Head for the tranquil scenery of this Y-shaped reservoir which was opened by King George VI in 1945; the perfect spot for a picturesque picnic. It was the industrial towns surrounding the Peak District and the demand for more water that created the need for this reservoir, and it proved ideal for storing high volumes of water.
It is surrounded by stunning countryside, woodland and moorland and it a popular area for those who love the outdoors, walking and cycling. The lovely viewpoint of Bamford Edge is nearby which many do also take in when they visit here. Up here, you get a wonderful view over the valley and you can get a great perspective of the Y shape that Ladybower is well known for! This is one of the best views in the Peak District.
Expect to be wowed by a spectacular sunset at Stanage Edge, with views of the Dark Peak moorlands. One of the UK’s most popular locations for walking and climbing, this is one of the Peak District's best viewing points.
Located north of Hathersage, this is a popular place for walkers and those into walking and rock climbing – this will come as no surprise when you see the craggy cliff line that borders this edge. The gritstone edge stretches for about 4 miles and you will be impressed by its sheer size. Those of you movieholics might recognise it from the classic film ‘Pride and Prejudice’ starring the beautiful Keira Knightley. For more film locations, read our guide to Peak District film locations.
For an ‘other-worldly’ experience, explore the ancient Wool Packs: granite formations which sit high up on Kinder Scout, just west of Crowden Head. Whilst these rocks are not unique to just Kinder Scout and can be found all over the Peak District, this spot is the best place to see and admire the weird and wonderful shapes over anywhere else – after all, at the highest point you are over 600m high.
It can get very windy on the top so make sure you are prepared for blustery conditions. The landscape views are very dramatic and if you venture up there in the early morning or late afternoon you could catch a glorious sunrise, or sunset.
Experience Mam Tor – The Great Ridge
This well-trodden pathway offers a scenic, relatively easy walking route and breathtaking scenery; head for the summit of Mam Tor for picture-perfect photo opportunities.
It only takes 1 to 2 hours to get to the top, depending on who you are going up with. Younger members may need a little longer to scale the height. There is a lovely circular walk starting in Castleton which is the perfect choice for the gentle hiker. At the top, you will be rewarded with views over Edale, Peveril Castle and the Hope Valley. Remember to take your camera!
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Take it all in at Curbar Edge
Be inspired by the dramatic scenery of Curbar Edge, home to hundreds of infamous climbing routes with vivid names such as Elder Crack and Moon Walk.
There is a great walk that is around 7 miles, with some steep ground to cover, which will take you around 3-4 hours. When you get to Curbar Ridge, you will be able to soak up the amazing views of the stunning countryside along with that great sense of achievement. Look down and you will see Curbar village where you started!
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Tinker's Shaft at Masson Hill, Matlock Bath
The spectacular viewing platform provides an opportunity to imagine Masson Hill, the oldest tourist attraction in Derbyshire, as it once was... a hive of industrial activity.
You will find this at the same location as the Heights of Abraham which is the popular tourist attraction and cable car taking you to the top of Masson Hill. You can also walk up the hill if you would rather. Here you will find a hilltop park, caves which you can tour, a café and restaurant, and nice places to sit. At the caves' exit, you will find Tinker’s Shaft viewpoint which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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Hunt out Surprise View, Burbage Edges
Surprise View has been named as one of the best spots for stargazing in the country. The view itself is expansive over the Hope Valley towards Chatsworth House.
You will find this spectacular Peak District viewpoint above Hathersage and the great thing about this spot is that there are a few other places you can walk to offering even more vistas. From the car park at the bottom, you can walk up to the unusually shaped Mother Cap stone which overlooks the glorious countryside. Or explore Over Owler Tor which is a lovely photogenic part of the Peaks.
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Pop by Monsal Head
With amazing views over the Monsal Dale, trail, and viaduct, this is a popular pick for anyone up for a trek in the Peak District.
It is one of the most famous and photographed viewpoints in Derbyshire with the winding River Dale at the bottom and the famous headstone viaduct in view, which once was a railway bridge but is now for walkers and cyclists. You will find benches at the viewpoint so you can rest your legs for a while before heading back down, grab a bite of your picnic or chill there until the sun sets.
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Have a day out at Derwent Dams
The drive to the reservoirs at Derwent Water is a spectacle in itself - the view from a turnaround at King’s Tree gives a panorama of the dams.
The Derwent Valley in the Peak District is home to three large dams which take up a large portion of the landscape and present amazing scenery to anyone who visits. Surrounded by magnificent countryside and rugged edges, the Upper Derwent Valley boasts some of the area's most popular walks and cycle routes.
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Challenge yourself with Mam Nick hill climb
Keen cyclists shall surely enjoy the challenge of this iconic hill, with its rewards of awe-inspiring scenery. Group events run regularly for experienced cyclists. This is the best view in the Peak District by car.
This is an iconic hill road which snakes through the valley and up to the peak of Mam Nick hill. Many cyclists come to challenge themselves on this, and most have it on their bucket list. You gain about 200 meters over a distance of 2.1km so it is a steep incline in many sections. Be aware of the road when driving up it, but enjoy it as it does take you up to an awesome viewpoint.
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Admire Alport Castles
Off the beaten track, almost touching the sky, near Alport Dale sits nearly a mile-long stretch of rock formations; the result of an ancient landslide, it’s a heavenly destination.
They are a landslip feature and the name ‘castles’ comes from the debris from the landslide which produced the gritstone mounds that are found there today, towering over the valley. From a distance, the largest one is said to resemble a traditional motte and bailey castle.
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Discover even more of the Peak District
For more wonderful mountain views, have a browse through our guide to magnificent mountains to visit in the Peak District. You will get loads of ideas here for walks and popular things to do throughout the region. If waterfalls are more your thing, discover the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Peak District.
Stay in a self-catering holiday cottage in the Peak District
For those in search of adventure in the exhilarating Peak District, we offer a range of holiday homes that sit within this beautiful region. Find the ideal base for an active stay, or one with family-friendly appeal close to popular attractions. We also offer a great range of dog-friendly holiday homes which means you can take your fluffy friend on all the adventures too. They can act as wonderful bases for you to explore from, whilst you hunt out the best views in the Peak District.
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