Peak District Boundary Walk, a fabulous 90 mile trail

The long distance 190 mile trail – The Peak District Boundary Walk is one of the longest in the UK. Celebrating Britain’s first National Park, the trail was devised by Friends of the Peak District which takes in a walking route around its entire boundary.

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.

Follow paths, bridleways and quiet lanes to explore quieter corners of the Park and enjoy spectacular crags, deep cloughs, open moorland and peaceful woodland. You can enjoy 190 miles stunning scenery encircling the UK’s very first national park.

Buxton Town Team in collaboration with Buxton Civic Association and Friends of the Peak District are celebrating the opening of the walk with a grand opening ceremony. This will take place at 12 noon outside Buxton Town Hall, hosted by the Major of High Peak and Buxton’s town crier and and officially opened by Emma Bridgewater, President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Dignitaries, celebrities and other VIPs from across the region, will be gathering in Buxton to celebrate.

The Peak District Boundary Walk is also featured in this months Country Walking Magazine.

At 10am on 17th June, from the 20 locations of the walk, teams of walkers will set out to complete each route and the hope is that every section of the walk will completed on the day; progress will be followed by Buxton Town Team during the day.

The idea for a complete walk around the boundary of the Peak District National Park was originally conceived some 2 years ago by Julie Gough, who is a member of Friends of the Peak District with a huge passion for walking, the outdoors and the Peak District landscape.

John Moss, chair of Buxton Rambling Club, will be leading Section 1 of the walk, from Buxton to Peak Forest – 10.2 miles. Approached by Buxton Town Team to be involved with the launch of the walk, calling on his walking experience and expertise, he couldn’t say no – John has been a keen walker and hiker for over 25 years and became chair of Buxton Ramblers Club 5 years ago.

John said, “the great thing about this particular walk is that it’s designed to be walked in sections, so you can pick which part to take on and of course there’s the brilliant guide book you can follow. The other thing is, the walk was also designed so that at start and finish points at each sections around the boundary walk, there’s a pub, cafe or shop – so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty! The Old Nags Head at Edale is a walkers haven, and they serve amazing ales too. The Goyt Valley is also very scenic and a favourite spot of mine being so close to Buxton. You can really get to see some hidden gems and stunning scenery along on the walk – and get fit at the same time – all abilities can undertake the trail. And there’s no better way to unwind and reduce stress too, walking is good for you in so many ways.”

Timings of the event are as follows:

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.

Friends of the Peak District Boundary Walk book edited by Andrew McCloy includes 20 superb day walks on the boundary. Priced at £10 it is currently available online at friendsofthepeak.org.uk. It will soon be available in local stockists in Buxton – we will update you when this is confirmed with outlets where can purchase the book locally.