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Walks in the Peak District’s Dark Peak

By Dave Roberts   

on May 16, 2020    No ratings yet.

Walks in the Peak District’s Dark Peak

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About Walks in the Peak District’s Dark Peak

The Peak District’s Dark Peak area is essentially the southern end of the Pennines, especially as the Pennine Way starts at Edale and traverses it’s length before. It includes the Peak District’s highest point, Kinder Scout at 636m as well as the summit of Bleaklow Head which is the second highest. These are both plateaus, with extensive ground over 600m. The geology is gritstone, which isn’t porous and so the soil above remains wet. This is largely peatbog and good boots are always required to traverse this terrain! The northernmost area is Saddleworth Moor, with the highest point being Black Hill at 582m.

The plateaus are characterised by the edges, which give the impression of a coastal terrain without the sea. The gritstone of Stanage Edge is one of the most notable, and is popular with climbers and walkers. There are also some more shapely hills around the principal area of Edale, namely Mam Tor, Lose Hill and Win Hill.

Some of the main walking areas would include around Ladybower Reservoir in the upper Derwent Valley, and the villages of Castleton and Hope.

Some choice walks in the area include Kinder Scout from Edale, Walks up to Stanage Edge , Bleaklow and Black Hill and the walk to Mam Tor and Rushup Edge from Edale .

Walks in the Peak District’s Dark Peak – All the Routes and Articles