Edale: Gateway to the Peak District’s Majestic Wilderness
Edale, nestled in Hope Valley, is the Peak District’s scenic gateway and starting point of the iconic Pennine Way, offering stunning hiking and rich heritage.
Nestled in the heart of the Hope Valley within the Peak District National Park, Edale is a charming village renowned as the southern starting point of the Pennine Way, England’s first long-distance walking trail. Surrounded by dramatic hills like Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, Edale offers stunning landscapes, historic hamlets, and a vibrant local community. Visitors enjoy hiking, traditional pubs, and a welcoming visitor centre dedicated to moorland conservation.
A brief summary to Edale
- Hope Valley, Edale, GB
- Duration: 1 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Moorland Centre to learn about moorland conservation and sustainable walking practices.
- Try hiking Jacob’s Ladder for a challenging ascent to Kinder Scout with rewarding views.
- Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of Edale’s traditional pubs, such as the Old Nag’s Head, the official Pennine Way start point.
- Use the regular train service from Manchester or Sheffield to avoid parking hassles and enjoy scenic rail travel.
- Explore nearby villages like Castleton and Hope for additional historic sites and natural beauty.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
Edale railway station lies on the Hope Valley Line with frequent hourly trains connecting to Manchester Piccadilly (approximately 44 minutes) and Sheffield (around 32 minutes). Tickets cost roughly £10-£20 one way depending on time and booking method. The station is a short walk from the village centre.
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Car
Driving to Edale is straightforward via the A6187 and A625 roads. The main village car park near the train station offers parking with fees ranging from £1.80 for one hour to £7.90 for 24 hours. Note that parking can fill quickly on busy weekends.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Edale with nearby towns such as Hope and Castleton. Service frequency is limited, typically hourly during weekdays, with reduced weekend schedules. Tickets cost around £3-£6 depending on route length.
Edale location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
- Snow
Discover more about Edale
Historic Roots and Village Character
Edale is a small village and civil parish in Derbyshire, England, with a population of around 350. Its origins trace back to the 13th century, formed from several small hamlets or 'booths' initially established as cattle farms along the River Noe valley. These hamlets—Upper Booth, Barber Booth, Nether Booth, Grindsbrook Booth, and Ollerbrook Booth—have grown into a close-knit community surrounded by some of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes. The village features traditional stone cottages, a late 19th-century parish church, and two popular pubs that serve as social hubs.Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventure
Edale is famed as the southern terminus of the Pennine Way, a 268-mile long-distance footpath stretching to the Scottish Borders. This makes it a magnet for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village is encircled by striking hills including Kinder Scout—the highest point in the Peak District—Mam Tor, the Great Ridge, and Dalehead. Trails such as Jacob’s Ladder provide challenging yet rewarding routes, leading walkers through moorlands, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. The surrounding terrain offers a variety of experiences from gentle strolls to demanding hill climbs.Moorland Conservation and Visitor Engagement
Edale is home to the Moorland Centre, a modern visitor information hub developed by the Moors for the Future Partnership. This centre educates visitors about the ecological importance of moorlands, their conservation, and sustainable management. The centre features innovative environmental design, including a sedum turf roof and geothermal heating, highlighting the village’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.Community Life and Amenities
Despite its rural setting, Edale supports a vibrant community with clubs and social groups ranging from horticulture to amateur dramatics. Visitors will find essential amenities including cafés, a local shop, campsites, and accommodation options like B&Bs and holiday lets. The village’s railway station on the Hope Valley Line connects it efficiently to Manchester and Sheffield, making it accessible for day trips and longer stays.Nearby Attractions and Cultural Significance
Close to Edale are other notable Peak District destinations such as Castleton, known for its historic castle ruins and show caves, and Hope village, situated where the River Noe meets Peakshole Water. The area is rich in history and folklore, including legends tied to Kinder Scout’s Mermaid’s Pool. Edale also holds a special place in mountain rescue history as the home of England’s first organised mountain rescue team.Seasonal Highlights and Visitor Experience
The village and its surroundings offer year-round appeal, with spring and summer ideal for hiking and exploring wildflower-rich moorlands. Autumn brings dramatic foliage and quieter trails, while winter offers crisp, clear skies for panoramic views. Events such as the annual Kinder Mass Trespass commemorate the area’s cultural heritage and community spirit, inviting visitors to engage deeply with the landscape and its stories.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bamford Edge
8.4 km
Bamford Edge offers stunning panoramic views of Ladybower Reservoir and Hope Valley, a must-visit gritstone escarpment in the Peak District.
