The best walks and hikes around Hayfield

Yes, the Sett Valley Trail is an excellent choice for families. It's a 2.5-mile (4 km) gentle, traffic-free path that follows a former railway line from Hayfield to New Mills, making it suitable for walkers of all ages, as well as cyclists and horse riders. Flatter walks around the scenic Kinder Reservoir are also a great option.

For a demanding but rewarding hike, tackle the ascent to Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District. A classic route involves a strenuous climb up the moorland plateau, offering some of the best and most challenging hiking in the region. The Kinder Scout Circular is a great example of a tough but rewarding day out.

Dogs are welcome on many trails, but it's essential to keep them under control, especially on moorlands like Kinder Scout where livestock graze and ground-nesting birds are present. The Sett Valley Trail is a reliable option for a dog walk. Always check for local signage regarding lead requirements, particularly during lambing and nesting seasons (typically March to July).

For spectacular 360-degree views, the climb up Lantern Pike is highly recommended. From its summit, you can see across to Kinder Scout, Shining Tor, and even the Welsh mountains on a clear day. The ridges of Mount Famine and South Head also provide fantastic viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.

Yes, the most famous is Kinder Downfall, the tallest waterfall in the Peak District with a 30-meter drop. It's a highlight on many Kinder Scout routes and is particularly impressive after heavy rain or in winter when it can freeze. The Heron Trail loop from Groveton offers a gentler walk that takes you along pleasant waterside paths.

Hayfield is famous as the starting point of the 1932 Kinder Mass Trespass, a key event in the 'right to roam' movement. You can follow in the trespassers' footsteps on several trails that lead up to the Kinder plateau. The Hiking loop from Groveton Heights explores some of the historic landscapes in the area.

There are several pay-and-display car parks in Hayfield village, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is advisable. The Bowden Bridge car park is a popular starting point for routes up to Kinder Scout. Another option is the car park for the Sett Valley Trail off Station Road.

Yes, Hayfield is served by bus routes connecting it to nearby towns like New Mills and Glossop, which have train stations with services from Manchester. This makes it possible to plan a car-free hiking trip. Be sure to check the latest bus timetables before you travel.

Kinder Scout is a high, exposed moorland plateau where weather can change rapidly. It is essential to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good. Navigation can be challenging in poor visibility, so carry a map and compass (and know how to use them) or a reliable GPS device. Always pack enough food and water for your planned route.

Both are excellent bases for exploring Kinder Scout, but they offer different experiences. Hayfield provides access to the wilder, more rugged western edges of the plateau and the historic Mass Trespass route. Edale, on the other hand, is the official start of the Pennine Way and offers a more direct, and often busier, ascent from the south. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a quieter, historically significant approach (Hayfield) or the classic Pennine Way start (Edale).

The routes around Hayfield are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the dramatic landscapes of the Kinder Scout plateau, the stunning panoramic views from the various peaks, and the mix of challenging moorland treks and gentle valley walks.