The best walks and hikes around Longstone

Longstone, situated in the Peak District National Park, offers a vast network of hiking trails. There are over 1100 routes available, catering to various preferences and fitness levels.

The Longstone area is characterized by diverse and picturesque landscapes. You'll find stunning limestone dales, expansive moorland, and paths that often follow the River Wye. Notable features include Longstone Edge and Longstone Moor, which offer panoramic views across the White Peak, and areas like Cressbrook Dale.

Yes, Longstone has a good selection of easy trails. Over 670 routes are classified as easy. A popular option is the 4-mile Great Longstone Walk, which gently climbs towards Longstone Edge, descends to Little Longstone, passes Monsal Head, and returns along the Monsal Trail. The Monsal Trail itself is also an excellent traffic-free option for an easy walk.

Longstone is rich in natural beauty and viewpoints. Longstone Edge and Longstone Moor provide extensive views over the White Peak. Just beyond Little Longstone, Monsal Head offers magnificent scenery, including the famous Headstone Viaduct and the delightful Monsal Dale Weir, which resembles a waterfall. You can explore these areas further through various routes leading to Longstone Edge or the View from Allermuir Hill.

Absolutely. The region offers many routes suitable for families. The Monsal Trail is particularly family-friendly as it's traffic-free, relatively flat, and passes through four re-opened railway tunnels, which children often enjoy. Many of the easy walks, such as the Monsal Head Circular Walk, are also great for families.

Yes, Longstone is generally dog-friendly. Many trails, especially those on public footpaths and bridleways, welcome dogs. However, please keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock, and always clean up after your pet. The Monsal Trail is a popular choice for dog walkers.

Yes, circular walks are a great way to explore the area. The Monsal Head Circular Walk is a popular 2.3-mile (3.7 km) trail offering excellent views. Another option is the moderate 6.3-mile (10.1 km) Great Longstone & Longstone Moor loop from Monsal Head, which takes you through open moorland with panoramic vistas.

Both Great Longstone and Little Longstone villages offer welcoming spots for refreshments. You can find comfortable old pubs like The Crispin and The Pack Horse Inn. Additionally, Hassop Station, near Longstone, features a popular cafe and cycle hire, making it a convenient stop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 2,700 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from limestone dales to moorland, the well-maintained trails, and the stunning viewpoints like Monsal Head. The variety of routes, from easy strolls to more challenging options, is also frequently highlighted.

While many routes are shorter, Longstone serves as an excellent base for longer excursions within the Peak District. The Monsal Trail itself offers an 8.5-mile (14 km) traffic-free path that can be incorporated into longer walks. For a more challenging long-distance hike, consider routes like the Loganlea Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Kingsknowe, which is a difficult 27.4 km (17 miles) trail.

Longstone is accessible by car, with various parking options available near popular trailheads and villages. For those relying on public transport, local bus services connect Longstone to larger towns in the Peak District. Hassop Station, a key access point for the Monsal Trail, also offers parking and amenities. For more detailed information on getting to Great Longstone, you can visit Visit Peak District.

While Longstone is known for its accessible trails, there are options for more experienced hikers seeking a challenge. The region offers 46 difficult routes, often involving greater elevation gain and longer distances. An example is the Loganlea Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Kingsknowe, a demanding 27.4 km (17 miles) trail with significant elevation changes.