There’s nothing better than a circular hike that ticks all the boxes — summits, scenery, and that satisfying loop where every step takes you somewhere new.
In the Peak District, circular walks are a dream for peak baggers. You can rack up multiple tops in one go, avoid doubling back on yourself, and soak up ever-changing views along the way. Whether you’re chasing trig points, Wainwright-style hills, or just love a good ridge walk — these loops will get your legs moving and your summit list growing.
Here are 7 of the best circular hikes in the Peak District for walkers who love a challenge with a side of views.
1. Kinder Scout Horseshoe (via Grindsbrook and Jacobs Ladder)
- Peaks Bagged: Kinder Scout plateau (636m), Grindslow Knoll, Edale Rocks
- Distance & Time: ~13km | 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
- Route Highlights: Dramatic edges, peat bog wilderness, waterfall scrambles and ridge views — this is the classic Peak District loop.
- Top Tip: Start early and go anti-clockwise (up Grindsbrook, down Jacobs Ladder) for the best views and a gradual warm-up.
2. The Great Ridge Loop (Lose Hill – Mam Tor – Back Tor – Hollins Cross)
- Peaks Bagged: Lose Hill (476m), Back Tor, Mam Tor (517m)
- Distance & Time: ~10km | 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Highlights: Iconic and Insta-friendly — a rolling ridge that’s perfect for newer peak baggers. Easy to follow, endlessly photogenic.
- Top Tip: Park at Hope or Castleton and make a loop via Edale Road or Cave Dale to avoid retracing the ridge.
3. Stanage Edge Circular
- Peaks Bagged: High Neb (458m), Stanage trig, White Path Moss
- Distance & Time: ~12km | 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy–moderate
- Route Highlights: Long gritstone escarpments, climbers clinging to crags, and panoramic views over the Hope Valley. It’s wild and rugged — without needing to climb anything.
- Top Tip: Bring a flask — the summit trig point has bench-worthy views.
4. Bleaklow & Higher Shelf Stones Loop (from Snake Pass)
- Peaks Bagged: Bleaklow Head (633m), Higher Shelf Stones (621m)
- Distance & Time: ~13km | 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (navigation skills essential)
- Route Highlights: Remote, bleak and beautiful. You’ll pass the B-29 Superfortress crash site, and bag two of the Dark Peak’s quietest summits.
- Top Tip: This area is notorious for mist and bog — take a map and compass, not just an app.
5. Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill Circular
- Peaks Bagged: Chrome Hill (425m), Parkhouse Hill (360m)
- Distance & Time: ~7km | 2.5–3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep in parts)
- Route Highlights: Also known as the Dragon’s Back, this sharp limestone ridge looks like it belongs in Wales or the Alps. Short hike, huge vibes.
- Top Tip: Avoid Parkhouse Hill if it’s icy — the descent can be tricky in the wet.
6. Shutlingsloe & Wildboarclough Circular
- Peaks Bagged: Shutlingsloe (506m)
- Distance & Time: ~8km | 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Highlights: Known as the “Matterhorn of Cheshire,” Shutlingsloe is a standout pointy peak on the park’s western edge. Great views, woodland, and a surprisingly quiet trail.
- Top Tip: Combine with a pub stop at The Crag Inn or bring lunch for the summit.
7. Derwent Edge Circular via Lost Lad and Back Tor
- Peaks Bagged: Lost Lad, Back Tor (538m), Dovestone Tor
- Distance & Time: ~14km | 4.5–5.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Highlights: Weathered rock formations, wide views across Ladybower, and some of the most photogenic trig points in the Peaks.
- Top Tip: Best in golden hour or early morning — it feels like another world when the mist hangs over the reservoir.
Why Circular Walks Are a Peak Bagger’s Dream
- No backtracking = more variety
- Perfect for multi-peak routes
- Start and finish at the same car park = easy logistics
- Many are lesser-known = quieter trails
- Ideal for building stamina and linking new summits
Navigation Tips for Peak District Circular Walks
- Use OS Maps OL1 (Dark Peak) or OL24 (White Peak) depending on location
- Bleaklow and Kinder require map + compass — don’t rely on your phone
- Pack layers, water, snacks, and a headtorch — weather can change fast
- Track your routes and summit ticks with the Peaky Baggers app — perfect for building your peak list and seeing what’s nearby
🏁 Final Thoughts
Circular routes in the Peak District are pure walking gold — more efficient, more scenic, and far more satisfying than out-and-backs. Whether you’re working through every trig or just love a good summit sandwich, these loops will get you to the top and back without missing a beat.
Photo credit: Rob Bates
