The best walks and hikes around Blackwell in the Peak CP

Yes, the area is excellent for circular hikes. Many routes combine sections of the flat Monsal Trail with riverside paths and climbs into the dales. For a moderate circular option, consider the Chee Dale Stepping Stones – Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs loop from Blackwell, which offers a great mix of scenery over 6.5 miles (10.5 km).

The Monsal Trail is a fantastic option for families. It's a wide, flat, and traffic-free path that follows an old railway line, making it suitable for walkers of all ages, pushchairs, and wheelchair users. You can join it at Blackwell Mill for a gentle stroll.

Dogs are welcome on most trails, including the Monsal Trail. However, you'll be walking through farmland with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead. Some riverside paths, like those in Chee Dale, involve stepping stones and narrow sections which may be challenging for some dogs.

Parking is available at several points depending on your planned route. The Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire car park is a popular starting point for accessing the Monsal Trail and Chee Dale. For other routes, there is often limited on-street parking in villages, so it's best to arrive early.

The Chee Dale Stepping Stones are a major highlight. You can experience them on the River Wye Stepping Stones – Chee Dale Stepping Stones loop from Tunstead. This popular 4-mile (6.5 km) walk follows the River Wye through a stunning limestone gorge. Be aware that the stones can be slippery and may be submerged after heavy rain.

The western end of the Monsal Trail begins at Blackwell Mill, just outside the village. This makes Blackwell an ideal starting point. From here, you can walk or cycle the 8.5-mile trail all the way to Bakewell, passing through several illuminated tunnels and over the impressive Headstone Viaduct.

For dramatic, panoramic views, the 'Dragon's Back' ridge walk over Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill is hard to beat. While not starting directly in Blackwell, it's a short drive away and offers some of the most iconic scenery in the Peak District. For a route with varied views closer to the village, try the Chee Dale Stepping Stones – Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs loop from Wormhill, which climbs from the dale to offer wider perspectives.

Yes, for experienced hikers looking for a full day's challenge, the Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs – Cressbrook Dale loop from Blackwell in the Peak CP is an excellent choice. This demanding 14.4-mile (23.1 km) route takes you through multiple dales and requires good fitness and navigation skills.

Trails vary significantly. The Monsal Trail is a well-maintained, flat surface. In contrast, paths along the River Wye, particularly through Chee Dale, can be rocky, uneven, and muddy. These routes often involve crossing the river on wooden bridges and the famous stepping stones, which can be impassable after heavy rainfall.

Yes, the area is accessible via public transport. Regular bus services connect nearby towns like Buxton and Bakewell, which have onward connections. From these towns, you can often walk to join the trail network or take a local bus closer to villages like Blackwell.

The komoot community rates hikes around Blackwell very highly. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning scenery of the limestone dales, the unique experience of walking the Chee Dale Stepping Stones, and the accessibility of the Monsal Trail. The contrast between the flat, easy railway path and the rugged, adventurous riverside trails is a common highlight.

There are over 20 different hiking routes to explore around Blackwell in the Peak CP on komoot. These range from easy, short walks suitable for all abilities to difficult, long-distance treks for seasoned hikers, ensuring there's a trail for everyone.