Five quiet peak bagging trails in the Peak District

The Peak District is famous for its rolling hills, dramatic gritstone edges, and popular routes like Mam Tor or Kinder Scout. But what if you’re looking for something quieter? The good news is that hidden among the 95 'Ethels' – the hills and trigs named after pioneer conservationist Ethel Haythornthwaite – are many lesser-known summits that let you enjoy the landscape in peace.

These five routes, all featured in Peak Bagging: Peak District by Anna Paxton, will take you into the quieter corners of the Peak District. Each includes at least one Ethel, combines beautiful scenery with historical interest, and gives you a chance to experience the stillness of the hills without the bustle of the better-known hotspots.

Trig and Ethel at Harboro’ Rocks. © Anna Paxton.

1. Minninglow Hill: Minninglow Hill & Harboro’ Rocks (White Peak)

If you want to pair history with hillwalking, this is a superb starting point. The route explores the industrial archaeology of the White Peak, where the land has been quarried, mined, and shaped by people for centuries.

From Carsington Pasture, you pass the remains of lead mines before joining the High Peak Trail, an old railway line now popular with walkers and cyclists. The first Ethel, Harboro’ Rocks, rises above the trail with a short scramble to its trig point. The views sweep across Carsington Water and the limestone plateau — yet you’re unlikely to meet more than a handful of people away from the trail itself.

Further along, you reach Minninglow Hill, crowned by a double ring of beech trees. Hidden within is a Bronze Age chambered tomb and round barrow, where cremation and burial remains from as far back as the Roman period have been discovered. It feels atmospheric and timeless, a real contrast to the working Ballidon Quarry nearby, where modern industry continues.

Why it’s quiet:
Most visitors stick to Carsington Water or the main cycle trail, leaving the hills themselves largely empty.

Need to know:

• Start/finish: Wirksworth Dale car park.
• Public transport: Brassington is connected by bus to Matlock and Ashbourne (but no Sunday service).
• Refreshments: The Miners Arms in Carsington or the Old Gate Inn in Brassington.

Limestone pavement at the Ethel on Pilsbury Hill. © Anna Paxton.

Highs and Lows: High Wheeldon, Pilsbury Hill & Carder Low (White Peak)

The Upper Dove Valley is one of the most beautiful yet overlooked parts of the Peak District. This walk strings together three Ethels — each with its own character — while keeping to peaceful trails.

From Hurdlow, you follow the High Peak Trail before a short but steep climb to High Wheeldon. At the trig, the view down the valley is spectacular: the Dragon’s Back ridge of Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill undulates away to the east, while the lush green pastures of the Dove stretch south.

Heading west takes you to the quieter hills. Pilsbury Hill is little more than a grassy rise on limestone pavement, but it feels remote and often empty. Then comes Carder Low, a broad dome where you’ll likely have the summit to yourself. From here, the return to the High Peak Trail makes for easy walking back to Hurdlow.

Why it’s quiet:
These hills lack the 'honeypot' status of Chrome and Parkhouse, so you can admire them in solitude.

Need to know:

• Start/finish: Hurdlow car park (pay and display).
• Public transport: Buses from Buxton stop in nearby Crowdicote.
• Refreshments: The Royal Oak at Hurdlow; the Pack Horse Inn in Crowdicote.

The Cage at Lyme Park, with Manchester beyond. © Anna Paxton.

3. Sponds Hill: Sponds Hill & Cage Hill (South-West Peak)

For a quieter peak bagging day with plenty of variety, head to the South-West Peak near Disley. This walk begins at the historic Bow Stones – the remains of two Saxon crosses – and follows the Gritstone Trail across fields and moorland.

The trig at Sponds Hill looks out across the Cheshire Plain, with the Manchester skyline often visible on a clear day. Just beyond, a panoramic viewpoint helpfully labels the surrounding hills, from the Peak District high points to the Clwydian Range in Wales.

The trail continues over Bakestonedale Moor into Lyme Park, a vast estate of woodland, moor, and manicured gardens. Here you can spot the resident red deer herd, visit the striking Cage tower, or wander into Lantern Wood to discover its hidden tower. Despite Lyme Park’s popularity, the moorland above remains quiet compared to the main house and gardens.

Why it’s quiet:
Once you step away from Lyme Park’s mansion and visitor centre, the moors and ridges see very little foot traffic.

Need to know:

• Start/finish: Bow Stones lay-by or Lyme Park car park.
• Public transport: Disley station (trains from Manchester, Stockport, and Buxton).
• Refreshments: Timber Yard Café at Lyme Park.

Hey Edge trig. © Anna Paxton.

Above Crowden: Hey Edge, White Low, Black Hill, Black Chew Head & Featherbed Moss (Dark Peak North)

This is the wildest and most committing route on the list — but if you want to experience the true remoteness of the northern Dark Peak, it’s unbeatable.

From Crowden, the path climbs steeply past a disused quarry to Hey Edge trig, before striking out across open moorland to the unmarked summit of White Low. The going can be boggy and sometimes pathless, but the sense of solitude is incredible.

The route continues to Black Hill trig, once notorious as a quagmire but now paved with stone slabs. From here, the Pennine Way leads into the valley of Crowden Great Brook and up toLaddow Rocks, where you branch off to visit two more Ethels: Black Chew Head and Featherbed Moss.

On the right day, you’ll hear skylarks and curlews calling across the moor, with views stretching over Manchester and deep into Yorkshire.

Why it’s quiet:
The terrain is challenging, the paths sometimes elusive, and the moors exposed. That keeps the crowds away — and leaves the wilderness to you.

Need to know:

• Start/finish: Crowden car park (off the A628, Woodhead Pass).
• Public transport: None close by.
• Refreshments: Small shop at the Crowden campsite.

Howden Edge. © Anna Paxton.

Howden Edge: Margery Hill, High Stones, Bull Clough Head, Crow Stones & Outer Edge (Dark Peak North)

Between Langsett and Howden Reservoir lies one of the quietest stretches of moorland in the Peak District. This route links together a string of Ethels on Howden Edge, combining big views with a real sense of escape.

From Langsett Reservoir, a woodland track leads into the valley at Mickleden Edge before joining the flagged path of Cut Gate. The first summit, Margery Hill, is the highest point in South Yorkshire. Not far beyond, High Stones gives even grander views, looking across the Derwent Valley to Bleaklow and Kinder Scout.

Doubling back, the path turns rougher, leading past the wreckage of a 1951 plane crash near Bull Clough Head before reaching the gritstone outcrops of Crow Stones. The final trig at Outer Edge feels remote and otherworldly, with endless heather stretching to the horizon.

The return route descends through grouse moors and then follows the pretty Little Don River through woodland back to Langsett.

Why it’s quiet:
It’s a long, committing walk with few landmarks and some boggy ground — but that’s exactly why it feels so peaceful.

Need to know:

• Start/finish: Langsett Barn car park (off the A616).
• Public transport: Limited bus services through Langsett.
• Refreshments: Bank View Café and Waggon & Horses Inn in Langsett.