From far-reaching views across the Peak District to natural rock formations and important wildlife habitats, there’s lots to see at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak. Look out for these seasonal highlights on your next walk, bike ride or run through the Peak District.
Top things to see
Among the heather-clad moors and gritstone tors of Kinder, Edale and the High Peak, there are lots of natural features to look out for in the changing landscapes.
Top places to see include the famous Snake Pass gliding between the peaks, and Alport Castles, an eroded rock face created by landslide in the Alport Valley.
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, where you’ll find countryside views, remote moorland, gritstone rock formations and Kinder Downfall, a waterfall that often freezes in winter. Follow in the footsteps of the mass trespass of 1935 at Kinder Scout, where hundreds of protestors paved the way to allow more access to open countryside.
Please note that parking in the Peak District is limited, and we encourage all visitors to travel by public transport where possible.
Kinder Scout is a National Nature Reserve, making it an important habitat for wildlife and biodiversity. Kinder has been used by the National Trust, the Peak District National Park Authority and the Moors for the Future Partnership as a demonstration site for moorland restoration techniques for many years.
Many of today’s widely used techniques for gully blocking and bare peat restoration were developed on Kinder Scout and surrounding National Trust owned moorland.
National Nature Reserves are open to the public, and we welcome our visitors to enjoy them freely whilst looking after this special place that you love to escape to.
Summer walks at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
The dramatic landscape and monumental windswept tors of the High Peak provide plenty of places for summer adventures. Expansive terrain makes this the perfect place to explore your wild side.
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. Bring along an OS map to test your navigational skills and find the quietest, most peaceful walks this summer. Don’t forget to plan your walk before you leave home and be prepared for all weathers. It can get very brisk and windy in the peaks!
From the hardy plants of the upland moors to the delicate wildflowers of the meadows, the High Peak is alive in summer with vivid sights, sounds and colours. Watch out for the elusive bilberry bumblebee and listen for the calls of the nesting birds, like golden plover, on the moors.
On your way to Jacob's Ladder through Upper Booth in the Edale Valley, there are many wildflowers to find and in turn a wide variety of butterflies and bees attracted by them. Hay meadows have been cultivated across the High Peak in an effort to encourage this diverse insect life.
One way grassland is turned into hay meadows once again is by introducing semi-parasitic wildflowers such as eyebright and yellow rattle. These flowers attach themselves to the roots of grasses and take their nutrients. The grass thins out, making more room for wildflowers. Eyebright is distinguished by its small white flowers with streaks of purple and yellow patches. Yellow rattle has bright petals that enclose seeds that ‘rattle’ as you brush past them.
Another wildflower that you are likely to see is bird’s-foot trefoil, so called because its seed head looks like a three-toed bird's foot. It's also known as 'bacon and eggs' because of its colour. Bird's-foot trefoil is from the pea family and its red buds and yellow flowers are loved by butterflies, flowering between June and September.
Heather is perhaps the most common summer sight on the moors. Bell heather and cross-leaved heather flower between July and September. Heather is especially important for bees.
Native trees in the Peak District
The woodlands in the Peak District are home to a variety of native trees, offering diversity for insects, birds and mammals. Here are some to look out for during your visit.
One of the most loved trees in Britain and the symbol of the National Trust, this slow-growing tree is identifiable in spring and summer by its unique leaf shape; the vibrant green leaves with regular lobes are accompanied in late summer/early autumn by acorns.
Silver birch generally live for 40–50 years, but in favourable conditions can live to up to 200 years! The fast-growing tree has distinctive fine branches, which hang downwards and are covered in triangular-shaped leaves. This shape makes it the ideal material for traditional besom brooms, which are still popular with gardeners today.
This tree is at home in high ground and thrives in poor or rocky soil. It was favoured by druids as it was believed to ward off evil spirits and witches. Its clusters of bright red-orange berries make it stand out from the crowd. Its distinctive leaves are oblong with serrated edges.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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