Peak District from the West - June Edition
Those looking for a longer hike can head out to beautiful Fernilee Reservoir
Green Valleys & Long Days: Whaley Bridge, Combs & The Beehive Inn
By June, the Peak District settles into its most generous season. The days stretch long into the evening, the hills turn a deep, confident green and there’s time - finally - to walk without watching the clock.
If you’re coming in from Manchester or Liverpool, skip the rush towards Edale and instead head for Combs and the quieter folds of the western Peaks.
A Landscape of Edges and Valleys
This part of the Peak District sits at a crossroads - where the gritstone edges begin to rise and the valleys open out below.
The area around Combs Reservoir and Taxal Moor offers a mix of terrain that feels balanced and varied: water, woodland, open hillside and wide-reaching views without the intensity of higher ground.
Historically, this was a working landscape - shaped by farming, quarrying and water management. Today, it offers something much simpler: accessible, rewarding walking with room to breathe.
The Walk: Combs Reservoir & Ladder Hill Trig Point
Beginning and ending at The Beehive Inn, this circular walk packs an impressive amount into a relatively short distance.
Leaving the village, the route skirts the edge of Combs Reservoir, where the still water reflects the surrounding hills on calm summer mornings. From here the path begins a steady climb onto Ladder Hill, passing through open pasture before reaching the trig point that commands panoramic views across the High Peak, the Cheshire Plain and, on exceptionally clear days, as far as the Welsh hills.
The return route follows quiet field paths and country lanes back towards Combs, making for an enjoyable half-day walk that leaves plenty of time to linger over lunch or simply enjoy a long summer afternoon in the pub garden.
It's an ideal introduction to Peak District walking — straightforward navigation, varied scenery and enough climbing to feel rewarding without becoming exhausting.
Where to Stay
Combs Valley Campsite is perfectly placed for this route.
Set just above the reservoir, it offers:
Immediate access to the walking routes
A peaceful, tucked-away feel
A simple, well-run setup that fits the landscape
You can step straight out onto the trail - no need to drive once you’ve arrived.
The Reward: The Beehive Inn, Combs
The Beehive Inn sits just above the reservoir and has become something of a local favourite.
This much-loved country pub has been welcoming walkers for generations and perfectly captures everything a Peak District pub should be. Expect local ales, hearty food, a roaring fire when needed and one of the best beer gardens in the area for warm summer evenings.
There are few better ways to round off a walk than watching the sun sink behind the surrounding hills with a pint in hand and tired legs under the table.
Why Choose the Western Peaks in June?
June is about making the most of time - and this area delivers:
Long daylight hours for flexible walking
Balanced routes without extreme elevation - great for a heatwave.
Easily accessible from the North West
Quieter alternatives to central Peak hotspots
It’s walking that fits around your day, rather than dominating it.
A Slower Summer Start
Not every summer walk needs to be a summit push or a crowded ridge.
Sometimes, it’s enough to circle a reservoir, climb a little higher and sit with a pint or a cup of tea as the sun drops behind the hills.
So this June, head west.
Take the long way round.
And let the day stretch out in front of you.
