Peak Way Walk

Peak Way Walk is a circular long-distance route from Woodbank Memorial Park in Stockport through the Dark and White Peak, then back by Lyme Park and the Macclesfield Canal. It is laid out in 13 stages of 8.6 to 16.2 miles; expect 70 to 80 hours of walking, usually 11 to 15 days with overnight stops. The published itinerary calls it 155 miles. A detailed mapped trace measures 152.7 miles, so treat 155 as the rounded planning figure rather than a measured GPS total.

Canal towpath and riverside paths lead out through Marple’s viaduct and aqueduct, then along the Goyt to Hayfield. William Clough climbs steeply onto Kinder Scout, where rough, stony moorland gives way to Jacob’s Ladder down to Edale. Fields rise to Rushup Edge and Mam Tor’s clear Great Ridge, with views into Hope and Edale valleys. After a level stretch beside Derwent Reservoir, the route climbs to Derwent Edge’s gritstone formations and Bamford Edge above Ladybower. It then follows about four miles of Stanage Edge before Higger Tor and the descent through Padley Gorge.

The route keeps changing character: Froggatt and Curbar edges lead through Chatsworth and Edensor, then the River Wye toward Matlock. It crosses the High Peak Trail and Carsington before Dovedale’s stepping stones, Milldale, Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale. From Monyash and Magpie Mine it continues through Monsal Dale, along the Monsal Trail and through Chee Dale before climbing to Buxton. Reservoir paths and moorland lead to Whaley Bridge; the last stage passes Lyme Hall and returns by canal, the Middlewood Way and the Goyt. Ken Reece devised the route during lockdown to link the landscapes he loved.

This is a demanding multi-day undertaking, not a day hike. The route has no signposts or waymarkers, so bring the official guide and suitable map-based navigation; each day ranges from a moderate village-to-village walk to a long, steep moorland stage. Woodbank Park has two car parks, and Stockport railway station is about 2 km away. Dogs are permitted, but the route’s stiles can be awkward; keep dogs under control around livestock and on a short lead on Peak District open-access land from 1 March to 31 July.