If you want to discover the best views in the Peak District, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I reveal 11 of our favourite Peak District viewpoints and how you can find them.
The Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s most picturesque and underrated beauty destinations. A combination of towering peaks, limestone valleys, dramatic ridges, and quaint villages, breathtaking vistas are incredibly easy to find.
We recently spent a few weeks walking in the Peak District, and needless to say, we fell in love with its endless scenic views. Many of the best views in the Peak District require some walking to get to; however, some are also accessible by car, meaning almost anybody can enjoy them.Â
In this guide, I share 11 Peak District viewpoints as well as all the information you’ll need to find and access them. As I say, some require more effort than others to get to, but I can promise there is something for everybody on this list. Let’s get to it!
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The Best Views in the Peak District
1. Mam Tor
There’s a reason that Mam Tor is one of the most famous peaks in the Peak District, and that’s because the views are absolutely incredible. You’ll want to save this one for a clear day to take full advantage of the panoramic views over Hope Valley.
A great time to visit Mam Tor is during sunrise or sunset – you can watch both from the summit. We even saw somebody wild camping up there if that’s your kind of thing. Otherwise, it’s just a short walk from the Mam Tor car park.
The typical out-and-back walk to Mam Tor includes a fairly easy 20-minute ascent to the summit. It’s one of the most well-paved and family-friendly hikes in the peaks, so hikers of all ages and capabilities can enjoy this breathtaking Peak District viewpoint.Â
2. Thors Cave
Thors Cave is another viewpoint that deserves a spot on your Peak District itinerary. An 80-metre-high cavern overlooking the Manifold Valley, it’s a popular spot thanks to its mythical reputation.
While logic suggests that the name ‘Thor’ relates to ‘Tor’, meaning hill, some believe that the cave has a connection to ‘Thor’, the Greek god of thunder. Past excavations have revealed evidence of its use in the latter stone age, so neither theory is out of the question.
Getting to Thors Cave involves nothing too strenuous, so it’s another Peak District viewpoint accessible to most. The easiest way to get there is to park at Wetton car park, where it’s a 20-minute walk to Thors Cave. Also, check out the viewpoint above the cave for an even higher vantage point.
3. Winnats Pass
One of my favourite views in the Peak District is the one above Winnats Pass. A dramatic limestone valley with a road snaking through the middle, it’s accessible via Castleton and makes for some pretty epic photo opportunities.
If you are okay with the early start, I recommend walking Winnats Pass at sunrise. That way, you’ll get to enjoy the views without disruption from the cars below. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy during our sunrise attempt; however, if you get lucky, you’ll get a perfect view of the sun rising.
The quickest way to access Winnats Pass is to park at Speedwell Cavern. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the top of the pass, but I should warn you that it’s quite a precarious climb. I wouldn’t suggest this hike with young children or to those less abled on their feet.
4 . The Trinnacle Trail
This next Peak District viewpoint is one of the hidden gems on this list. Although, I don’t expect it to stay that way for much longer, so now’s the time to visit before it gets too popular.
You can access the Trinnacle trail via a short but steep hike from Dovestone Reservoir. The trail leads you to a 3-tiered megalith that rises like a podium from the landscapes. Climb the rocks for some seriously epic photos overlooking what’s easily one of the best views in the Peak District.
Needless to say, this is not a viewpoint you want to mess around with in poor weather conditions. The rocks are slippery even when dry, and a fall would be fatal. You get equally amazing views standing back on the trail, so be smart with your decisions and don’t take unnecessary chances.
5. Stanage Edge
More unforgettable views await at Stanage Edge – an impress gritstone ridge that extends for 4-miles amid the stunning Hope Valley landscapes. This spot was made famous after an iconic scene in Pride & Prejudice that featured Keira Knightley saw her standing there.
Unsurprisingly this claim to fame has made this Peak District viewpoint extremely popular. Fans gather in their masses to locate what’s now known as the ‘Keira Knightley Rock‘. However, many don’t realise that there are dozens of rocks just like that one dotted all along the ridge.
To access Stanage Edge, you can park on The Dale, which is just a 10-minute walk to the top. Besides a gentle climb to get up there, the walk along the edge is relatively flat. But you needn’t go far as the viewpoints start almost immediately.
If you’re up to it, I recommend visiting Robin Hoods Cave on Stanage Edge. It’s believed that Robin Hood used this very cave as a hideout and place of refuge. We went there for sunset, and it was one of the most unforgettable evenings of all our time in the Peak District.
6. Cave Dale
Formed by glacial erosion over 300 million years ago, Cave Dale is a picturesque limestone valley in the charming village of Castleton. It’s one of my favourite easy walks in the Peak District while also providing some spectacular views.
Hikers of all ages and capabilities will love this picturesque hike comprising rocky limestone crags, towering cliffs, and natural caverns. The views only intensify the higher and deeper into the valley you go, with Peveril Castle being a constant landmark.
