The TOP 5 HIKES in the Peak District

Embark on an adventure with Howson IRL as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District through our "Top 5 Hikes" guide. Whether you're seeking serene walks or challenging treks, these trails offer unparalleled views and unforgettable experiences. Join us as we uncover hidden gems and historic sites, showcasing the best that the Peak District has to offer. Don’t forget to subscribe for more outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, traveling, and much more.
Featured Hikes:
1. Lud's Church:
Trail Length: 6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 140m
Parking Location: SK17 0SU
Dive into the mystical green chasm of Lud's Church, a natural marvel steeped in legend.
2. B29 Overexposed Crash Site:
Trail Length: 11 Miles
Elevation Gain: 622m
Parking Location: SK13 7PP
Explore the haunting remains of the B29 bomber, a poignant historical site amidst the moors.
3. Longdendale Trail:
Trail Length: 6/14 Miles (choose your adventure)
Elevation Gain: Flat
Parking Locations: SK13 1DW/SK13 1JB
Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle along this scenic reservoir trail, perfect for all abilities.
4. Chee Dale:
Trail Length: 4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 95m
Parking Location: SK17 8TD
Traverse this limestone gorge, a haven for wildlife and dotted with stepping stones.
5. Mam Tor:
Trail Length: 6/8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 517m
Parking Location: S33 8WN
Experience breathtaking views from the "Shivering Mountain," ideal for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Tags for Better Discovery:
Peak District Hikes
UK Hiking Trails
Best Hikes Peak District
Lud's Church Hike
B29 Overexposed Crash Site
Longdendale Trail Guide
Chee Dale Walk
Mam Tor Sunrise Hike
Outdoor Adventures UK
Howson IRL Hiking
Remember to check the weather and trail conditions before heading out and always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep our natural spaces pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Welcome to Howson IRL, where the thrill of the great outdoors meets the discipline of military training, all through the lens of British heritage and high-quality gear. Join us on breathtaking adventures, survival challenges, and in-depth gear reviews that push the limits and inspire the explorer in you. 🌲⛰️🔦
*In This Video:*
Today, I’m going to show you my top 5 favourite hikes in the Peak District National Park - let me know which of these is your favourite!
*Featured Gear:*
- ThruDark Engage: Synthetic Down Insulation Jacket
- ThruDark Aigis: [Waterproof Outer Shell
- Berghaus MTN Guide 45+ Backpack:
Alpin Ice Axes, Grivel G1 Crampons, Scarpa MANTA TECH GTX Boots
- Dive deeper into our gear picks in the video!
*Explore With Us:*
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- Military-Inspired Fitness Challenges
- High-End Adventure Gear Reviews
- Exploring the UK's Most Challenging Hiking Trails
*About Howson IRL:*
Howson IRL is your premier destination for adventure, survival, and military-inspired content with a touch of British ruggedness. Led by myself, Stephen Howson, a passionate explorer with a military background, we take you through the world’s most challenging environments, testing the gear that gets us through and sharing the stories that shape our journeys.
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[@Howson-IRL]

The Mam Tor Castleton Visitor Centre postcode is S33 8WN, not SK as mentioned in the video. Many apologies!

[@DavidMartin-vt8qd]

Ste, have u done any cumbrian fells pal,

[@moonbaby6134]

love kinder. The waterfall and also the other side of it with the aircraft crash to see. Belting views and can be quiet during the week.

[@Wildernessoutside]

bleakly stones is a cracking wild camping spot

[@arnividarthorarinsson4112]

Hearing Ste sweetly saying “Fluffy friends” in a soothing voice is one of the top things I never expected in life! Great video, especially as my own country (Iceland) has a lot of beautyful hiking trails I absolutely love

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@milocorrigan7128]

Chee Dale sounded like the best walk out of the 5

[@geddyboy1]

Would like to see a some circular walks of the peaks like kinder low and kinder scout , dovestone and the trinnacle etc

[@mj-cd9lk]

Mate thank you so much for this. I have walked the Peak District for many years when I can get there and have done a lot of the different walks. It’s my favourite place to visit. I love how there’s always new places to discover and this video has done exactly that for me. I have a rare day to myself tmw and when that happens I hike, it’s my antidepressant, just myself and all the beauty nature has to offer. I did Mam Tor a few times, I adore that place but was searching for a few places I’ve not walked yet and came across your video. I had never even heard of the B29 crash site 😮 I can’t believe I’ve been going all these years and never heard of it or seen it mentioned by anyone I know. I’ve now decided that’s where I going tomorrow and I can’t bloody wait. So a huge cheers buddy for this awesome video. I’ve subbed and will be checking out more and adding some to my list of places to see. You’re a bloody star 😊

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate! Glad we could help. How'd the hike go?