Carl Wark
14.3 km
Explore Carl Wark, an ancient Iron Age hillfort on a rugged Peak District promontory with sweeping moorland views and rich prehistoric heritage.
Baslow Edge
17.5 km
Experience stunning panoramas and serene walks at Baslow Edge in Peak District National Park, the perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers.
Peak District National Park Authority
18.8 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of Peak District National Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
White Nancy
20.2 km
Historic hilltop folly offering sweeping Cheshire Plain views and a symbol of Bollington’s heritage and community spirit.
Endcliffe Park
20.3 km
Explore the beauty of Endcliffe Park in Sheffield, a perfect blend of nature, community, and tranquility for all visitors seeking relaxation.
The Endcliffe Campus
20.5 km
A vibrant student village blending modern living, social hubs, and green spaces at the University of Sheffield’s Endcliffe Campus.
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
20.5 km
Explore the rich industrial heritage of Sheffield at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, where history comes to life in a beautifully preserved setting.
Endcliffe Park Playground
20.6 km
Discover fun and adventure at Endcliffe Park Playground in Sheffield, a perfect family destination with scenic parkland and vibrant play areas.
Chatsworth House
20.6 km
Explore the grandeur of Chatsworth House, a historical manor in the Peak District boasting stunning gardens and rich heritage.
Chelsea Park
20.9 km
Discover Chelsea Park in Sheffield: a peaceful retreat with stunning gardens, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics in a tranquil environment.
The Beer House
20.9 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and extensive beer selection at The Beer House, Sheffield's favorite pub for locals and visitors alike.
Bear pit
21.0 km
Victorian heritage meets natural history at Sheffield's finest surviving bear pit, a Grade II listed landmark within beloved botanical gardens.
The Well Sheffield
21.0 km
Explore The Well Sheffield, a vibrant Baptist church in Sharrow, blending rich community spirit with stunning architecture and cultural events.
The Glass Pavilions
21.0 km
Explore the enchanting beauty of The Glass Pavilions in Sheffield, a botanical paradise full of vibrant plant life and tranquil escapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dark Peak Estate
0.6 km
Explore the wild moorlands and gritstone edges of the Dark Peak Estate, a dramatic upland landscape in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Mam Tor
2.0 km
Discover Mam Tor, the iconic 'Mother Hill' of the Peak District, offering ancient history, dramatic landslips, and panoramic views over Hope Valley.
National Trust - Dark Peak
2.3 km
Explore the wild, windswept moorlands and iconic gritstone edges of the Peak District’s Dark Peak, a haven for nature and history lovers.
Blue John Cavern
2.5 km
Discover Britain’s rare Blue John stone in Castleton’s spectacular limestone caves, where history and geology intertwine beneath the Peak District.
Treak Cliff Cavern
2.8 km
Explore a working Blue John stone mine with stunning geological formations and rare minerals in the Peak District.
Winnats Pass
3.0 km
Experience the breathtaking limestone gorge of Winnats Pass, a scenic and historic route through the heart of Hope Valley’s Peak District.
Speedwell Cavern
3.3 km
Explore a historic lead mine on a unique underground boat tour beneath the Peak District’s dramatic Winnats Pass.
Castleton Visitor Centre
3.7 km
Your welcoming gateway to Castleton’s history, nature, and the Peak District’s breathtaking landscapes.
Castleton
3.7 km
Discover Castleton, Hope Valley’s charming village famed for ancient castles, unique Blue John caverns, and stunning Peak District landscapes.
