Edale
The village is nestled in the lush green Edale Valley, one of the loveliest in the Peak District. To the north is the edge of Kinder Scout – beyond lies high peat moorland and the start of the world-famous Pennine Way. To the south is the Lose Hill Ridge, with wonderful walks along the top and far-reaching views. Mam Tor and Win Hill are also visible from the village too.
Built up since medieval times from a collection of farms and cattle stations, Edale is now a thriving Peak District village. In the late 19th century the railway came to the village, linking it to Manchester and Sheffield – the arrival of trains saw the village and its population increase in size. The station still receives trains along the popular Hope Valley Line, which is one of the prettiest rail links in the UK.
Ye Olde Nags Head
Edale attracts long distance walkers from all around the world as it is the southern gateway to The Pennine Way. It’s an unofficial tradition to have an ale at The Rambler Inn before embarking on the 268-mile trail northwards. Arguably the hardest ascent meets walkers straight away as the Kinder Scout plateau is a reasonably short distance into the trek. It’s also England’s highest point – so if you can get that far you know you can do anything. The Pennine Way is the country’s first, therefore oldest official National Trail, first established in early 1965 as a result of a highly successful and lengthy ‘Right to Roam’ campaign. 2015 saw its 50th anniversary and thousands of walkers partake in a celebratory walk. Much of the walk is now under the stewardship of the National Trust and the Peak District National Park land management.
“Edale is surrounded with beautiful hills to climb: Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, Lose Hill and Win Hill...”
The Moorland Centre is a quarter mile from the village. You can find the latest news about the local area including the Pennine Way here as well as exhibits and displays to help you get a feel and understanding of life in the Peak District.
Edale’s amenities are limited as you would expect in a tiny village. Besides its two pubs, there is a café and a local convenience store to stock up on the basics. For more shops pop down to Castleton, but for a large selection, journey out to Buxton or Chesterfield.
You’ll never be short of places to enjoy some extreme sports in the Peak District, if pony trekking is on your bucket list sign up for riding lessons at Ladybooth Equestrian Centre, which offers courses for all abilities.