Peak District · United Kingdom
4 Days hiking and camping in the Peak District
The Peak District National Park offers some of its most rewarding hiking and camping experiences in the areas surrounding Edale and Hathersage. Nestled in the heart of the park, these locations provide easy access to some of the region’s most iconic landscapes, making them ideal bases for outdoor exploration.
This guide covers a 4-day itinerary based at two well-equipped campsites. Each day features a circular walk that starts and finishes at camp, so there’s no need to carry a heavy rucksack between sites.
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
📏 Distance
77.6km/48.1mi
⏱️ Duration
4 days
⛰️ Highest point
636m /2,086ft
📈 Elevation
2,460m /8,070ft
🗓 Best Season
April – September
ESTIMATED COSTS
🚌 Transfers
~150 GBP
⛺ Pitches
~60 GBP
🍦 Food
~20-30 GBP per day
What to Expect
around Edale and
Hathersage in the
Peak District
The areas around Edale and Hathersage offer classic Peak District scenery, from rolling valleys and open moorland to dramatic gritstone edges and quaint villages. Expect a mix of challenging hikes, gentle walks, historic landmarks, and charming cafés and pubs to refuel along the way. Whether you’re exploring wild ridges, scenic trails, or local culture, these villages provide a perfect base for a rewarding outdoor adventure.
⛰️ Kinder Scout
The Peak District’s highest plateau, offering challenging hikes and expansive views over the surrounding moorlands. A must-visit for serious walkers.
⛰️ Mam Tor
Known as the “Shivering Mountain,” this hill features dramatic ridges and panoramic vistas along the Great Ridge walk.
🌄 Jacob’s Ladder
A famous steep path that leads from Edale up towards Kinder Scout, a favourite for hikers wanting a short but rewarding climb.
🏞️ Cave Dale
A dramatic limestone gorge near Castleton, Cave Dale features steep valley sides and a rugged, rocky path that feels remote despite its proximity to the village.
⛰️ Stanage Edge
Stanage Edge is a long gritstone escarpment in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views, it is one of the United Kingdom’s most popular locations for rock climbing, hiking, and photography.
⛰️ Bamford Edge
A striking gritstone ridge near Hathersage, Bamford Edge offers sweeping views over Ladybower Reservoir and the surrounding Hope Valley, making it a popular spot for both sunrise hikes and photography.
🌳 Longshaw Estate
A scenic National Trust property in the Peak District, Longshaw Estate features heathland, moorland, woodland, and open pastures set against the backdrop of the Derbyshire hills.
🏘️ Hathersage
A picturesque village in the Hope Valley of the Peak District, Hathersage is famous for its historic charm, traditional stone cottages, and stunning surrounding landscapes.
🗺️ Trail Map & Navigation
⚠️ The maps provided on this website are intended as a general guide only. Conditions, routes, and features may change at any time. Always rely on your own judgement and seek local or professional advice if possible.
🧭 Navigation Tips
Download offline maps before you go — cell signal is unreliable.
Carry a physical map as backup — batteries die in cold weather.
Note key safety locations and emergency shelter options for each stage.
Check weather and trail conditions the evening before each stage.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Everything you need to know for each stage
Preparation
in Edale
0
Getting to the United Kingdom (UK)
✈️ Fly
Manchester Airport is the closest airport which has strong domestic and international connections. Then it is an easy 45min train ride to Edale and Hathersage.
🚅 Train
There are also frequent trains arriving at London St Pancras International from mainland Europe via the Eurostar.
Transport to Edale
🚅 Train
The most popular and easiest way to get to Edale from London is by train. Trains leave every 30 minutes from London St Pancras International and requires one change in Sheffield. Book early for the cheapest return fares.
~£30-£150 · 3-3.5 hour
🚎 Coach
There are numerous coach companies such as National Express and Flixbus which runs from London to Sheffield. From Sheffield, you can then take a short train ride to Edale.
~£20-£40 · 5-6 hours
Where to Stay
Stocking Up on Supplies
Edale is a very small town which does not have many supplies. As it is likely you been changing trains in Sheffield anyway, it makes it a convenient place to stock up on supplies and last minute gear.
🎒 Decathlon in Sheffield
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
£5
⚠️ Check the connector type! Campingaz is a very common brand of camping gas in Europe but uses a proprietary connector instead the usual screw thread.
🛒 M&S Simply Food in Sheffield
Located in Sheffield train station making it very convenient to pick up last minute food supplies.
🛒 Sainsbury’s in Sheffield
Located in Sheffield’s town center, it is a well stocked large supermarket with a wide range of food and drinks.
