Walk out to winter and start 2022 on the right track
KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A PEAK DISTRICT ADVENTURE
NOTHING beats a New Year’s Day walk and with the weather predicted to be reasonably dry and not too cold for the whole bank holiday weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity pull on some sturdy boots and head out to the Peak District, with its stunning hills, valleys, rivers, reservoirs and pretty villages dotted around the UK’s oldest national park.
Here are our suggestions for some of the best walks to get your 2022 off to a great start.
DERWENT RESERVOIR
ENSHROUDED by a forest, Derwent Reservoir makes for some immense photo opportunities. Firmly embedded in British Second World War history, the Derwent Reservoir was used by the pilots of 617 Squadron to practice Operation Chastise - better known as the “Dambuster raids”. With plenty of walking trails to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make sure to save time to visit the mighty Derwent dam on your visit though!
CURBAR EDGE
LOOMING over the village of Calver is Curbar Edge, a rocky stretch of boulders which presents one of the best views in the Peak District. The route has a perfect balance of shrubbery and large slabs of rock to picnic on and appreciate the view. Make sure to wrap up warm a coat as it gets quite windy up on the top.
PADLEY GORGE
TAKE in the beautiful surroundings as you wander along one of the many weaving paths Padley Gorge offers. Have a stroll along Burbage Brook as it flows underneath charismatic footbridges, and take in the tumbling waterfalls Padley Gorge has on offer. If you are hungry you could even end your walk at the Grindleford café for a bite to eat.
CHATSWORTH HOUSE
WITH its grand design, Chatsworth House offers plenty for a day out in all seasons. From dazzling water features, to a diverse selection of plants and trees, the 105-acres offer lots for all the family to explore. The “Palace of the Peaks” also provides a solution if the weather turns soggy, as there are 30 rooms to discover in the house and a huge collection of art.
RIVER DERWENT
IF Chatsworth House isn’t your cup of tea, the River Derwent runs right alongside it. 66 miles of pristine, water run through the hills of the Peak District. Stretching between Matlock and Derby, the river is perfect for a gentle jolly in the country. But if you want a more hands-on day out, perhaps a canoe trip down a section of the river will suffice.
CASTLETON
A DELIGHTFUL countryside village located in the heart of the Peak District, Castleton has lots of ways to spend an winter’s day. You can climb the steep, unforgiving hills of Mam Tor, or perhaps experience the show caves Castleton has on offer. A recommended spot for a smashing view is Winnats path. Beware though as the name Winnats comes from “Windy Gates” as one of the windier entrances into Castleton, so an umbrella isn’t recommended.
BAMFORD EDGE
OVERLOOKING the majestic Ladybower reservoir, only a short accessible walk stands between you and the crescendo of Bamford Edge.
A two mile round walk is required to reach the viewpoint where you can see some of the most astonishing views the Peak District has to offer. After being blinded by the beauty of the views, you can head into the village of Bamford and cap the day off with a pint from one of the village’s many pubs.
EYAM
THE Peak District is rich with history, and one of the most historic villages is Eyam. In the 1660s Eyam went into a 14-month lockdown because of the bubonic plague after a flea-infested cloth was brought up from London. Boundary stones still surround Eyam, a place where residents from other villages would leave food for the quarantined. With plenty of walking routes through and around the village, it is a popular spot for walkers and there is even a
few cafes and pubs to end your day.
STANAGE EDGE
JUST north of Hathersage is Stanage Edge. A popular place for rock climbers and walkers, breathtaking views of the Hope Valley can be seen here. Have an explore of the intriguing rock formations, or try your hand at climbing some of the smaller, safer rock faces. Also see if you can spot the rock Keira Knightley was filmed on as Jane Austen’s Lizzie Bennet in the hit movie Pride and Prejudice. It makes a perfect photo opportunity.
LUMSDALE FALLS
JUST outside Matlock is a stunning collection of tranquil waterfalls in a serene setting for a new year walk – and if it snows you could even imagine you’re in Narnia. Watch out for Mr Tumnus! And if you look closely enough you’ll even find evidence of ruined mills scattered along the ground.
MONSAL TRAIL
The trail, which runs along nine miles of the now abandoned Peak and Dales railway line is popular through out the entire year. And in winter the aspects of the trail which make it so unique all year round are enhanced, the deserted railway tunnels become decorated with icicles and the views of the frost-covered Monsal dale from the viaduct are spectacular. A lot of the trail is also sheltered by trees, and although bare at this time of year, they provide some protection from the harsh winter gale.
CROMFORD CANAL
Based near Matlock, the canal was once an integral part of the local industrial infrastructure, but now it is a beautiful, biodiverse nature reserve. In winter the frozen trees create a stunning background for an easy stroll along the canal path which is suitable for all abilities and is easily accessible. If you are walking towards Cromford, the world famous Cromford Mills will help you refuel with some takeaway treats.
KINDER SCOUT
The highest point in the entire Peak District with a variety of popular routes can be used to access the moorland plateau. If you are looking for a quieter route, perhaps the path from Snake Pass is the best choice. Incredible rock formations are just waiting to be admired as you ascend to the plateaued summit to soak up the views.