White Peak Way
The White Peak Way is a 130 km circular route through the White Peak — the limestone plateau of the southern Peak District — linking the distinctive dry dales, ancient villages and moorland fringes of Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About White Peak Way
The White Peak Way circles the limestone plateau of the southern Peak District in a route that deliberately avoids the more popular Dark Peak gritstone moors. The White Peak has a completely different character: limestone pavements, gorge-cut dales (Dove Dale, Lathkill Dale, Monsal Dale), ancient villages and a gentler, greener landscape than the northern moorland.
For trail runners it is a three to four day challenge on excellent terrain — firm limestone tracks, riverside dales paths and well-maintained footpaths throughout. The Tissington Trail and Monsal Trail (former railway lines, now excellent traffic-free paths) provide fast sections. The route is rarely remote and always within easy reach of a road.
The route
Bakewell circuit start: Bakewell is the natural hub — pudding capital of the Peak District. The route heads south through Haddon Hall grounds and into Lathkill Dale.
Dove Dale to Hartington: The southern limestone country. Dove Dale is the most popular valley in the Peak — arrive early.
Hartington to Youlgreave to Bakewell: Through the limestone plateau — Bradford Dale, Robin Hood's Stride (gritstone tors), and back north.
Getting there & logistics
Start anywhere — Bakewell has the best services. Bus from Matlock (train from Derby).
Best time: Year-round. Limestone drains quickly. The dales are popular in summer — run early or in shoulder season.
Safety
The White Peak Way has no remote terrain — always near roads or villages. The limestone dales have some cliff faces (Dove Dale, Chee Dale) — stay on marked paths. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Good mobile signal throughout most of the route.
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