Staying in Sheffield city centre is a great way to explore the delights of the city, but it still makes a great base for enjoying the nearby Peak District.
While there may not be much sign of rolling uplands and rocky edges amid the large buildings and tram lines, it is very easy to reach the national park, which in places lies within the city boundaries.
A short drive or bus ride will bring you to the western edge of the city, where you will soon find yourself in an area of famous high edges. Indeed, it is possible to combine no fewer than nine of them (Derwent, Stanage, Upper Burbage, Lower Burbage, Froggatt, Burbar, Baslow, Gardom’s and Birchen Edges) all in one walk.
If you are using public transport, you can catch a train from Sheffield station and alight at Grindleford, which lies below Froggatt Edge.
These edges do not just offer fine walks with superb views; if you like scrambling and bouldering, their rounded gritstone boulders will offer a range of great challenges to take on.
Should you prefer a ridge with views on two sides, the best option is to continue further west to the ridge dividing the Castleton Valley from the Vale of Edale. Starting at Hope (which is also served by train), the ridge takes in the summits of Lose Hill, Back Tor and Mam Tor. Keen walkers can continue west along Rushup Edge towards the Kinder Plateau.
There are plenty more places that are easy to reach by car or train from Sheffield. Hope is close to the ruins of a Roman fort and the Saxon Grey Ditch earthwork, which runs near the village of Bradwell. Hathersage, a great base for walking, also has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy – even in the colder months!
By accessing all this from the centre of a big city, you really can enjoy the best of both worlds.
