The Ultimate Guide to Edale
Welcome to our ultimate guide to the village of Edale in the Peak District. A labour of love that aims to share all this hidden gem has to offer.
Where is Edale?
Edale is a village in the High Peak area of Derbyshire, England. It lies within the Peak District National Park, approximately 15 miles (24 kilometres) west of Sheffield and around 30 miles (48 kilometres) east of Manchester. It’s a sizeable valley that is either accessible by train from Manchester or Sheffield, or by one of two roads; a 5 mile winding lane from nearby Hope, or through Mam Nick (the road that cuts past Mam Tor) at the Castleton and Chapel-en-le-Frith end of the valley.
What to do in Edale?
In Edale, nestled within the breathtaking rolling hills of the Peak District, there's a number of activities to fill your days. Here are our top suggestions:
Hiking
Edale stands proudly as the official starting point for the legendary Pennine Way, a 267-mile long-distance walking trail revered across Britain. Those brave enough to tackle the whole trail can walk it over 10-20 days. Some choose to run it. With the current record set by Damien Hill who completed it in an official 61 hours and 35 minutes. Read about it here.
Beyond this prestigious trail, the village serves as a hub for an array of shorter, equally rewarding walks. For those looking to ascend the surrounding hills, we recommend exploring the majestic Kinder Scout, Mam Tor and Lose Hill.
Explore our top ten recommendations - Best walks from Edale in the Peak District.
Cycling
The Peak District offers fantastic cycling routes, whether you're a mountain biking enthusiast or prefer a leisurely pedal along scenic trails.
For those lacking the expertise, gear, or time to plan an epic adventure, we suggest checking out the cycle hub MTB&B in the adjacent village of Castleton. You can join them on guided rides that will take your breath away, offer electric and normal mountain bikes for the journey, so they’re suitable for all ages and abilities. For those wanting to rent a bike and make their way out into the hills alone they also offer gravel bikes for hire. For scenic trails and advice on alternatives to Edale’s busy weekend roads you can look at our Best Cycling in the Peak District guide. There is something for everyone.
Rock Climbing
For adrenaline junkies and if you enjoy a bit of rock climbing, head for Stanage Edge in the Hope Valley. As one of the most famous climbing spots in the UK, it is just a short drive away from Edale but even closer to wonderful Hathersage. Featured in the film 'Pride & Prejudice' starring Keira Knightley, along this 4-mile stretch of gritstone there are thousands of challenges covering all grades. You can read more about climbing in our Best Climbing in the Peak District guide.
Treak Cliff Cavern
Just a short hike from the village of Edale, you will stumble upon Treak Cliff Cavern in Derbyshire, home to some of the most beautiful cave formations found in the UK.
The cavern's passages are adorned with a breathtaking array of stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted over millions of years by the gradual deposition of mineral-rich water seeping from the cavern ceiling. Among its notable features, Treak Cliff Cavern is renowned globally for its abundant deposits of Blue John stone, a rare and precious mineral found exclusively in the Peak District. Head too the village of Castleton which is awash with shops selling Blue John stone in a variety of forms including jewellery and other trinkets.
Village Exploration
The village of Edale in Derbyshire is home to a warm and welcoming community known for its hospitality and friendliness. Despite its small size, Edale is steeped in history and charm. Its narrow lanes are adorned with quaint stone cottages providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Birdwatching and Wildlife in the Peak District
From the Wheatear songbirds, the Curlew and the red deer standing tall and proud throughout the grasslands, the Peak District is home to a variety of bird species and wildlife.
Remember to bring your binoculars along and venture into the moors and woodlands for a chance to spot the rare short-eared owl, the mountain hares, red grouse and more.
Photography
With its stunning landscapes and ever-changing weather, Edale provides endless opportunities for photographers to capture breathtaking shots of the untamed rolling peaks. For something dramatically different, grab your compass and maps and head into the dark, deep groughs of Kinder Scout. It’s an other-worldy experience and one not the missed, offering a fantastic background for your photos of your hiking partners and the abundant wildliife.
Exploring Castleton
At the head of Hope Valley, in the heart of the Peak District National Park, and just a short drive or hike from Edale, lies the charming streets, quaint shops, and welcoming atmosphere of the village of Castleton.
With its cosy pubs, charming tearooms, and local shops selling artisan crafts, Castleton exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the laid-back vibe of village life, enjoy the hospitality of the locals, and soak up the tranquil ambience.
Additionally, Castleton is renowned as a caving hotspot, with a network of underground caverns and cave systems waiting to be discovered. There’s a walk from Edale to Castleton that’s famous with locals and known as ‘The Coffin Walk’. So named because before there was consecrated ground in Edale, locals used to carry their dead over the hill to be buried there.
Peveril Castle
For those of you who enjoy history, the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle stand high above the idyllic village of Castleton.
