Simon is a TV writer turned travel journalist and photographer who specialises in walking and hiking holidays in the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. He writes on walking holidays in England for the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, among others.
- Distance: 48 miles
- Duration: Four to eight days depending on your pace
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The southern half of the Peak District, called the white peak for its limestone geology, is the gentler and more 'traditionally' picturesque stretch of the national park. You'll find no brooding crags and desolate moors here, it's more about gentle dales, meandering brooks and quant – sometimes twee – villages. That's not to say the scenery isn't impressive; around Monyash and Lathkill Dale it's often breathtaking.
The Limestone Way weaves through the white peak, skirting historical Illam, crossing famous (and busy) Dovedale, before meandering north towards Matlock and, eventually, Castleton on the border of the much sterner dark peak.
Broken up into eight casually-paced days this is a gloriously gentle walk through some of the most easy-going but immensely rewarding countryside in the UK.
At a glance
Destinations
The Peak District
Activity
Adventure, Backpacking, Active, WalkingPhysical Level
EasyRelated Guides

The best walking holidays in the UK

The United Kingdom is a walking holiday paradise: Hundreds of thousands of miles of well-mapped public footpaths, beautifully varied landscapes, excellent hospitality, and easily accessible. It’s no wonder this is a nation of walkers.

Walking holidays in England

There are two broad categories of walking holidays in England: single location (‘centre based’) or long distance (‘inn-to-inn’) walks. When I've been walking with a big group or with kids in tow, it can work better being based in one location and heading out on day hikes as the group (and weather) sees fit.

The best walking holidays in Europe

Europe is a famously popular and, in places, crowded travel destination. Escaping the bustle on a walking holiday in Europe's more-remote corners is a good way to escape the day trippers, tour buses and cruise ships that plague the continent’s busier hotspots.

Family-Friendly Activities In The Peak District

Spanning five counties, the Peak District National Park’s varied landscapes, brimming with hills, valleys, rivers and reservoirs, provide an ideal backdrop for family-friendly adventures.A visit to the Peak District can be as exhilarating or as relaxing as you like, with activities ranging from the gentle – walking with alpacas and riding the monthly musical folk train – to the thrilling – hang gliding, rock climbing and caving.

Climbing Courses In The Peak District

The Peak District’s exposed geology and ease of access have made it one of the most popular climbing spots in the country.The gritstone edges of the ‘Dark Peak’ are ideally suited to bouldering and trad climbing, while the limestone crags and quarries in the ‘White Peak’ are renowned for both trad and sport climbing.

Caving & Potholing Courses In The Peak District

The Peak District boasts some incredible caving and potholing opportunities, with tourists and school groups trailing through large caverns daily. The area is littered with caves and old mines ripe for exploring.

Paddleboarding, Canoeing, Kayaking & Wild Swimming In The Peak District

With abundant rivers, canals and reservoirs, the Peak District is a playground for watersports and the hardy people of the area are happy to venture out whatever the weather. There are courses and experience days across the Peak District with key locations being Combs Reservoir, Carsington Water, Tittsworth and Derwent River.

Landscape Photography Courses In The Peak District

With a variety of landscapes that shift dramatically with the seasons, the Peak District is a great place to hone your photography skills.Many beauty spots can be accessed by bike, hike or car and cafes are scattered across the district to pause and refresh your creativity.

Gorge Walking In The Peak District

Gorge walking, also known as river scrambling or Ghyll scrambling, is a fun group activity for children and adults alike (depending on the location) that sees you scrambling up waterfalls, swimming through rivers and jumping off rocks into pools. It has similarities with caving, but above ground.

Navigating & Orienteering Courses In The Peak District

One of the main draws of the Peak District is its hiking and walking. From multi-day hiking holidays across rough terrain to afternoons walking the copious well trodden paths, there is something for all abilities and fitness levels.

Simon Heptinstall
-
Limestone Way
...