[@21Stu09]

I was born and raised in Glossop, and have done the B29 hike a few times. It's nice to see poppy wreaths laid there around Remembrance Sunday. Great vid!

[@Howson-IRL]

I only just found out there's another spot nearby

[@chrishardy8937]

Another ex glossop boy here. Brought back lots of memories

[@Graham-ce4de]

Your irl channel is great ste. Iam living in Ireland but love the info and the challenge of hiking is something I’d like me and my twin lads to go do together when they get older.

[@salford6]

Production & editing in these vids is something else, well done all involved

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate! - Spencer the Videographer

[@petlanduk2709]

Ste, when first came out of the military I spent a lot of time at Dovestone sorting my head out. Love the video

[@Wildernessoutside]

mam tor to kinderscoute via brown knoll is a brilliant one plus shining tor in Staffordshire peaks near to Luds church is lovely

[@timkeogh2365]

Mam tor is always amazing especially at sunrise - England is such a beautiful country when it wants to be

[@Howson-IRL]

Mam Tor has everything - was always gonna be my #1

[@BigGamePlayer-hi9lu]

Cool tips thanks

[@remyphilly5168]

Stephen Howson the man, the legend. When you come to Toronto i owe you a beer 🍺

[@thebiglebrowski3695]

Don't always agree with your football takes but you bleed United fella so more than happy to throw a like and comment your way.

[@dazevans2111]

Mam tor is a great circular route, especially as for most if the route you are walking across the ridge so you have views for most of the journey. Defo going to look into some of the others you suggested

[@NickWattts]

Great video! Good to see you branching out into new areas of content too! I do a lot of these hikes with my kids, but we always need a loop otherwise it gets boring for them. Best loop hikes? Thanks again

[@MANC-GAMING]

Great vid this good looking walks. only 2 I’ve never done is Luds church n Chee dale so gonna give one of them ago this weekend 👍 A good walk to look at is Chew reservoir that’s sits about Dovestones great views .

[@Howson-IRL]

Enjoy!

[@andyp9203]

Thanks for the tips, looking to get my two year out on some of the child friendly ones 👍🏻

[@ShotawayFilms]

Certainly cheered me up after the Fulham no show. Great watch mate.Maybe you missed your vocation.👍

[@cristianbarajas1895]

Great channel! Ste, this is very cool.

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@user-qe1ut7hy1w]

Enjoy your balanced united stuff and have just given this a look. Loved all 5 for different reasons, just envious really as with a partner fighting disability, can no longer attempt or even dream of doing this sort of stuff. Shame you don't live in Somerset area, would love a similar video here. Keep up the good content

[@Howson-IRL]

All the best!

[@robpalmer1256]

Longshaw & Padley Gorge mate is a great wander, up round the Totem Pole by the Fox House Pub, or over towards Burbage up to Stannage mate.

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers for the suggestions

[@coreydaw]

Born and raised in Sheffield and Mam Tor is a favourite of mine too! Also parking in the Fox House pub carpark and walking to Higger Tor! 👍

[@ryiin]

Mam tor In Castleton is a fave of mine.

[@jessehall9420]

Needed to include .. mermaid pond Jacobbs ladder Kinder res. Thors cave ... but my favourite.. is the gorge you can walk up.. starting from the nags head in edale .at top turn either left or right and .. turning left takes upu to highest point of kinder scout then down jacobbs ladder

[@Howson-IRL]

Great shouts

[@ashault9749]

Dragons back and bamford edge should be on there and remember to do the roaches as part of luds church circular. Love the content on this Ste 👍🏼

[@HandymancraftDIY]

Love your passion for it. I love hiking too!

[@midnightroadstudios]

I love the peak district.

[@PhilBerry83]

Brilliant video Ste the crash site is definitely on the list

[@myeben42]

Great work Ste! Hope to include one of these when I come to Manchester next month.

[@jamesl1043]

Nice vid Ste. Mam Tor is a good one to get to on the train from Piccadilly. Only about 30 mins from town to Edale

[@spacetime3]

aw ste i love this series, we have amazing hikes and places to visit, it's our country more of us should respect and enjoy it.

[@Howson-IRL]

Awesome init

[@cameronknight7565]

Genuinely mate just the video I was looking for but didn't know I was looking for and it came from you been watching u since early ftd days love the content and everything your about love to go for a beer with you one day legend

[@Howson-IRL]

Welcome aboard!