Constructed after the Norman Conquest of 1066, Peveril Castle is one of England's pioneering fortifications, commissioned by Henry II in 1176. Remarkably, it defies the convention of its time by being predominantly constructed from stone rather than wood, a testament to its strategic importance amidst the turbulent medieval period.
View more information on the English Heritage Website.
What is the weather forecast for Edale?
The Peak District is home to a wide variety of magnificent hills, moors, outcrops and gritstone edges. As such, weather conditions, including temperatures, visibility, and windspeed, can vary significantly from those at lower elevations in the valley.
We recommend checking the weather forecast for Edale before setting out on your adventures and packing for all conditions. We have a live weather display which you can view on our homepage.
Places to eat in Edale?
When it comes to places to eat in Edale options are limited and during the Summer months you can expect to wait hours for a meal. That said…
The Old Nags Head
The Old Nags Head pub in Edale is ranked among the top 20 country pubs by The Times. A quintessential example of a traditional country inn housed within a charming stone-built structure dating back to 1577.
Savour the warmth of the crackling fire as you unwind with a pint (or two) while perusing a food menu overflowing with pub classics produced from locally sourced ingredients.
The Rambler Inn
Boasting a vast front garden with incredible views of The Great Ridge running down to Lose Hill, it is the perfect spot for your pre- and post-walk rehabilitation, particularly on a sunny day.
With traditional roaring fires in every room, The Rambler Inn is the perfect place to kick back those boots and relax after a hard day's walk.
Renowned for their Fish and chips and a menu packed full of hearty dishes, additionally, the Ramblers offers a selection of local ales. We would 100% recommend the Sunday roast. What more could you ask for after an early morning trek up the surrounding peaks?
The Penny Pot Cafe
The Penny Pot Cafe provides the best coffee the valley has to offer, paired with a selection of hot and cold snacks. Situated by the train station, The Penny Pot Cafe is the perfect place to start or end your exploration of the surrounding areas - and remember to pick up your free printed walkers guide!
The Fold at Newfold Farm
Newfold Farm was once run by a farming family and even had a train carriage for a cafe. It was recently bought by a local who had disappeared to London to earn his fortune and returned a 'banker with bistro ambition'. It’s an odd turn of events but you’ll be pleased to see that The Fold hasn’t ended up as just another run-of-the-mill cafe in the countryside. The site has taken huge strides forward since the takeover in 2019.
With a menu designed by (now moved on) Chef Chris, and driven on kicking and screaming from the early jacket potato ambitions of the landlord, The Fold now ticks all the right boxes. Kick-start your day with a full English breakfast, or chill out in the evening with a wood-fired pizza. We recommend looking for alternatives during the Summer months and school holidays, but it’s a good spot during the winter and mid week.
Explore our top recommendations of places to eat in and around the village of Edale.
Places to stay in Edale?
Whether you seek the comfort of a traditional inn, offering a menu packed full of hearty dishes to devour after a long hike up the peaks or a cosy cottage nestled amongst the rolling hills and gentle streams to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, below we've handpicked our top recommendations for places to stay in Edale.
The Gathering
An estate boasting hundreds of acres to explore, running up to the top of Kinder Scout, The Gathering is the perfect retreat for families or groups of up to 30 during the summer months.
Owned by Tommy and Kirsty, who live in 'the big house' and have wonderful Mike and Viv at their side to keep everything running smoothly, The Gathering also offers a selection of safari-style lodges. Book very early to avoid disappointment.
YHA Edale Activity Centre
Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an action-packed weekend, the YHA Activity Centre in Edale caters to a diverse range of guests, including solo travellers, couples, families, groups, and school excursions.
Perched on the highest point in the peak district, YHA boasts panoramic views to the south of the Great Ridge between Lose Hill and Mam Tor. Meanwhile, to the north, you have the rugged Dark Peak moorland that reveals the iconic Kinder plateau.
Become Wild
A recent addition to Edale - Become Wild!
With the attentive care of your host George at your service, there are few better places to soak up the landscape from the comfort of your luxury bell tent.
With 'proper' toilets, hot tubs and double beds, what more could you ask for to get you in the holiday mood?
The Village of Edale and the surrounding areas of the Peak District offer a diverse array of places to stay. Explore our top twenty recommendations - Where to stay in Edale?
Edale Transport Links
Edale boasts convenient transportation links, ensuring seamless access for both locals and visitors.
Edale Train Station
Situated along the scenic Hope Valley line, the Edale train station serves as a vital link between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly. Just a stone's throw away from the village, the station is easily reachable by a leisurely stroll or a quick 3-minute drive.
Edale Bus Links
A seasonal bus links the Edale and the surrounding valleys with Castleton and Hathersage, which have connections to Sheffield and Chesterfield.
Ticket prices start at £4 for a single journey or with a family (2 adults and 2 children) day pass costing only £12.
Check out the Edale bus timetable.
Final Thoughts
We hope our ultimate guide to Edale has given you a glimpse into all this hidden gem has to offer.
