The Peak District National Park in Derbyshire offers breathtaking views across its vast 300,000 acres of land, featuring steep climbs that might leave you unsure of where to begin. In such moments of uncertainty, the ultimate solution becomes clear.
For a unique perspective of the peaks and to fully immerse yourself in their beauty, consider leaving your hiking boots behind. Starting at the pinnacle in Buxton, England’s highest market town, provides an ideal entry point.
During a stay at The Buxton Crescent Hotel, the town’s central hub for a peaceful Derbyshire retreat, a variety of scenic trails await just outside your door. With numerous route options available, I opted to explore on two wheels, courtesy of PeakePedals, cycling out to experience the region’s striking landscapes and charming towns.
Derbyshire is renowned for its picturesque Peak District scenery, historic market towns, and grand country estates. Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of accommodations starting from £32 per night to suit every traveler’s needs.
Tailored for hotel guests and visitors arriving at Buxton Station, White Peak Adventure offers a specially crafted cycling route by PeakePedals. This route guides visitors through the picturesque villages, valleys, and hills of the White Peak region, situated just south of Buxton.
Many visitors opt to rent e-bikes along with a Garmin GPX navigation device preloaded with their chosen route, ensuring a hassle-free day out with clear directions and no complications.
Although we had the privilege of being accompanied by Dan, a knowledgeable local guide and team member, who led us through the winding roads and hills, pointing out notable spots along the journey.
Exploring on a bike allows you to cover more ground within the Peaks than on foot. We traveled over 20 miles around the national park, meandering through villages and scenic country roads, ideal for those with limited time looking to maximize their experience without the discomfort of foot blisters.
A highlight of the journey was passing through the breathtaking ‘Dragon’s Back’ limestone formation, offering a unique perspective of the Peaks from below. Our guide Dan suggested charming pubs, cafes, and picturesque villages for brief stops, emphasizing that the day was ours to enjoy. We chose to pause at Longnor and Hartington, two quintessentially English villages, for a delightful break.
As a coffee enthusiast, stumbling upon cozy coffee spots and trying homemade treats is always a delight for me. In Buxton, indulging in the local specialty, the Bakewell Tart, is a must-do culinary experience when exploring the Derbyshire area.
Despite the enchanting day, the typical British weather of cold and thick fog in March obscured some of the hill views, adding a mysterious touch to the landscape.
While a trip to the Peaks often involves hiking, Lud’s Church offers a convenient and gentle option near Buxton for a short hike. Located just a brief 20-minute drive outside the town, this popular route is easily identifiable by the groups of walkers heading in that direction.
The terrain is gentle, and the route features no steep inclines, leading to a hidden paradise at the end of the trail. Starting from The Roaches Gradbach Car Park, we embarked on a leisurely walk, following clear signposts past a scout camp, along a rocky path by farmers’ fields, and across a serene little bridge.
The trail winds through forests, culminating in a mysterious gorge illuminated by vibrant green moss, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere akin to scenes from Jurassic Park or Jumanji. Crossing the gorge and emerging onto a flat path, we strolled through the trees, eventually circling back to the car in a relaxed circular route. While the walk typically takes two hours, our brisk pace allowed us to complete it in just an hour and a half, driven by the anticipation of a well-deserved lunch.
For accommodations, Emily enjoyed her stay at Champneys Buxton Crescent Hotel & Wellness Spa, with rates starting at £185 inclusive of bed and breakfast. For bookings or more information, visit buxtoncrescent.com or contact via email at info@buxtoncrescent.com or by phone at +44 1298 808 999.
Visit Peake Pedals for bike rentals and private tour options.