🎒 Decathlon in Sheffield
Edale is a very small town which does not have many supplies. It is best to get what you need from larger cities such as Sheffield.
🎒 Blacks in Sheffield
Specialist chain supplying clothing & equipment for outdoor pursuits, camping, cycling & skiing.
Edale to
Hayfield Circular via
Kinder Scout
1
7hr ·22.4km · 890m ascent
This hike from Edale takes you across some of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes, from the rocky outcrops of Edale Rocks to the windswept plateau of Kinder Scout. You’ll pass through moorland, ridges, and charming villages, finishing with the steep descent of Jacob’s Ladder.
Top Tips
Take your time at the Edale Rocks. The area features unique rock shapes and wide-reaching views, making it a rewarding spot for a short detour or a peaceful picnic along the ridge.
Enjoy Jacob’s ladder, a famous steep trail that climbs from Edale up towards Kinder Scout.
The kitchen closes quite early at the local pubs and restaurants. Try and get in early.
Food Options
A charming and welcoming café set at Newfold Farm in Edale serving great coffee, cakes and hearty dishes.
£1-£10
A friendly, popular café right by Edale train station serving locally roasted coffee, loose‑leaf tea, pasties, sandwiches and homemade cakes,
£1-£10
Hayfield has a few restaurants and bars which makes it a great place to stop and refuel for the day.
🍽️ The Sportsman Inn
Classic pub serving hearty home‑cooked food and a beer garden that’s perfect for relaxing.
£10-£20
🍽️ Village Chippy
A classic local fish‑and‑chips takeaway in Hayfield serving up traditional British fast food at very reasonable prices.
£10-£20
🍽️ The Rambler Inn
A friendly village pub in Edale offering classics like fish & chips, pies, steak and ale, burgers, cottage pie and Sunday roasts with Yorkshire pudding.
£10-£20
🍽️ The Old Nags Head
A historic, traditional country pub in Edale dating back to 1577 serving hearty pub meal and local ales.
£10-£20
Campsites
Mam Tor to
Castleton Circular
2
5hr · 16.7km · 590m ascent
This scenic trek starts in Edale and takes you across some of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll climb up to the dramatic ridge of Mam Tor, descend into the charming village of Castleton and explore the rugged limestone gorge of Cave Dale.
Top Tips
The trek is great in either direction. It just depends if you want to do Mam Tor early in the day or leave it for the end to cap off an great hike.
Cave Dale is one of the amazing highlights. Take your time and take some photos. It is one of those short and sweet moments.
Castleton is a superb little village to explore.
Food Options
A charming and welcoming café set at Newfold Farm in Edale serving great coffee, cakes and hearty dishes.
£1-£10
A friendly, popular café right by Edale train station serving locally roasted coffee, loose‑leaf tea, pasties, sandwiches and homemade cakes,
£1-£10
Castleton is a picturesque village surrounded by steep hills and dramatic landscapes. It’s known for its historic charm, ruined Norman Peveril Castle and a fascinating network of caves formed by former lead mining. Best part is you’re spoilt for choice for eating options.
A charming, long‑established bakery serving variety of fresh baguettes, sandwiches, savoury pies, cakes and pastries daily.
£1-£10
A historic and recently refreshed pub‑restaurant offering a classic fish & chips, steak burgers, pies and Sunday roasts.
£10-£20
🍽️ The Rambler Inn
A friendly village pub in Edale offering classics like fish & chips, pies, steak and ale, burgers, cottage pie and Sunday roasts with Yorkshire pudding.
£10-£20
🍽️ The Old Nags Head
A historic, traditional country pub in Edale dating back to 1577 serving hearty pub meal and local ales.
£10-£20
Campsites
Hathersage to
Longshaw Circular via
Stanage Edge
3
5.5hr · 19km · 490m ascent
This circuit climbs from Hathersage to the iconic gritstone cliffs of Stanage Edge, offering panoramic views and a visit to the hidden Robin Hood’s Cave. The route then crosses the rugged moorland of the Burbage Valley to reach the ancient parkland and accessible trails of the Longshaw Estate.
Top Tips
Today is where we switch areas and catch the train from Edale to Hathersage. The train comes once an hour and costs between 5-10 GBP.
I would recommend heading to North Lees campsite and pitching up before completing today’s hike. Not only do you get the best spots but you won’t. have to lug your gear around all day.
The trail passes over many distinctive landmarks such as Higger Tor, Over Owler Tor and Mother Cap Rock formation.
Longshaw Cafe is a great place to take a break and take in the natural surroundings.
