Discover 15 of the best short walks around Bakewell and the White Peak. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
Seasons
Spring for the wild flowers and wildlife in the limestone dales, summer for the lush meadows and parkland of Chatsworth, autumn for the woodland colours and purple heather moorland.
Centres
Bakewell (town) and villages: Litton, Tideswell, Taddington, Chelmorton, Flagg, Sheldon, Monyash, Youlgrave, Elton, Birchover, Edensor, Beeley, Calver, Grindleford.
Difficulty
The Peak District is hilly so most walks involve modest slopes or steps, a few with longer or steeper climbs on to moorland or hilltops. Some dales are rocky underfoot and field paths can involve plenty of wall stiles, but no special equipment is needed except for sturdy footwear with decent grip.
Must See
Tunnels and viaducts on the Monsal Trail (former railway line). Caves, crags and disappearing streams in dramatic limestone dales. Flower-rich upland meadows and the tree-lined River Derwent. Sumptuous parkland and stately house of Chatsworth. Bakewell’s bustling pudding shops, cafes and market. Heather moorland and far-reaching views across the Peak District.
Andrew McCloy is a writer and journalist specialising in walking and the outdoors and has produced over 20 titles, from family and history rambles to exploring the British coast on foot. An experienced long-distance walker, he wrote the first ever guide to walking from Land's End to John o'Groats and an award-winning profile of the Pennine Way which he walked to mark its 50th anniversary. Andrew is married with two daughters and lives in Derbyshire, where he is presently Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority.
Using this guide
Introduction
Walking in the White Peak
Where to stay
Caring for our national park
The walks
Walk 1 Taddington, Chelmorton, and Flagg
Walk 2 Tideswell Dale and Litton Mill
Walk 3 Litton and Cressbrook Dale
Walk 4 Monsal Head tunnel and viaduct
Walk 5 Sheldon and Magpie Mine
Walk 6 Monyash and upper Lathkill Dale
Walk 7 Lower Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale
Walk 8 Elton and Robin Hood’s Stride
Walk 9 Bakewell and the Monsal Trail
Walk 10 Bakewell, Manners Wood and the River Wye
Walk 11 Stanton Moor
Walk 12 Chatsworth Park and Edensor
Walk 13 Beeley and Hob Hurst’s House
Walk 14 Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge
Walk 15 River Derwent and Calver Weir
Useful information
