Four of the best Peak District locations for scenic views of the stunning countryside

-Credit: (Image: Diane Irvine STOKE SENTINEL)
-Credit: (Image: Diane Irvine STOKE SENTINEL)


The border of Derbyshire and South Yorkshire has some of the most stunning views that you’ll be able to find in the UK from vast reservoirs to snow-capped peaks, the Hope Valley area of the Peak District has a variety of different terrains for you to explore this Autumn.

Various walks, pubs, and viewpoints can be found around the region, with a range of different difficulties from beginner walks to some challenging scrambles. But what locations in Derbyshire offer the best views of the English countryside?

With so many different options and a whole range of activities to choose from, the Peak District can offer too many exciting things to do. That is why we have compiled a list of different viewpoints that will give you a taste of what the Peak District holds.

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Here is a list of some of the best viewpoint spots you can find in the Peak District that will(on a clear day) let you see some of the amazing parts of the Derbyshire countryside:

Bamford Edge

Bamford Edge situated just above Ladybower Reservoir, the ragged collection of rocks makes a perfect vantage point to peer into the vast valley that is filled with a multitude of lakes and forests.

Bamford edge is just above the A6013 above the village of Bamford, taking hikers to the peak of the valley above Hope Valley.

While Bamford Edge would be considered quite a bit of a hill, the long to the top, that is if you decide to park on New Road. You are then about halfway up the hill, only giving you a 20-30 minute walk up to the peak where you can sit and relax soaking in the beautiful scenery.

If you would like to have a slightly longer route, there is parking available below the edge on the right-hand side of Ashopton Road as you approach Bamford Edge. If you then follow the road along until you are level with Ladybower Reservoir. Then you want to cross the road and take the steps up, following them to the fork in the path, at which point you want to head into the woodlands and follow the red arrows taking you up to the Edge.

Bamford Edge offers visitors views of Derwent Valley, Hope Valley, Mam Tor overshadowing Castleton, and finally Ladybower Reservoir with the coveted Snake pass over the top of it.

Bamford Edge is one to visit especially with the idyllic locations of two nearby pubs just a short-drive away from where you will park to start your climb.

Stanage Edge

This beautiful ridgeline just above the village of Hathersage in Hope Valley, is a popular spot for climbers and hikers alike. With an amazing walk along the ridgeline, it can get a little windy however the views are stunning. The edge sits on the edge of the Derbyshire/South Yorkshire border.

The ridgeline runs for four miles with forests and is famous for its views of the great valleys below, with relatively easy paths to follow and only a small hill to climb. It makes it a perfect spot for the whole family to enjoy some beautiful views of the flowing valleys.

The Edge is also popular with trail runners as it has a relatively low elevation once you are on top of the edge, however endeavouring on a trail run there will have its challenges with sudden elevation being a massive factor.

The side of the edge is also a famous spot for boulderers and climbers in the Derbyshire and South Yorkshire areas. The gritstone monument has also featured in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley.

Mam Tor

Mam Tor (or Mother Hill) is famous for its beautiful vistas over Northern Derbyshire, Edale Valley, Kinder Scout, and Derwent Moors. The hill also has some parking at the Mam Nick Car park, although it is a very popular spot, so make sure you get there before 9am.

The nearest village is Castleton, which is just below the Mam Tor(or as locals call it ‘The Shivering Mountain’). Castleton is famous for its location in the heart of the Peak District as well as being an ideal spot to stop after a long hike, due to its shops and restaurants.

While the hill is quite steep and can be challenging for some, it has good paths and steps as well so you won’t have to do any off-roading to reach its peak. The hill is also about 517m high and is one of the most famous walks in the peak district therefore it can draw a lot of attention for crowds on the weekends.

The hill sits just on the edge of Dark Peak and the White Peak, giving some amazing views of the limestone hills of the Peak District such as the dry gorge of Winnats Pass. The views stretch far and wide from the top of Mam Tor, and if you are lucky enough to have a clear day, then there is a chance you might be able to see Manchester.

Kinder Scout

If you want to reach the highest peak in the Derbyshire Dark Peak district then Kinder Scout is your best bet, with an elevation of 617m. There is a wide range of different terrains and spectacles to behold at the mountain, with viewpoints, unique moorland and even a waterfall.

The stunning mountain-like landscape can be accessed by the nearby town of Edale, and Hayfield in the High Peak. You can either scramble up the mountain through Grindsbrook Clough or take the steps by Jacobs ladder for a more accessible hike. This walk is more of a challenge therefore it is essential that you prepare yourself with maps and supplies for the hike.

On a clear day, it is possible to see the Northern mountains of Snowdonia as well as Manchester, as well as an outstanding view of Kinder Downfall which is the Peak Districts biggest waterfall.