Ed Roberts
06 March 2019
The north end of the Peak District is made up of the expansive Hope Valley. It is a large, wide valley running from the east to west along the boundary consisting of the gritstone moors and edges of the 'Dark Peak', to the limestone outcrops and deep cut dales of the 'White Peak'.
Best known for its choice of world-class treks, it’s immensely popular with walkers of all abilities and stamina. The Hope Valley region is also a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts like bikers, cavers, potholers, pony trekkers, hang-gliders, and rock climbers, as well as for the more relaxed activities of landscape artists and photographers, anglers and birdwatchers.
Get outside and get active
Hang gliding from the Shivering Mountain
Now a launch pad for hang-gliders, Mam Tor, a.k.a. the 'Shivering Mountain' dominates the valley from its head. It was once the home of Iron Age people whose fort can still be seen near the summit of Mam Tor.
Many people trek here from all over with the aim of reaching the top and taking in those breathtaking panoramas. If you are on the hunt for incredible views, read our blog post on the top views in the Peak District. Hang-gliders go one step further and are rewarded with the best view of all.
Why not try hang-gliding from one of the most magnificent mountains in the UK?
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Caving and potholing
Winnats Pass is in the High Peak area of the English county of Derbyshire. It lies to the west of the village of Castleton, in the National Trust's High Peak Estate. The road winds through a cleft, surrounded by towering limestone pinnacles.
The pass was once thought to have originated as a giant collapsed cavern; however, a more recent explanation is that it was a ravine between the coral reefs that originally formed the limestone. The area is full of potholes and old lead mines, the source of the unique and attractive Blue John stone. Blue John is turned into jewellery in Castleton's craft shops.
Go potholing in Britain’s largest cave, appropriately named Titan’s Cave, visit the active stream cave known as Bagshawe Cavern, and other incredible caves. If you enjoy outdoor sports and adrenaline-fueled adventures, take a look at our post about the top outdoor activities in the Peak District.
A local legend is that Winnats Pass is haunted, so ghost hunters: beware. It also features in the Tour of the Peak Cycle Race each autumn.
Showcaves:
Useful links for serious cavers:
A game of golf
With such remarkable views on offer, it’s no surprise that Hope Valley is popular among golfers.
Tee off at either Hope Valley Golf Club or Sickleholme Golf Club and spend days outside surrounded by the scenic Peak District. Both run events and competitions and have a place you can grab a drink and a snack after a few hours on the course. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in the Peaks.
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Walking the valley
Follow the Pennine Way
A walk from Mam Tor to Losehill along the ridge dividing the Hope and Edale valleys gives unrivalled views in both directions. From here the walker can descend into Hope - the central village of the valley, with its fine church and Saxon cross.
Edale is the next valley north of Hope Valley, a great centre for walkers, pony trekkers and campers. Edale also lies at the southerly end of the Pennine Way. See our accompanying guide for more details about the sights and activities you can enjoy along the Pennine Way.
The three rivers flow through the Hope Valley and Edale. Peak Water, rising from Peak Cavern and flowing to Hope; the River Noe, rising on Kinder Scout near Edale; and the River Derwent, rising on Howden Moor before flowing through a series of massive reservoirs on its way to meet the Noe at Bamford, north of Foolow.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 miles
Ramble the Hathersage Circular
Visit the Mother Cap during a walk through Hathersage Moor.
Hathersage, the largest village at the north end of the Peak District, has a swimming pool and a church that is famous for brass rubbings. It’s also the rumoured site of Robin Hood’s good friend Little John's grave. Nearby Stanage Edge is a test training ground for rock-climbers of all abilities.
Walk from Hathersage to Stanage Edge for a fantastic trail with breathtaking views.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.5 miles
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Eat, drink and relax
Traditional pubs and stylish restaurants
There are endless pubs, cafes and restaurants serving traditional fayre, sweet treats and specialist foods, so see what you can uncover in beautiful Hope Valley. A few top eateries according to Trip Advisor include Hathersage Social Club (complete with mini-cinema), Eyam Tea Rooms perfect for a spot of afternoon tea, Tilly’s of Castleton - a traditional café for a well-deserved coffee and cake, and Samuel Fox Country Inn where you’ll discover traditional pub food and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
A few other eateries for foodies:
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A trip to the spa
Recline in the outdoor hot tub with views across Winhill and Hope Valley, swim a few laps of the indoor heated pool or soothe sore muscles in the sauna. Losehill Spa is a secret space for relaxation, offers a range of treatments and uses fine products to ensure their clients receive top service. After caving, walking, and adventuring across the terrain of beautiful Hope Valley, this serene destination will allow you the chance to totally relax. Discover more hidden gems in the Peak District.
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Discovering the Peak District
Take a trip on the Hope Valley Steam Train for the best way to see this spectacular region.
Want to find out more about this fantastic region? Then take a look at our blog post revealing the top things to do in the Peak District.
We have some excellent properties throughout the region, take a look at our cosy cottages and stylish holiday homes in Hope Valley. You can also take a look at our full portfolio of Peak District cottages for even more choice.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.