[@jokiyatrott5316]

All locations do look out of Disney fantasy. The railway trail reminds me of the old railway trails here. Easy to navigate and long enough to get a nice workout. Keep up the great content

[@Howson-IRL]

Totally agree! Cheers

[@lisabradley9288]

Wow! Really enjoyed this hiking content. Thanks Stephen for the informative video, never knew about the plane wreck hike, which looks a good hike! 🥾🏞️🌄🚵‍♀️❤️ Keep up the good work our kid

[@jamesbezant3089]

Ooo some sections of the spine race. If you ever get the chance to go to north Wales, have a mooch of the Rhinogs and Cadair Idris, mega hiking places with barely anyone about.🤙🏻

[@Howson-IRL]

Funnily enough we're in Wales tomorrow hiking...

[@ameyagokhale5123]

Beautiful video Ste 🍻

[@andrewcorbett96]

Love this. Me and my Girlfriend did Mam Tor in the heavy snow in January 22, had the whole walk to ourselves. Just couldn't see a damn thing!

[@Howson-IRL]

It's mega in the snow, if you can survive going up the ice in cavedale, gets a bit slippy there with the running water. I love snow, though.

[@electronotch]

Great footage and thoroughly informative. Now I'm in the mood for more hikes 🥾

[@Howson-IRL]

Do it.

[@janinehowson7126]

We want to try and organise a patreon Hike or Camp out Notch, I think it would be great fun.

[@electronotch]

@@janinehowson7126Very cool idea

[@christopherbrown4529]

Brilliant this steve , done 3 of these , we live quite close to Luds church , unbelievable place . You will have to come hike dragons back and park house and 3 shires head . Was at Old Trafford yesterday, one of the worst performances I can remember.

[@Howson-IRL]

I've never done Dragons Back - it does look a nice one to do

[@padanfain7466]

Did parkhouse/chrome Hill last weekend. Definitely in my top 5 for Peak District.

[@englishlad8085]

One day I hope you make it out to Hawaii Ste , I would love to take you along the Na Pali coast trail , it really is unreal..

[@Howson-IRL]

I'd love to come to Hawaii!

[@michaelkeith4209]

This was better than a lot of walking groups put out there, really informative. Also great you had a variation for kids and people with walking difficulties. More of this if possible. 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

More to come!

[@PAULSKOI]

Great video Ste

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PAULSKOI]

@@Howson-IRL there's some belting hikes over here in Germany Ste. Saxon Switzerland area is unreal.

[@leedavis6000]

Great idea howson. Love a hike.

[@patrickcheesman7941]

Looks spectacular. Hopefully will do one day

[@Howson-IRL]

You should!

[@atrampinthehills.841]

All very busy...lots better walks in the peak

[@Lew-m97]

Really glad there was an accessible hike, my sister has MS and loves the outdoors will have to take her on Longdendale trail at some point in the summer.

[@marksuddaby3897]

Did the Mam Tor circuit on Friday. As you say great mixed terrain and cracking views. Amazingly windy on the top which made it extra cool on the descent. Roll on Ste. Cheers

[@jamescafferky9733]

This is quality mate. We've done a few of these but not the Lud's Church one which looks ace. At the end of the Longdendale trail, if you go up to the right at the Woodhead tunnels there is a waterfall about 1 mile after. Devils Bridge from Carrbrook is good too. Proper steep at first but you go over the three reservoirs before dropping down to Devil's Bridge. You can also start at Arnfield Fly Fishery in Tintwistle to make it shorter and they have a decent cafe on the Reservoir.

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers for the suggestions mate

[@moodswinggaming2972]

Just came from the footy vid, great video mate. If you're ever down in Somerset then Cheddar across the top of the Mendips and down into Wells is great. There's a pretty well known walk called "The Mendip way" which can take 3 days, our school used to do it yearly when i was younger but only from Winscombe to Wells.

[@timwoodward4217]

All good thanks Bud

[@Scottuz]

you wanna get yourself to Wales, again Ste, Llanberis, to do the Snowden path, walk up the mountain, cross the Knife blade edge and back down the other side, Lots of Fell running tracks, all over the place, to hike, you'd love it Blaenau is another place to go, the Llecwedd slate mines, and caverns, and surrounding hills

[@Howson-IRL]

We did Snowdon, going back again soon - as we couldn't summit due to weather, it'll be a good learning/talking point for safety, I think when we go back in better weather and do it.

[@cnvdh3514]

A new IRL video? What a way to start your evening

[@Howson-IRL]

Hope it delivered!