Jacob's Ladder
3.7 km
Steep stone steps leading to Kinder Scout’s wild moorlands, Jacob's Ladder is a Peak District classic for adventurous walkers.
Peak Cavern
3.9 km
Explore Britain’s largest natural cave entrance and historic rope-making cavern beneath Castleton’s iconic cliffs.
Peveril Castle
4.0 km
Explore the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle, crowned by sweeping views over Castleton and the Peak District’s scenic valleys.
Brown Knoll
4.0 km
A peaceful moorland summit near Edale offering gentle walks and sweeping views across the Peak District’s Hope Valley.
Cave Dale
4.1 km
Explore the rugged limestone valley of Cave Dale, where dramatic cliffs frame historic Peveril Castle in the heart of the Peak District.
Kinder Scout
4.3 km
Explore Kinder Scout, the Peak District’s highest moorland plateau, famed for dramatic cliffs, the tallest waterfall, and panoramic views.
Essential places to dine
1530 The Restaurant
3.8 km
Charming Italian restaurant in Castleton offering fresh homemade dishes and vegan options in a cozy historic setting within the Peak District.
Ye Olde Nags Head
3.8 km
Historic 17th-century coaching inn in Castleton offering cozy pub vibes, hearty British fare, and a lively community atmosphere.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn
3.8 km
Historic village inn and pub in Castleton offering cozy rooms, hearty English fare, and a warm welcome in the heart of the Peak District.
The Lamb Inn
7.5 km
Historic 18th-century pub in Chinley offering hearty British fare, real ales, and cozy en-suite rooms near Peak District attractions.
The Pack Horse Hayfield
8.8 km
A Michelin-recommended gastropub in Hayfield serving seasonal British cuisine and local ales in a warm, welcoming Peak District setting.
The Paper Mill Inn
9.2 km
Charming historic country pub and inn in Whitehough, Peak District, renowned for real ales, seasonal food, and warm local hospitality.
Old Hall Inn
9.2 km
A charming Georgian inn in the Peak District offering refined pub dining, cozy rooms, and a warm welcome amid stunning countryside.
The Anchor Inn
10.0 km
A classic Peak District pub offering hearty meals, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tideswell.
The Hanging Gate
10.0 km
Family-run pub and restaurant in the scenic High Peak offering hearty meals, event hosting, and outside catering in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Derbyshire Eats
10.1 km
Experience refined dining and bespoke catering excellence in the charming village of Tideswell at Derbyshire Eats.
The Merchant's Yard
10.3 km
A charming boutique hotel and award-winning restaurant in Tideswell, blending historic character with seasonal Peak District cuisine.
The Horse & Jockey
10.6 km
A cozy, traditional village pub and B&B in Tideswell offering hearty meals, warm fires, and comfortable rooms in the Peak District.
The Little Mill @ Rowarth
11.7 km
A welcoming country inn in Rowarth offering cozy rooms, hearty home-cooked meals, and scenic Peak District charm.
The Crispin
15.7 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Great Longstone offering hearty British fare and local ales in the heart of the Peak District.
White Lion
15.8 km
A charming Peak District gastropub offering hearty British fare, warm welcomes, and a cozy village atmosphere in Great Longstone.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Outdoor Shop
3.6 km
Your essential outfitter for quality outdoor gear and clothing in Hope Valley, perfect for Peak District adventures.
The Causeway Shop
3.8 km
Discover unique gifts and cozy café delights in the heart of Castleton’s picturesque Hope Valley at The Causeway Shop.
The Original Blue John Craft Shop
3.8 km
Discover unique handcrafted Blue John jewellery and gifts in Castleton’s charming craft shop, celebrating Derbyshire’s rare gemstone heritage.
The Old Barn
3.9 km
A practical outdoor and gift shop in Castleton’s Market Place, perfect for stocking up before exploring the Peak District’s hills and caves.
