District 

Planning an outdoor event in the Peak District? Find guidance for organising events on National Trust land here, along with top tips for submitting an application.

A close-up of a ranger with their torso and legs visible, wearing a red fleece and standing next to a National Trust branded vehicle
Article
Article

Our work at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak 

Discover more about the work we’re doing to restore, protect and improve to landscape at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak, and find out how you can help us look after the land.

Project
Project

Protecting the High Peak 

The National Trust is a decade into a 50-year project to protect the land it looks after in the High Peak for people, nature and climate. Find out about work completed so far to restore peat and moorland, create and develop woodland, encourage and protect wildlife, and the plans to do more.