Edale: The Stunning Heart of the Peak District
The pretty village of Edale is surrounded by probably the most stunning scenery in the whole of the Peak District National Park. It is circled by the towering slopes of Kinder Scout to the north, the Great Ridge of Mam Tor to the south, Win Hill to the east and Dalehead to the west. Edale is also known to many as being the start or end point of Britain’s most famous long distance hiking trail, the Pennine Way.
Planning a visit? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from top attractions and walking routes to practical tips for making the most of your trip to this beautiful Derbyshire village.
The Pennine Way
The Pennine Way was the first National Trail in England and is one of the UK’s most famous long-distance walks. Opened on 24th April 1965, it paved the way for public access to some of England’s wildest landscapes. The Pennine Way…with a combined ascent that exceeds the height of Mount Everest, the Pennine Way is arguably the most challenging National Trail in England and the route is recommended for experienced walkers who want a unique experience.
The Village
Edale village itself is small but perfectly formed, with lanes of pretty stone cottages, two very popular pubs, a couple of cafes, and a large number of campsites. The parish church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, built in the late 19th Century, enjoys a beautiful setting and is well worth a visit. There are also many hamlets, known as booths, that make up this area, including Upper Booth, Barber Booth, Nether Booth and Grindsbrook Booth.
Booths were originally established in the 13th Century as cattle farms. When the train line that linked Sheffield to Manchester was opened in 1894, the railway station close to Grindsbrook Booth was renamed Edale, and the name came to be used for all the settlements in this area.
Kinder Scout
This is true hill-walking and trail-running country; the visitor to Edale can head off in pretty much any direction and explore wild, beautiful uplands, with mighty gritstone summits, moorland streams and waterfalls.
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District at 2,087 feet high, and the views from its plateaux are awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the words. Walking to the summit from Edale takes the visitor through a wide variety of different landscapes and perfectly illustrates the diversity of the Peak District.
Continuing beyond the summit, it is well worth taking a detour to see the spectacular Kinder Downfall. The River Kinder is only a small river, rising in the moorland on Kinder Scout, but on its three mile journey to join the River Sett it crashes down almost 100 feet to create this waterfall, the tallest in the Peak District.
When in full flow, particularly when there is a strong, westerly wind, the water blows back up the hillside, and the resulting cloud of spray can be seen from many miles away. Also worth a visit is Mermaid’s Pool, a small pool below Kinder Downfall, particularly if you happen to be out walking on Easter Saturday. Legend has it that the pool is inhabited by a mermaid who will grant immortality to anyone who catches sight of her on that day.
Safety Advice
A word of caution, please do not venture into the hills around Edale without adequate equipment, including appropriate clothing and footwear, a map and a compass. The Kinder Plateau can be a difficult area to navigate, particularly when you are away from any landmarks. Remember, also, that the weather can very quickly change in this part of the Peak District.
The Kinder Trespass
On 24 April 1932 a group of over 400 peaceful protestors took to private land across Kinder Scout and joined in a coordinated ‘Mass Trespass’ to highlight the restrictions upon walking in open country. This action led directly to legislation that allowed people to walk freely on access land throughout the United Kingdom. It was also a contributory factor in the creation of the National Parks, the first of which was the Peak District. Each year a group of wardens and rangers from both the National Trust and the Peak District National Park Authority hold a walking event to mark the anniversary of the trespass.
Edale Train Station Walk (Challenging, 7.5 miles)
There is no question that this walk from Edale train station is challenging in places, but it shows off some of the most spectacular views in the Peak District and definitely repays the effort. The route follows the Pennine Way out of the pretty village of Edale, with stunning views all across the Edale Valley to Mam Tor, and then follow farm trails to the lovely hamlet of Upper Booth.
From Upper Booth you climb up on to Rushup Edge and along the ridge to the summit of Mam Tor, all the time with the most amazing views to both sides of you, of the Hope Valley in one direction and back across the Edale Valley in the other. From Mam Tor you walk along the iconic Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, and then down on hill trails and country lanes back to your starting point in Edale.
Edale to Mam Tor Walk
Where to Stay in Edale
Edale offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From traditional pubs with rooms to campsites and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- Traditional pubs with rooms in the village
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Numerous campsites in and around the village
Top Tips for Your Edale Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the hills. Autumn brings stunning colours to the valley and moorland.
- Getting There: Edale is accessible by car via the A6187, and has a railway station with regular services from Sheffield and Manchester.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including at the railway station. It can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Be Prepared: The Kinder Plateau can be difficult to navigate and the weather can change rapidly. Bring appropriate clothing, footwear, map and compass.
- Don’t Miss: Kinder Scout, Kinder Downfall, and the views from the Great Ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edale
Is Edale worth visiting?
Absolutely! Edale is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the Peak District and offers incredible walking opportunities, from gentle valley strolls to challenging hill climbs.
What is Edale famous for?
Edale is famous for being the start (or end) of the Pennine Way, the highest point in the Peak District at Kinder Scout, and the site of the 1932 Mass Trespass.
How high is Kinder Scout?
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District at 2,087 feet (636 metres) above sea level.
What is the Kinder Downfall?
Kinder Downfall is the tallest waterfall in the Peak District, with water crashing down almost 100 feet from the Kinder Scout plateau.
What was the Kinder Trespass?
The Kinder Trespass was a mass protest on 24 April 1932 where over 400 walkers trespassed on private land to highlight restrictions on walking in open country. It led to the creation of access land and National Parks.
How long is the Pennine Way?
The Pennine Way is 268 miles long from Edale to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland, with a combined ascent exceeding the height of Mount Everest.
Is there a train station in Edale?
Yes, Edale has a railway station with regular services from Sheffield and Manchester on the Hope Valley line.
For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.
ℹ️ Tourist Information
- Castleton Visitor Centre 2.2 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
- Edale to Mam Tor (7.5 miles) 0.1 miles
- Edale to South Head Circular (10 Miles) ✨ NEW 0.9 miles
- Castleton and Bradwell Moor Circular (7 miles) ✨ NEW 2.2 miles
- Castleton Circular Walk via Mam Tor (5.5 miles) 2.2 miles
🍺 Local Pubs
- The Rambler Inn, Edale 0.1 miles
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn 2.2 miles
- The Peak Hotel 2.2 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- Newfold Farm 0.4 miles
- Cintra’s in Hathersage 7 miles
- The Yondermann Cafe 7 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- Cotefield Farm Cottages 0.2 miles
- Fieldhead Campsite 0.2 miles
- Newfold Farm 0.4 miles
- Peak Cottage Collection 2.2 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Treak Cliff Cavern 1.6 miles
- Speedwell Cavern 1.9 miles
- Peak Cavern 2.3 miles
- Peveril Castle 2.3 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
