Wander through autumnal woodland, soak up the golden hues of changing leaves and the scarlet palette of berries. Listen to the twigs snap underfoot and catch the smell of damp earth and fungi emerging through the woodland floor.
It’s hard to beat a walk in the woods at this time of year and the High Peak and Hope Valley lines can offer you some fantastic walking routes to try from many of their stations. Why not take the stress out of your visit by leaving the car behind? Simply sit back on the train and let the scenery roll by, taking you to the chosen destination of your day out. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton line
Buxton is surrounded by woodland and it’s easy to get started on the Woodland Loop from Buxton station. Buxton Woodlands are managed by Buxton Civic Association. Find the Woodland Loop walk here
Step off at Disley and follow the trail into Lyme, where you can try the Lantern walk through Lantern Wood to reach moorland views and possibly see some red deer. Lyme is managed by the National Trust
Stroll under waterside autumnal trees along the Peak Forest Canal. You can enjoy the colourful reflections on a station to station walk, as the canal runs through the same towns and villages. Time slows alongside the narrowboats. Decide how far you’d like to stretch your walk between Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale, New Mills Newtown, Disley and Middlewood stations. Peak Forest Canal is managed by the Canal and River Trust.
Hope Valley Line, Manchester Piccadilly-Sheffield
Explore Padley Gorge from Grindleford station on this circular walk from Let’s Go Peak District. Padley Gorge is cloaked in ancient oak woodland, with twisted trees straight out of a fairytale. Burbage Brook splashes down through the gritstone boulders on its journey from the Eastern Moors to the River Derwent. Follow the stream uphill to reach panoramic moorland views at Surprise View. Padley Gorge is part of the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.
From Hope station walk up to Lose Hill and along the Mam Tor ridge for sweeping views of the Hope and Edale Valleys. Drop down into Castleton to see the show caves, visit the gift shops and cafes and pop into the Peak District National Park visitor centre to find out more about the area.
On your bike
Prefer a bike ride in the Peak District hills? Book your bike onto a train and take it out to Hathersage, Edale or Bamford. You’ll find fantastic cycle routes straight from the stations- download them from our cycling page here:
From Hathersage station you can ride through Dark Peak villages, gritstone edges and sample moorland views.
Bamford station links to the Upper Derwent Valley with a 22 mile off-road circular and from Edale station you can join the 13.7 mile off-road Kinder Loop.
We’ve given you lots of reasons to leave the car at home and go green on foot, bike, bus or train. Why not get out there and enjoy the wonderful Peak District in Autumn!
