Gorgeous river valleys, dramatic rock art, stately homes, hidden dales filled with wildflowers…you’ll find it all on the White Peak Way. Our guest blogger Caroline Wood found out this summer. With six YHAs en route, there’s no need to camp on this seven day walking trail.
Day one
Start your journey in Bakewell. Famous for markets and tarts – then follow the River Wye before heading over to Stanton Moor. You’ll feel the ancient magic of the place with a visit to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle and the intriguing Cork Stone, before making your way to YHA Youlgreave.
This YHA was a quirky former general store, for the night. Every room is named after one of the products the store used to sell- I was in Ladies Underwear!
From Youlgreave, pass through the hidden passages of Gratton and Biggin Dale to reach Dovedale. After following the river to the famous stepping stones, it’s only a short distance to YHA Ilam Hall. And what better way to relax than in the deckchairs on the terrace with afternoon tea, overlooking the rolling parkland below?
Day three
The following day, pick up the Manifold Way to reach the impressive Thor’s Cave. Pass through the village of Wetton to the charming Wolfscote Dale, then up to the tea shops and YHA Hartington. Although I arrived in a downpour, I quickly warmed up in the cosy library of this 17th century manor house.
For the next leg, head to Wye Dale. Either stride out up high and through the tunnels along the Monsal Trail or descend to the path which hugs the river. Be prepared to get a little wet and muddy.
Spend the night at YHA Ravenstor – a beautiful country house hidden in the forest with fantastic views. The grounds here are truly lovely, and I particularly enjoyed exploring the neighbouring wildflower meadow.
Day two
Start the next day with a visit to the Cathedral of the Peak at Tideswell. Then journey through Monk’s Dale and Hay Dale, hotspots for rare wildflowers. Pick up the Limestone Way until you reach Cave Dale, and enjoy the best views of Peveril Castle.
Once at Castleton, you can visit one of the famous caves or shop for some Blue John stone before heading to YHA Castleton Losehill Hall for the night. This Victorian gothic mansion is particularly well-suited for large groups – whilst I was there, there was a lively reunion going on, cooking up some pretty awesome food in the self-catering kitchen!
If the sun shines, the next section is a treat.
From Castleton, ascend Mam Tor and walk the length of the ridge to Lose Hill, with stunning views across the Peak on both sides. Drop down briefly before climbing Win Hill, for the best unrivalled view across Ladybower Reservoir. From here, follow the Heritage Way to YHA Hathersage.
Day four
On the final day, stride out along Froggatt and Curbar edge, and admire the wind-sculpted rock formations, before descending into the elegant grounds of Chatsworth House. Pass through the romantic village of Edensor before finally dropping back down into Bakewell.
You can certainly celebrate the end of your journey with some well-earned Bakewell pudding.
The White Peak way isn’t waymarked so you will need to plot the route onto your own maps: together the OS Explorer Maps OL1 (Dark Peak) and OL24 (White Peak) cover the whole route.
Check out YHA’s “how to use old OS Maps, use outdoor apps and time your walks” blog here.
