2017 archive: This article reported the launch of the Peak District Boundary Walk. For current route information, see Friends of the Peak District.

The Peak District Boundary Walk is a 190-mile route in 20 sections around Britain’s first national park. It was devised by Friends of the Peak District.

Stretching from the moorland tops of the South Pennines to the gentle limestone scenery of the Derbyshire Dales, the route embraces the urban edges of Sheffield and Oldham, as well as Staffordshire’s rugged moorland and the undulating slopes of Cheshire.

The route follows paths, tracks, quiet lanes and former railway lines through moorland, valleys and woodland. Check the latest route updates before setting out. Terrain, access and facilities vary between sections; choose a stage to suit your experience and check current local information.

An open guidebook with a map of the Peak District Boundary Walk.

The walk launched on 17 June 2017 in Buxton Market Place. Friends of the Peak District reported that more than 200 walkers joined the first-footing and Emma Bridgewater officially opened the route.

The route was featured in Country Walking magazine at the time of its launch.

An open magazine showing a map and photographs of the Peak District Boundary Walk. A magazine article about the Boundary Walk with landscape photographs.

The launch-day plan invited teams to walk the 20 sections, starting at 10am on 17 June 2017.

Friends of the Peak District developed the route, drawing on earlier boundary proposals by its founders, Ethel and Gerald Haythornthwaite. A 2017 national park publication credited Julie Gough as the project’s driving force; a Ramblers account also credits Brian Couzins with developing the route.

The cover of the Peak District Boundary Walk guidebook on a wooden floor.

The 2017 launch plans included John Moss, then chair of Buxton Rambling Club, leading section 1 from Buxton to Peak Forest.

In the original 2017 article, John Moss said the walk was designed to be tackled in sections: “you can pick which part to take on”.

The planned programme for 17 June 2017 was:

9am Buxton Market opens a special outdoor focused market, with a climbing wall, caves, outdoor based voluntary groups and specialist equipment suppliers.

10am Teams of walkers around 20 sections of the walk set off, including a team from Buxton Market Place lead by John Moss, chair of Buxton Rambling Club.

12 noon Grand opening ceremony.

3pm (approx) Between them the teams of walkers should hopefully have completed their sections of the Peak District Boundary Walk and will head back to Buxton to join the celebrations.

6pm Formal congratulations followed by a celebration of the inaugural completion of the UK’s newest long distance walk.

For the current guidebook and route details, visit Friends of the Peak District.