Dark Peak Walks

Book excerpt: This guidebook describes 35 circular walking routes in the Dark Peak - the wilder northern area of the Peak District distinguished by its dark gritstone. The walks range between 4 and 13.5 miles in length (6.5km to 22km), varying in terms of difficulty: some involve steep ascents and descents, uneven ground and pathless terrain, and demand a good level of navigational competence. The book also outlines 5 longer routes (3 linear; 2 circular) of 15 to 28 miles (25-45km) for those wishing to explore the area further, including a classic 'skyline' circuit of the Kinder Scout plateau. Detailed route description and 1:50,000 OS mapping are provided for each route, along with information on nearby points of interest and facilities. Icons of the Dark Peak - such as Kinder Scout, Stanage Edge, the Roaches and Mam Tor - are included, however, the focus is on exploring the lesser-known corners of the region. The routes take in striking gritstone edges, distinctive rock formations, open moorland, steep-sided valleys and hidden waterfalls. The Dark Peak features a wild landscape of sweeping moorland and big skies. Easily accessible from Sheffield, it boasts a wealth of natural, geological, historical and cultural interest - and some great walking.