Cave Dale is easily accessible via Castleton, but you can combine it with Mam Tor or Winnats Pass for a longer hike. In fact, all three are located close together, so you can combine the 3 for an epic day hike.
7. Alport Castles
You know what they say, “The harder the climb, the better view”. Well, that statement is especially true in this instance since there is no easy way to access Alport Castles, but it’s up there as one of the most breathtaking views in the Peak District.
So, what is Alport Castles? I hear you ask. I can tell you that it is most definitely NOT a castle. In fact, it’s a series of interesting rock formations caused by an enormous landslip, believed to be the biggest ever in the UK. The structures rise from the ground like towers, and as we approached the viewpoint on our walk, we could see where it got its name.
You can start your walk at Derwent Overlook Car Park, which is the most popular route. Or check out our circular walk to Alport Castles, which includes a visit to the B29′ Overexposed’ Crash Site on Glossop. Either way, you’re in for an adventurous and challenging hike, so come prepared!
8. Monsal Head
On the contrary, this next Peak District viewpoint requires no exercise at all. You can literally drive right to it, buy yourself a beer or ice cream, and relax with some fantastic views over the lush green valley below.
Monsal Head is actually pretty popular since it provides easy access to the Monsal Trail. This accessible 8.5-mile trail runs between Chee Dale and Bakewell and was once a railway line. The old headstone viaduct is still intact and visible from the Monsal Head viewpoint.
As I say, you can park directly next to the viewpoint at Monsal Head car park. But if you do fancy a stroll, I recommend this short walk of Monsal Head that includes a pleasant woodland trail alongside a river and a waterfall.
9. Derwent Edge
Another gritstone ridge worth visiting for its stunning viewpoints and cool rock formations is Derwent Edge. I actually stumbled across this one by accident when planning a walk of Ladybower Reservoir. I came here looking for a view of the water from above and was not disappointed.
You may have heard of Ladybower Reservoir, as it’s one of the most popular places to visit in the Peak District. The classic walking trail around the reservoir is an accessible route for bikes, prams, wheelchairs etc., so it can get incredibly busy.
My route takes you away from the crowds, where you can enjoy this beauty spot in total solitude. The best place to park is at Cutthroat Bridge Layby, which is free and directly next to the trailhead leading to Derwent Edge.
10. Kinder Scout - The Highest View in the Peak District
At 636 metres tall, Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, so of course, it boasts some outstanding views. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Manchester, where the glistening skyscrapers provide a remarkable contrast to the lush green scenery of the national park.
Various routes lead to Kinder Scout from all over the national park, but I recommend hiking to Kinder Scout from Edale. This exciting walking route involves an easy scramble beside a gentle waterfall and descends via the infamous Jacobs Ladder. It’s by no means an easy hike, but worth it to experience some of the most beautiful views in the Peak District.
It should be said that the Kinder Plateau is infamous for its unstable weather conditions, and this vast open moorland is not a place you want to get stranded. Be sure to watch the weather closely and always come prepared with the appropriate clothing, footwear, a map and a compass.
11. Errwood Reservoir
Another Peak District viewpoint you rarely see mentioned is Errwood Reservoir. Again, I found this one by accident when exploring the Goyt Valley and figured it was worth mentioning on this list.
I completed a particularly long circular walk in the Goyt Valley, which I enjoyed thanks to the immense variety of the trail. If you do this one, you can look forward to two reservoirs, various peaks, pretty woodlands, and the ruins of a historic estate.
A quicker way to get to the viewpoint would be to park at this car park and complete a circular walk from there. I wouldn’t consider this route as easy as it’s still quite long and involves a fair amount of incline. But those looking for a moderate hike with scenic views will surely enjoy this one.
Hiking Essential Items
Here are some essential items I recommend you have in preparation for your walk:
- Sturdy worn-in hiking boots
- Twin Skin Socks
- AÂ waterproof hiking backpackÂ
- AÂ refillable water bottleÂ
- AÂ waterproof jacketÂ
- Life strawÂ
- Hiking snacks
- Blister plastersÂ
- First aid kitÂ
- Power bank
Here are some other essential for your adventure:
- Find the best places to stay on booking.com
- Get reliable travel insurance from World Nomads
- Download All Trails to help navigate the trails.
- Read books about the Peak District
Enjoy These Amazing Views in the Peak District!
I hope you enjoy these stunning Peak District viewpoints as much as we did. These are some of the most scenic spots in all of the UK and are well deserving of a place on your bucket list. If you have any questions, please reach out in the comment section below.Â
If you’re heading that way soon and love to hike, check out our list of the best Peak District walks. There are some easy Peak District walks on there, as well as some longer, more challenging hikes.
Stay adventurous and Happy travels.
Planning a trip around the Peak District? Check out our England series for more travel tips and advice.Â
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