Hope Valley Train Station Walks – Celebrating the Hope Valley Line
The train line that links Sheffield with Manchester was completed in 1894 and is still going strong today! Part of its route runs through the beautiful Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park, offering not just stunning views from the train windows but also the chance to stop at pretty villages along the way and explore the breathtaking scenery in this part of the country.
To allow you to make the most of the Peak District villages on the Hope Valley Line, Let’s Go Peak District has joined forces with The Outdoor City in compiling a collection of five inspiring Hope Valley Train Station Walks that start and finish at the train station in each village. There are gentle ambles that are 4-5 miles long, to more challenging hikes of 7-8 miles.
Best of all, they’re hand-picked to make the most of each location and to take you to the very best spots in the Peak District via the most scenic routes. From shady woodlands to heather-strewn moors, rocky edges to rolling pastureland, this series of train station walks has it all!
Every walk description features a preview video of the route, as well as detailed route information, a map and photographs. There’s also a free-to-download PDF to print off and take with you, and a free GPX track too.
So leave your car behind and make a day of it. Pack a picnic and your walking boots, and explore the best of the Hope Valley by train!
Grindleford (Moderate, 4.5 miles)
This beautiful walk from Grindleford train station is a real treat, taking you through stunning woodland and onto wild open moorland for breathtaking views – and all in less than 5 miles.
The walk starts in Padley Gorge, an ancient mixed woodland, and traces the course of Burbage Brook as it tumbles over rocks and beneath pretty footbridges. From there, the route heads out over Hathersage Moor, around Millstone Edge and on to Surprise View, offering quite possibly the best views in the whole of the Hope Valley, before returning to the start point.
Woodlands and Moorlands: A circular walk from Grindleford Station via Padley Gorge and Surprise View
Hathersage (Moderate, 6 miles)
This fabulous walk from Hathersage train station provides a stunning glimpse of the very best of this part of the Peak District. You walk through the pretty village of Hathersage and out on footpaths up to the mighty gritstone heights of Stanage Edge.
The views along the Hope Valley from the top are truly awe-inspiring. You then descend via Carhead Rocks and back into village, along very pretty country lanes, to return to the start point.
Stunning Stanage: A circular walk from Hathersage Station via Stanage Edge (6 miles)
Bamford (Easy, 4 miles)
This lovely walk from Bamford train station takes in fabulous views around the pretty village of Bamford. The route heads past Bamford Mill and then follows the beautiful Thornhill Trail to the dam across Ladybower Reservoir. From there the route runs through pretty countryside with stunning views and along quiet village lanes back to the start point.
The Best of Bamford: A circular walk from Bamford Train Station via Ladybower Reservoir (4.6 miles)
Hope (Moderate, 6 miles)
This lovely circular walk from Hope train station is an absolute stunner! You leave the village behind very quickly and progress up over hill trails and footpaths on to Hope Brink. This affords you the most magnificent views of the Hope Valley, the Edale Valley and even into the Derwent Valley in places.
The heights of Lose Hill and Kinder Scout tower above you, and you walk as far as Hope Cross, a medieval packhorse road marker, before returning to your start point via an old Roman road.
Walking in Hope: A circular walk from Hope Train Station via Hope Cross and the Roman Road (6.7 miles)
Edale (Challenging, 7.5 miles)
There’s 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.
Soaring Skylines: A circular walk from Edale Train Station via Mam Tor (7.5 miles)
5 Peak District Train Station Walks in the Hope Valley
The Let’s Go Peak District Hope Valley Train Station Walks are all circular, allowing you a great day out exploring the countryside. Why not set yourself the challenge to walk all of them?
- Grindleford Peak District Train Station Walk (Moderate, 4.5 miles)
- Hathersage Peak District Train Station Walk (Moderate, 6 miles)
- Bamford Peak District Train Station Walk (Easy, 4 miles)
- Hope Peak District Train Station Walk (Moderate, 6 miles)
- Edale Peak District Train Station Walk (Challenging, 7.5 miles)
Working with The Outdoor City to encourage visits from the City of Sheffield for day trips into the Peak District National Park.
