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.
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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. The views are absolutely incredible.
You’ll want to save this one for a clear day to fully take advantage of the panoramic views. A popular time to visit is during sunrise or sunset, which you can watch both from the summit.
The typical out-and-back walk to Mam Tor includes an easy 20-minute ascent. It’s one of the most family-friendly hikes in the peaks, meaning hikers of all capabilities can enjoy this Peak District viewpoint.
2. Thors Cave
Thors Cave is another popular Peak District Viewpoint. An 80-metre-high cavern overlooking the Manifold Valley, it’s believed to have connections to ‘Thor’, the Greek god of thunder.
Getting to Thors Cave involves nothing too strenuous and is 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.
3. Winnats Pass
One of my favourite views in the Peak District is this one above Winnats Pass. A road snakes through a dramatic limestone valley and makes for some pretty epic photo opportunities.
If you are okay with the early start, I recommend walking Winnats Pass at sunrise. It was a bit cloudy during our attempt; but 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. It’s quite a tricky climb in parts so do take care.
4 . The Trinnacle Trail
This next spot has easily one of the best views in the Peak District. The Trinnacle trail is accessed via a short but steep hike from Dovestone Reservoir.
The trail leads to a three-tiered megalith rising like a podium from the landscape. Needless to say, this is not a viewpoint you want to take chances with. Be safe as the rocks can be extremely slippery.
5. Stanage Edge
More unforgettable views await at Stanage Edge – an impressive gritstone ridge that extends for 4-miles in the Hope Valley.
To access Stanage Edge, you can park on The Dale, which is just a 10-minute walk to the top. Besides a gentle climb, the walk along the edge is relatively flat. There are tons of viewpoints all along the ridge.
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.
6. Cave Dale
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 and provides some spectacular views.
Hikers of all ages and capabilities will love this picturesque hike of rocky limestone crags, towering cliffs, and natural caverns. The views include that of the Peveril Castle ruins.
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.
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7. Alport Castles
You know what they say, “The harder the climb, the better view”. Well, that is especially true in this instance since there is no easy way to access this next Peak District viewpoint.
So, what is Alport Castles? It’s a series of interesting rock formations caused by an enormous landslip, believed to be the biggest ever in the UK. The formations rise out of the ground like towers.
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.
8. Monsal Head
On the contrary, this next Peak District viewpoint requires no exercise at all. You can drive right up to it and enjoy fantastic views over the gorgeous green valley below.
Monsal Head is actually pretty popular because it provides easy access to the Monsal Trail. This accessible 8.5-mile trail, which was once a railway line, runs between Chee Dale and Bakewell.
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.
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9. Derwent Edge
Another gritstone ridge worth visiting for its breathtaking views is Derwent Edge. It’s accessible via a walk from Ladybower Reservoir, one of the most popular attractions in the Peak District.
The classic walking trail around the reservoir is accessible for bikes, prams, wheelchairs, etc., so it can get incredibly busy. My route takes you away from the crowds to enjoy the views in peace.
The best place to park is at Cutthroat Bridge Layby, which is free and directly next to the trailhead.
10. Kinder Scout – The Highest View in the Peak District
At 636 metres tall, Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Manchester – a remarkable contrast to the lush green scenery of the national park.
Various routes lead to the famous Peak, but I recommend hiking to Kinder Scout from Edale. This walking route involves an easy scramble beside a gentle waterfall and descends via the infamous Jacobs Ladder.
It’s not easy by any means, but it’s worth it to experience some of the most beautiful views in the Peak District.
11. Errwood Reservoir
Another Peak District viewpoint you rarely see mentioned is Errwood Reservoir. I completed a particularly long circular walk in the Goyt Valley, which I enjoyed thanks to the immense variety of the trail.
A quicker way to the viewpoint is to park at this car park and walk from there. It’s still quite a trek, but those looking for a moderate hike with scenic views will surely enjoy this one.
Enjoy These Amazing Views in the Peak District!
We hope you enjoy these Peak District viewpoints as much as we did. If you’re visiting the area soon, you might find some of our other Peak District articles helpful.
If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
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