50 Walks in The Peak District

This book has 50 walks ranging from 2 to 10 miles. A book with 50 walks is quite an achievement to compile. Bearing in mind the title of the book, I note that 12 of the walks are not within the Peak District boundary. Some are just at the edges such as Marsden and Bollington, which is fair enough, although some are a significant distance outside the Peak District. The walks around Calke Abbey and Mackworth being two such examples, with the walks near Chesterfield and Belper also being quite a way outside the area. Bearing in mind the number of walks outside the boundary, it is my opinion that the book should be titled ‘50 Walks in the Peak District and surrounding area’. 

The book begins with a useful ‘Walk Locator’ page, (a small error here - walk 22, Stanton Moor, is wrongly located near Macclesfield). Following this are a few pages about the Peak District and notes on how to use the guide. The walks are located throughout the Peak District (and beyond) and give a great cross-section of the brilliant diversity of landscapes within the area. Each walk is given a snappy title, such as ‘Following in the Steps of Mr Darcy’ (for the Lyme Park walk). The scaled mapping is clear and in colour. The information panel at the start of each walk gives a grading for the walk depending on the gradients involved. Also indicated is the ascent, a summary of the terrain, dog friendliness, parking and public toilet information.

Interesting background information is supplied as to the history, geology, natural history etc of the features seen on the walk. Some of the historical information in particular is fascinating, and however well you may know the area I’m sure you’ll learn something new from this book. 

The walk directions are clear and numbers in the text refer to the appropriate point on the route map. Within the text are coloured box panels giving details of local eating places and what to look out for during the walk. There are several great double page colour spreads to enhance this attractive and well-written guide.