Your road trip guide to the Peak District and its Circular 150!
Why the Peak District deserves to be on your travel list…
The Peak District is one of the UK’s sleeping giants when it comes to road trips! It may not attract the same attention as Scotland’s NC500, but this compact route delivers an impressive punch and should firmly be on your road trip bucket list. Its rolling countryside is a delight, ranging from rugged moorland and limestone dales to breathtaking waterfalls and tranquil reservoirs. Add in its charming stone-built villages, atmospheric caves, and winding scenic drives, and the Peak District offers everything you could want in a road-trip destination – and more.
In this Peak District Circular 150 Road Trip Guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before hitting the road. In particular, where to starts and end, how long it takes, the best time to visit, places to stay, and of course, the must-see stops along the way.
Okay, so this epic national park is perhaps not on the average road-tripper’s radar in the same way that the Lake District is, for example, or the NC500. However, it’s no less special! There’s so much to discover in the Peaks, whether you’re seeking out ancient landmarks or simply hiking in the hills.
Furthermore, the Peak District has a rich and fascinating history. In 1932, it inspired the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass in 1932, a huge moment in the fight for public access to the countryside. Fast forward to 1951, and the Peaks made history by becoming the UK’s first national park. Enough about the history, let’s get into the juicy stuff…
Who am I?
Hi, I’m Robbie Roams — a travel writer and content creator based in Staffordshire right near to the Peak District. I’ve explored every corner of this national park over the years. Moreover, I’m also the author of the guidebook Road Trip Peak District — a complete handbook for planning the perfect Peaks adventure.
So you’re in safe hands here — let’s dive right in.
What is the Peak District Circular 150?
The Peak District Circular 150 is a 150-mile circular driving route that loops around the breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District — England’s first National Park and still one of its most beautiful.
Think of it as the quieter, more varied cousin of the Yorkshire Dales circular routes — but with dramatic gritstone edges, winding country lanes, limestone valleys, historic estates, and picture-perfect villages all packed into one unforgettable loop.
Along the way, you’ll discover:
Epic viewpoints and iconic gritstone edges
Rolling dales, rivers and waterfalls
Grand stately homes and ancient landmarks
Charming stone villages and cosy pubs
Miles of scenic walking trails and cycle routes
Unlike some UK driving routes, the route isn’t officially marked — so a little planning goes a long way. But that also means it feels adventurous, flexible, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Peak District 150 Itinerary with start and end?
You can technically start anywhere, but the official loop begins and ends near Ashbourne. Feel free to jump on at the most convenient part. Here’s an overview of the route…
1 | Dovedale to Bakewell | Dovedale Stepping Stones Walk / Carsington Water / Wirksworth / Matlock Bath / Bakewell |
2 | Bakewell to | Monsal Head / Chatsworth House / Curbar Edge / National Trust Padley Gorge / Castleton / Winnats Pass / Mam Tor Sunset Walk |
3 | Castleton to Hayfield | Mam Tor Sunrise Walk (If sunset walk missed) / Castleton Cave Tour / Bamford Edge / Ladybower Reservoir / Derwent Reservoir / Snake Pass / Glossop |
4 | Hayfield to Buxton | New Mills (Millennium Walkway) / National Trust Lyme / Upper Goyt Valley / Buxton / Poole’s Cavern / |
5 | Buxton to Ashbourne | The Roaches / Hen Cloud / Leek / Peak Wildlife Park / |
How to get to The Peak District?
Due to its central location, the Peak District is easily reachable via the UK’s road network. Travellers from the north can take the M1 or A6, while those coming from the south can take the M1 or A38. If you’re driving from the east, take the A619 or A623, and from the west you’ll need the M56 or A6.
If catching the train is more your thing, the Peak District is well-connected by rail, with major stations nearby in Sheffield, Manchester, Derby and Chesterfield. These all offer easy onward access to towns such as Buxton, Edale, and Matlock. Car hire is readily available from the main hubs.
Travelling by plane? No problem. if you’re flying to the Peak District, Manchester Airport is the largest and most convenient option.
How much time do you need in The Peak District?
One of the Peak District’s greatest advantages is its compact size, meaning you’ll cover more ground in less time. That means you’ll have more time to soak up the many must-sees and attractions, instead of being stuck behind the wheel for hours on end!
For the Peak District Circular 150 route, I’d recommend a full 5 days if you want to enjoy all of its must-sees (although it can be done in 3 days).
If you want a full, comprehensive trip, then you’ll need a bare minimum of five days on the ground. A week would be ideal, and a fortnight even better, allowing you to take your time and be more spontaneous.
The Peak District by area...
The Peak District has something for everyone, but is split into four main geographical areas. Here’s a little taster of what each area has to offer (all of which you’ll find in more detail in the guidebook, of course!).
The South
Here you’ll find an abundance of picturesque countryside and peaceful landscapes! The southern Peak District forms the White Peak, a gentle expanse of rolling green hills and limestone valleys. Spread across Staffordshire and parts of Derbyshire, this quieter corner of the Peaks is full of charm. As well as the aforementioned hills, you’ll also find hidden caves and picture-perfect villages in this area. Dovedale, Thor’s Cave and Ilam Park should be on your must-see list!
As someone who grew up in Staffordshire, I have a real soft spot for this area of the Peaks. It is made for easy and enjoyable adventures.
The East
Many of the Peak District’s biggest highlights sit in the east, an area that will make you fall for the national park instantly. The historic Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall offer a glimpse into centuries of grandeur, and no trip to the Peaks is complete without stopping by Matlock Bath and riding the cable car to the Heights of Abraham!
Meanwhile, foodies will love exploring Bakewell’s charming streets and sampling its famous pudding. For jaw-dropping views, there are spectacular gritstone edges – such as Curbar Edge, for example – waiting to be explored in this lovely corner of the Peak District.
The North
Traditionally known as the Dark Peak, with its sweeping moors and gritstone edges, the north is where you’ll find some of the Peaks’ most dramatic scenery. Experienced hikers will love conquering Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peaks, while gritstone crag Bamford Edge offers equally spectacular views. And if heights aren’t really your thing, you can go deep underground and explore Castleton’s caves and the brilliantly named Devil’s Arse!
With rugged moorland, iconic views like Mam Tor, and scenic drives, the north is an exhilarating part of this beautiful national park. There are also some picturesque reservoirs if you fancy a peaceful wander. Derwent Reservoir has a fascinating history, as it was once used as a practice location for the Dambusters raids!
The West
Covering parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, the western Peaks mix dramatic hills, scenic trails and charming towns. There are walking routes for all abilities here. Must-sees include the Dragon’s Back on Parkhouse Hill, the mysterious Hanging Stone and the summit of Eccles Pike.
Buxton, one of my favourite towns in the Peaks, is full of charm, with history, green spaces and great spots to eat and drink. And don’t miss Lyme, which was famously used as the fictional estate of Pemberley in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice!
Your ultimate guide to the Peak District...
Now that you’ve read this online guide to the Peak District Circular 150, why not delve a little deeper and check out my Road Trip Peak District guidebook? It’s packed with must-see attractions, travel itineraries, tips and hacks, café recommendations, and loads of useful information on where to stay and what to do. The Peak District offers a world of discovery – so get out there and have fun!
