5 Incredible Walks On Our Doorstep
- Westwood Aparthotel
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
One of the biggest perks of staying at Westwood Aparthotel is having the stunning Peak District right on your doorstep. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge, or simply want to stretch your legs and soak in some scenery, Glossop and the surrounding High Peak area offer an abundance of walking routes to suit all abilities.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite walks that you can enjoy during your stay—from rugged moorland adventures to peaceful reservoir circuits. Each one showcases the natural beauty, history, and character that make this corner of the Peaks so special.
Lace up your boots, charge your camera, and step out from Westwood into some of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.
1. Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder
Start Point: Edale (train station or car park)
Distance / Duration: ~13–18 km (8–11 miles), approximately 4–6 hours depending on your route and pace
Route Highlights: Iconic climb up Jacob’s Ladder, moorland plateau at Airys, Kinder Low trig point (633 m), Kinder Downfall waterfall, dramatic views across the Peak District
Why Walk It: A must-do Peak District classic—challenging but rewarding, ideal for capturing that true “on top of the world” feeling
2. Bleaklow Head Circuit from Old Glossop via Doctor’s Gate
Start Point: Old Glossop
Distance / Duration: ~17 km (10.5 miles), approximately 6 hours, with ~610 m ascent
Route Highlights: Remote gritstone moorland, Bleaklow Head summit (633 m), historical Doctor’s Gate, Wain Stones, Yellow Stacks, and potential dive through the B‑29 crash site (nicknamed “Over Exposed”)
Why Walk It: One of the quietest high moorland routes—perfect for solitude and dramatic landscapes
3. Longdendale Trail & Lantern Pike Peak (via Snake Pass)
Start Point: Hadfield Station or Glossop area via Snake Pass (A57) turn-off
Distance / Duration: Longdendale Trail flat section ~12 km; add climb to Lantern Pike (~5 km extra) for a total ~15–17 km; ~4–5 hours with ascent
Route Highlights: Gentle walk along reservoir chain, then ascend Lantern Pike (373 m)—historic beacon point with wide views of the Derwent Valley and Kinder Scout
Why Walk It: Great mix of easy lowland walking and optional hilltop challenge—suitable for mixed fitness levels
4. Padfield & Bottoms Reservoir Circular
Start Point: Padfield village, just a short drive or walk from Glossop
Distance / Duration: ~6–8 km, typically 1.5–2 hours
Route Highlights: Scenic low-level trail around Bottoms Reservoir, views of Derwent Valley, suitable terrain for families and gentle walkers
Why Walk It: Local gem—easy, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing stroll before or after a stay at Westwood
5. Lantern Pike & Grindsbrook Clough Circular via Edale
Start Point: Edale (train station/village car park)
Distance / Duration: ~12–14 km, 4–5 hours depending on pace
Route Highlights: Ascent through Grindsbrook Clough to Grindslow Knoll (601 m), onward to Lantern Pike, panoramic sections across Kinder edge, and descent via Edale valley. Crowden Clough inclusion adds a more adventurous segment with scrambles and rocky terrain
Why Walk It: Combines the fiercer terrain of Cloughs with sweeping ridge views—great for hikers after a varied challenge
No matter your pace or experience level, walking in the High Peak is a fantastic way to reconnect with nature, discover local history, and make the most of your time at Westwood. We hope this guide gives you a great starting point—but it’s just the beginning.
For even more walks across the Peak District, including route maps, tips, and terrain guides, we recommend visiting peakdistrict.org or downloading the AllTrails app. It’s an incredibly useful tool to have with you—especially if you want GPS-guided walks or want to discover trails based on distance, difficulty, or dog-friendliness.
Wherever your boots take you, we hope your time here is filled with fresh air, beautiful views, and unforgettable moments.
Comments