Bluebird’s Nest UK
8.2 km
Handpicked gifts and treasures in the heart of the Peak District's historic market town.
Antique and Unique
10.1 km
Three decades of authentic antiques and vintage treasures in the heart of the Peak District.
Outside.co.uk
11.4 km
Your essential outdoor clothing and equipment shop in Hathersage, offering expert gear and a cozy café for Peak District adventurers.
Pookie - Wookie Ltd
11.5 km
Handcrafted artisan ceramics by a mother-daughter duo in the scenic Hope Valley, perfect for unique and meaningful gifts.
Ivie & luxe
12.0 km
A stylish boutique in Whaley Bridge offering unique clothing, gifts, and homewares with a local touch – perfect for thoughtful souvenirs and personal treats.
Delightful Living
13.0 km
Discover unique artisan gifts in the heart of Eyam’s historic craft centre, blending heritage with handcrafted charm.
The Springs Shopping Centre
13.5 km
Buxton's central shopping hub with 450 parking spaces and popular high street chains.
Decor Boutique
13.7 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish homewares in Buxton’s charming Decor Boutique, nestled in the historic Cavendish Arcade.
Atticusboo
13.7 km
Discover unique gifts and warm hospitality at Atticusboo, Buxton’s charming independent boutique in the historic Cavendish Arcade.
Fiveways Country Store
13.9 km
Charming family-owned shop in Buxton’s Market Place offering unique gifts and local artisan products in the heart of the Peak District.
Jo Royle Outdoor
14.0 km
Discover quality outdoor gear and expert advice at Jo Royle Outdoor, Buxton’s beloved independent boutique for adventurers.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Rambler Inn
0.2 km
Cozy stone-built pub and inn in Edale, offering hearty fare, local ales, and a warm welcome for Peak District hikers.
The Old Nags Head
0.4 km
Historic 16th-century country pub at the start of the Pennine Way, offering rustic charm, real ales, and hearty fare in Edale’s scenic Peak District.
Bulls Head, Castleton
3.7 km
Historic pub and cozy inn in Castleton offering traditional British fare, comfortable rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere in the Peak District.
The Castle
3.8 km
A historic pub in Castleton offering hearty British fare, scenic views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Hope Valley.
The George
3.8 km
Traditional British charm meets cozy comfort in Castleton’s welcoming pub with rooms, great food, and scenic Hope Valley views.
Ladybower Inn
8.1 km
A cozy 3-star inn in Hope Valley offering hearty pub meals, friendly hospitality, and scenic access to Ladybower Reservoir and Peak District trails.
Star Inn
10.2 km
A classic Peak District pub in Tideswell offering hearty pies, real ales, and a warm, lively atmosphere in a charming village setting.
The George Inn
10.3 km
Traditional Peak District pub and cozy B&B in Tideswell offering hearty food, friendly service, and a warm village atmosphere.
The Barrel Inn
10.9 km
Historic hilltop inn offering cozy rooms, excellent local cuisine, and breathtaking views over Hope Valley and the Peak District.
The Bull at Foolow
11.1 km
Historic Peak District pub and boutique inn offering cozy rooms, hearty fare, and scenic countryside charm in the village of Foolow.
Red Lion Inn
11.1 km
A quintessential Peak District country pub offering hearty fare, real fires, and warm hospitality in the charming village of Litton.
Anglers Rest
12.4 km
A cozy riverside pub in Millers Dale offering hearty home-cooked meals, local ales, and a tranquil garden in the heart of the Peak District.
San Pedro (By Santiago)
13.7 km
A vibrant Spanish wine bar and cocktail lounge in Buxton offering authentic tapas, fine wines, and a lively atmosphere.
Buxton Brewery Tap House & Cellar Bar
13.7 km
Lively flagship brewery bar in Buxton’s historic heart, serving fresh local beers and seasonal dishes in a rustic, welcoming setting.
The Packhorse Inn
15.4 km
A cozy, traditional Peak District pub with warm fires, local ales, scenic views, and welcoming rooms near Bakewell.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