[@padanfain7466]

I'd throw in Kinder Scout Mass Trespass from Hayfield, and Parkhouse/dragons back/Chrome Hill as my top 2.

[@jforden78]

Those look amazing, Ste. Something to consider on my next trip to Manchester.

[@TheBeautifulbeard]

Absolutely love this Ste and I’ll definitely check one or two of these out. I’ve been mountain biking for about 5 years now, been all over the UK and the Peaks is still one of my favourite destinations. I'm on my own fitness thing and want to try some hiking, and this has inspired me. Might start with a couple of the shorter ones here and see how it goes. My favourite mtb route is the Kinder Loop. Starts in Edale and goes all the way from Mam Tor to Kinder Scout, then down Jacob’s Ladder back to Edale. I’m about your size and it’s a proper challenge for me, but the views and descents are amazing. Second favourite is anywhere round Ladybower. There’s some epic stuff tucked away in the woods of Win Hill but the classic Ladybower routes are also great. Cave Dale is hectic on a bike but it’s stunning round there too. Top content mate love everything you do 👊

[@marksuddaby3897]

Will be doing Mam Tor in a couple of weeks time. Cheers for the tip Ste

[@QuantanInfinity]

Luds Church is absolutely bliss. Stunning walk, been a few times 🤌

[@Howson-IRL]

It's a beaut

[@jdgriffo]

10 adventure site - THE GREAT RIDGE AND WIN HILL. Good little stomp starting in hope. 13.1 miles. 5-6 hours.

[@dannyrose2915]

Mint Ste. Love it

[@shedzproductions8262]

Brilliant! Definitely going to do some of these

[@Howson-IRL]

Have fun!

[@buffywhatever1093]

Ooh, super informative Ste, I’ve never run in the Peak District, so it’s been shoved up the to do list. Lovely stuff.

[@Howson-IRL]

Get it done - so many amazing spots.

[@garethtaylor7437]

Great informative video ste.

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks 👍

[@UnitedVlogs]

This looks awesome, never done this before. I think I’ll look into it, looks so peaceful

[@moonbaby6134]

Have you tried any walks in the Goyt valley area? Oh and fingers crossed we give city a surprise today. GGMU.

[@discostuh211]

Great stuff Ste. Inspiring others to get outside and stay healthy 🫡

[@Howson-IRL]

Hopefully!

[@Subraj3]

Amazing video Ste, I loved the scenic views of your hiking. Please show more hiking videos please 🙏🏽

[@Howson-IRL]

More to come!

[@shanegallimore3270]

All brilliant routes. B29 via wildboar Clough is a must

[@jamesfinney8207]

Quality content Howson, more of this please!

[@Howson-IRL]

Plenty more to come, soon

[@sheridanorama]

What a great vid, well done and thx Ste!

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jordangriffiths5137]

Quality ste, check out Saddleworth Just next to tameside some mega walks

[@rolandfischer3205]

Mad dawg!!! This is very cool, been watching you since the FTD 30k subscriber days. Love this Ste. Nice one!

[@Howson-IRL]

Wow - that is early days! Been on a real journey with us

[@rolandfischer3205]

@@Howson-IRL yes it's been awesome, love all the content and have definitely spread the word around town in Brisbane. Keep it up it's greatly appreciated especially with the team struggling over the years. The inside perspective and in depth analysis really helps me to enjoy the rollercoaster that is being a United fan

[@plainwritingpad]

Need to get up Kinder Scout in Hayfield. Again need sorta decent weather for it

[@scottdunne645]

Great video. Looking forward to trying these when I’m up that neck of the woods 👍🏻

[@Howson-IRL]

Please do!

[@britpackdog4545]

Getting back in to walking the pennines, great content Ste

[@Howson-IRL]

Can’t beat it

[@lionsopinion9077]

love this video i like going to the peaks im actually looking to go to the lake district for my birthday

[@Howson-IRL]

Enjoy!

[@paultrussy4243]

Think you'd like my regular route up Shutlingsloe via Nessit Hill above Macclesfield Forest. Great views - some of the best on the western edge of the Peak District across the Cheshire Plain to Jodrell Bank and beyond. Park on the road alongside Trentabank Reservoir (can be very busy at weekends) and find your own route following the waymarked trails up through the forest onto the open moor. Nessit Hill has three benches with an awesome view across the reservoirs and is a great place for a snack stop. There's a good deal of climbing on this route but well worth the effort. Call in at my place in Macc for a brew if you want! Love your channel - keep up the good work 👍

[@jameswilcox9057]

Great video, i love hiking in the peaks, good to see info on trails i didn't know.