Food Options
For a change of pace, I recommend having breakfast in Hathersage as you transfer to North Lees Campsite.
A relaxed and welcoming community‑focused café featuring fresh bowl foods, salads, sourdough toasties, cakes and good coffee.
£1-£10
A much‑loved café and delicatessen in the centre of Hathersage serving artisan sandwiches, paninis and hearty salads to soups, Scotch eggs and homemade cakes.
£1-£10
A welcoming café set in the scenic Longshaw Estate run by the National Trust servinghot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and traybakes.
£1-£10
The menu features a range of classic and creative pizzas alongside salads, Italian‑style panuozzos (pizza sandwiches) and tasty desserts.
£10-£20
A beloved classic takeaway in Hathersage, serving up freshly cooked traditional fish and chips with all the trimmings like mushy peas, gravy and homemade tartare sauce.
£10-£20
Campsites
Hathersage to
Bamford Circular via
Bamford Edge
4
6hr · 19.5km · 490m ascent
This walk from Hathersage to Bamford via Bamford Edge takes in some of the Peak District’s best views. You’ll pass open moorland, rugged ridges, and sweeping valleys — a perfect way to experience the area’s wild, scenic charm in a single hike.
Top Tips
Stanage edge and Bamford Edge can get very windy. Make sure you secure all your gear.
Depending on your pace, you can stop by the many pubs near the end of the trail. A good one is The Anglers Rest, Bamford which serves some very interesting meals.
If you like outdoor gear (I mean who doesn’t), you can make a short stop at Outside, a great little outdoor store in Hathersage.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
The menu features a range of classic and creative pizzas alongside salads, Italian‑style panuozzos (pizza sandwiches) and tasty desserts.
£10-£20
A beloved classic takeaway in Hathersage, serving up freshly cooked traditional fish and chips with all the trimmings like mushy peas, gravy and homemade tartare sauce.
£10-£20
Campsites
Unwinding in
Sheffield
N
Relax
A vibrant city in northern England, Sheffield is known for its rich industrial heritage, green spaces, and lively cultural scene. Often called the “Outdoor City,” it’s surrounded by the Peak District, making it a popular base for walkers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. The city also boasts a thriving food and music scene, historic landmarks, museums, and plenty of parks, blending urban life with easy access to the countryside.
Top Tips
Hathersage is a small town, so I recommend heading to nearby Sheffield, which offers many more things to do.
The UK have many types of tickets. Some are flexible and allow you to ride any peak or off-peak trains while others only allow you to ride specific ones. Double check which one you have to ensure you catch the correct train.
In Sheffield
A lively, modern food hall in Sheffield city centre that brings together 20+ independent food vendors under one roof, offering a wide range of global and street‑food cuisine from Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to burgers, pizzas and more.
This striking lighthouse juts out at the edge of the beach and is a landmark for the town.
A vibrant public space in the heart of Sheffield, known for its striking fountains, sculptures, and open-air events.
Going Home
🚅 Train
The most popular and easiest way to get to from Sheffield back to London is by train. Double check you have the right type of fares as some tickets only allow you to catch specific trains. Also, book early for the cheapest fares.
~£30-£150 · 3-3.5 hour
🚎 Coach
There are numerous coach companies such as National Express and Flixbus which runs from Sheffield to London.
~£20-£40 · 5-6 hours
Other bits of Useful Information
All the things which might have been missed
🏕️ Wild Camping
Note: Wild camping is officially prohibited in England, but many hikers practice discreet bivouac following Leave-No-Trace principles. Just keep in mind that the Peak District is very popular so ensure that you pitch late and leave early.
🚰 Water
All campsites provide safe drinking water. The hikes also pass through at least one town a day where you can top up if needed.
🍔 Map of Food Spots
Finding great places to eat while on the trail can sometimes be tricky, so I’ve put together all my recommendations in a Google Maps list called
It includes places I’ve personally visited as well as others that are highly rated by the local community.
💩 Toilets
All campsites have proper flushing toilets and showers. There’s no need to do any wild-poos.
📶 Phone Reception
Phone reception is pretty good for the area. There are some pockets where the signal might be a little weak but it should be enough to check the weather and train time tables.
💶 Cash
All places including the campsites, pubs and cafes accept contactless payments. There’s no need to bring any cash with you.
Terms of Use
A quick but important note for all visitors: we do our best to share high-quality, accurate information, but it’s always possible that we’ve missed something or that conditions have changed. All GPS tracks (GPX files and maps) and route suggestions are meant to be used as general guidelines—not exact instructions.
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