Perhaps the most prominent landmark in the whole valley is Mam Tor, also known as the ‘Shivering Mountain’. Its summit is home to an Iron Age fortress, and today it is also popular with hang-gliders, who use it as a launchpad before they take off and soar over the Peak District’s scenic countryside. Weaving its way through a steep valley of limestone, Winnats Pass is another must-see location in the Hope Valley.
Winnats Pass
Mam Tor is also popular with walkers, and a great route to take from here is following the valley ridge to Losehill, where you can see the Hope Valley on one side and the Edale valley on the other.
Hope itself is a great place to base yourself to explore the area, with plenty of places to stop for refreshments during your holiday. The village has a number of welcoming country pubs, perfect for stopping in for a well-earned pint and perhaps a pub lunch, including The Old Hall Hotel, the Woodroffe Arms and The Cheshire Cheese Inn.
Another pretty village to visit in the area is Castleton, which is home to four spectacular showcaves, including the famous Blue John Cavern. Blue John is a mineral the Peak District has become famous for – a decorative blue and yellow fluorospar used in ornaments, jewellery and other decorative pieces. Overlooking the village is the ancient Peveril Castle.
The Hope Valley is also a great place to try a number of other outdoor activities, from mountain biking to rock climbing, and from pony trekking to potholing. PureOutdoor offers the chance to take on many of these pursuits, all with the assistance of an instructor, including hillwalking, navigation, caving and rock climbing.
“An impressive valley home to some of the most beautiful walks and treks in England…”
Before you leave the Hope Valley, be sure to pay a visit to Stanage Edge, another of the area’s many beauty spots. Just north of the village of Hathersage, this gritstone edge extends for over four miles, with amazing views out to the valley as well as the moorlands of the Dark Peak below.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more lively to explore besides the Peak District’s sleepy villages, the Hope Valley lies just 10 minutes from the border with South Yorkshire, and the modern city of Sheffield is within a half-hour drive. Here you’ll find countless places to shop and eat, as well as many cultural attractions from museums and galleries to music venues and cinemas.
Spend your next holiday in the Peak District – take a look at our full collection of Hope cottages for even more holiday inspiration.