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@mikeporter2284]

Thank you Stephen, this is a wonderful video. I’ve not walked any of these routes before, but seeing the content has urged me to take the campervan to area and tackle a few of the routes you have described very clearly. I look forward to watching your Kinder Scout guide !

[@Howson-IRL]

Love it - that's what we wanted - inspiration

[@tarsilodelphim]

Nice one. Are you considering going hiking overseas as well? Here in Brazil you'll definitely find astonishing scenery and children friendly hikes for sure.

[@Howson-IRL]

Would absolutely love to

[@footballslidestv]

Great video Ste. I especially like you going on these hikes with your mrs.

[@Howson-IRL]

Something we both enjoy doing - this entire channel is more both of us, than just me, really.

[@igorstravinsky]

Nice one Ste. Good to see an insight into your other interests.

[@Howson-IRL]

More to come!

[@igorstravinsky]

@@Howson-IRL As a Sheffielder, I feel fortunate that a lot of these walks are at my doorstep. A favourite of mine is Dovedale circular walk

[@dharminnaik5473]

I absolutely love the Yorkshire 3 peaks! The gorgeous viaduct, 3 very different peaks, and can comfortably be done in a day whilst hungover as we did for a mates stag do 🤣

[@Howson-IRL]

Yorkshire 3 peaks defo gonna be coming soon!

[@dharminnaik5473]

Love me a limestone pavement! You’ll get some phenomenal footage around there! Have to go when it’s forecast to rain in the morning and clear up as the day goes on. Honestly the landscape is breathtaking!

[@samsmiler5283]

Wonderful camera work, well impressed with the whole Video

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers! - Spencer (the videographer/editor)

[@ybotB3nn3tt]

love it

[@eyeballjellyforbreakfast]

Great video by the way

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@topcookiedom]

Great vid Ste & hopefully this is a start of a series of walking vids around the Peak District. Always up for finding new routes around the area as there is a load of them! Would be ace to do a subscriber meet up on one of these routes someday🚶🏻

[@Howson-IRL]

If we can get the subscriber numbers up (and I also get my Mountain Leader qual) I would like to do a subscriber or Patreon camp out/meet up.

[@bigdave5903]

Love this, living in Glossop done a lot of these walks with the dog

[@Howson-IRL]

Can't beat getting out with the pooch. Mine's getting a bit old now, wouldn't take him more than 6 mile.

[@J-Walks-007]

Awsome arm to you football stuff Ste👌long time viewer, huge United fan & big time wildcamper😂… the Peak District is my training ground for more serious stuff I do in the Lake District😂 ⛺️ so so lucky to have it on the door step it’s amazing up there…hopefully I’ll spot you one day fella, I’d love to shake your hand & thankyou for all the top content you put out. Take care, stay safe out there it can bite if you catch it on a bad day😂👍

[@stephenharris5519]

Took my 77 year old mother who’s a massive Game of thrones nerd to the location on the way up to Mam Tor.

[@sherwintelfer6673]

Nice hikes

[@jordonsmith1371]

Top video.

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks!

[@matthewgartell6380]

We are so lucky in the North west

[@johncowell710]

Brilliant this would love to do Luds

[@Howson-IRL]

Get it done - you wont regret it!

[@leemason666]

Great video Ste. Just subbed to your channel. Its given me the kick up the backside to get back out hiking again. We did Mam Tor a few years ago and loved it and headed back through Winnets pass. I have really struggled recently with my mental health after having a depression relapse and I started going to Andys Man Club at Ashton United and one of the things they recommend is getting outdoors and being at one with nature.

[@Howson-IRL]

It's the best thing for it pal - when I feel the pressure build up - I go hiking and it helps a lot.

[@FoundationMCR]

Love the peaks. Luds church is a good one. Me and the old dear did the kinder scout. I was getting worried! She’s getting on a bit 😮😂

[@Howson-IRL]

Kinder is no joke!

[@broza82]

Great video Ste! Very good content & info. Really enjoyed it. The only reason I don't go for hikes is because the weather in my country is either always rainy ⛈ or always freaking hot ☀🥵. If I was in the UK, I'd definitely go hiking in spring. I just LOVE the weather over there during the spring season. Not too cold and definitely not hot.

[@Howson-IRL]

Yeh the weather in Britain means you're good to go almost whenever. Even if it's hot, cold or raining. It's not a drama.

[@dant4311]

Quality vid ste

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers! 🍻