One of the best things about the Peak District is the spectacular views that are on offer.
With open moorland, deep gorges, and picturesque villages, there’s so much to see in this national park.
Whether you want to take a hike and enjoy the views along the way or drive up with a picnic and Prosecco, there are plenty of places to indulge in stunning views here.
From sunrise to sunset and everything in between, here are the 23 best views in the Peak District!
1. Bamford Edge
Address: New Road, Hope Valley S33 0AZ
You’ve probably seen the view from Bamford Edge on Instagram.
It’s one of the best views in the Peak District as well as the most photographed.
Although the Peak District is home to little in the way of water, from Bamford Edge, you’ll get a fantastic view of Ladybower Reservoir and the viaduct which crosses it.
There are some rock formations here which you can perch on to get some lovely photos.
Just don’t go too near the edge!
Bamford Edge is also a great spot to watch the sunset with a picnic, and it’s really easy to reach.
You can park in the layby on New Road and from here, climb over the stile and take the footpath on the left.
It’s a steady climb from here for about a kilometre which should take around 30 minutes.
2. Winnats Pass
Address: Blue John Cavern, Cross Street, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WH
Winnats Pass is a winding road that passes through a steep limestone gorge just west of the village of Castleton in the Peak District.
It’s well known as a favourite place to drive because of the stunning scenery surrounding you, but exploring on foot from above is even better.
From above, you can see the hills and peaks and the road snaking through them.
The viewpoint is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise.
The closest car park to the Winnats Pass viewpoint is Speedwell Cavern.
From here, it’s around a 30-minute walk to the top.
However, this route is a challenging hike that involves scrambling in some places.
For a more leisurely walk, park on the roadside near Blue John Cavern and walk from here.
3. The Trinnacle
Address: The Trinnacle, Oldham OL3 7NN
The Trinnacle is a distinctive rock formation located on the hills of Saddleworth Moor above Dovestone Reservoir.
It has become popular with walkers and adventure-seekers who climb to the top to take in the breathtaking views surrounding it.
If you’ve not got a head for heights, then you can admire the Trinnacle and its surroundings from the trail.
This still makes for a great picture with the rock formation front and centre stage.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling brave, clamber up to the top for views over Dovestone Reservoir and the rolling green hills on either side of it.
Park in the Binn Green RSPB car park and head to the reservoir.
From here, take the hillside trail, which will take you directly to the Trinnacle.
4. Derwent Edge
Address: Ladybower Inn, A57, Hope Valley S33 0AX
One of my favourite Ladybower walks, Derwent Edge is home to stunning scenery and some pretty cool rock formations.
The best view is when you start to descend the edge, and the beautiful Ladybower Reservoir and the viaduct appear, surrounded by rolling green hills.
You can also see Crook Hill, Win Hill, and Kinder Scout.
Try to visit Derwent Edge in late summer when the heather is in full bloom, as this makes for a really pretty sight
Park on the roadside along the A57 or at the Ladybower Inn.
Parking is free here as long as you’re eating or drinking before or after the walk, and it’s the perfect place to finish your walk.
From here, you’ll walk uphill through woodland before emerging at the top to some beautiful views.
It’s a well-marked path along Whinstone Lee Fields to Derwent Edge.
5. Chrome Hill
Address: Hollinsclough, Buxton SK17 0RH
Chrome Hill offers not just one but several different viewpoints along its ridge.
Also known as Dragon’s Back, thanks to its pinnacles resembling the plates along a dragon’s back, it’s a series of peaks in the Dove Valley near Buxton.
You’ll get spectacular views over Parkhouse Hill and the surrounding landscape from various spots along the way.
It’s a steep walk to the summit, but you’ll be rewarded with views as you go, each one a little different from the last.
There’s free parking in the nearby village of Hollinsclough.
From here, it’s around 15-20 minutes to the start of the walk and then another 20-30 minutes to get to the summit.
6. Mam Tor towards the Great Ridge
Address: Mam Tor car park, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WA
Without a doubt, one of the best and most famous views in the Peak District is from Mam Tor, looking towards the Great Ridge.
Mam Tor, or the Shivering Mountain, is 517 metres high and is situated near Castleton in the High Peak area.
Although it isn’t technically a mountain, it’s one of the most prominent peaks in the national park.
One of the most iconic views from Mam Tor is over the Great Ridge, a three-kilometre long well-paved ridge walk between Edale and Castleton.
This area sometimes gets a cloud inversion early in the mornings, with the path rising above the clouds, making for a magical sight.
Mam Tor is also a popular place to watch the sunrise in the morning.
The Mam Tor National Trust car park is the closest car park to the summit.
From here, it’s a steep but well-paved path to the top and the trig point.
It’s well-signposted too, and should only take around 15 minutes.
7. Mam Tor towards winding road
Address: Castleton Visitor Centre, Buxton Road, Castleton S33 8WN
Not content with just one spectacular view, Mam Tor is actually a great place to see another iconic Peak District view, the winding road.
The winding road snakes through the hills below Mam Tor, through the Hope Valley, and into the village of Edale.
In the far distance, behind the winding road, you may also get a glimpse of the Kinder Plateau and the start of the Pennine Way, the oldest National Trail in England.
From this vantage point, you’ll also be able to see the sunset.
For a longer walk, including Mam Tor, the village of Castleton, and the Great Ridge, start from the main car park at the Castleton Visitor Centre.
From here, you’ll pass the caverns that this area is known for and then head to the summit of Mam Tor.
8. Alport Castles
Address: Fairholmes Car Park, Derwent Lane, Bamford, Hope Valley S33 0AQ
Alport Castles isn’t a castle but is so named because its shape resembles one from a distance.
Instead, it’s a series of rock formations that were formed when there was a landslip in the area.
It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that you should add to your Peak District bucket list!
Located in the Dark Peak area, the location of Alport Castles is quite remote compared to other Peak District landmarks, so a visit here feels like you’re venturing off the beaten track.
Alport Castles is half a mile long and is thought to be the largest landslip in the UK.
The largest of the gritstone mounds here is known as the Tower.
Once you’ve viewed Alport Castles from the edge, it’s time to explore it!
Head down the path, and once there, if you’re feeling brave, it’s a grade 1 scramble to the top of the Tower.
From the top of the Tower, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the varied landscapes surrounding it.
The best place to park for Alport Castles is the Fairholmes Car Park on Ladybower Reservoir.
From here, it’s an uphill walk through woodland and fields until you get to the rock formation.
9. Curbar Edge
Address: Curbar Gap car park, Clodhall Lane, Hope Valley S32 3YR
Curbar Edge is another Peak District edge with spectacular views without too much of an ascent.
This escarpment above the village of Curbar has striking rock formations.
And on a clear day, you’ll be able to indulge in the views of the Derwent Valley and the Chatsworth Estate.
You may also bump into some Highland cattle, as they can often be found grazing here.
Curbar Edge is a popular spot to watch the sunset, so grab a bottle of Prosecco and some reusable plastic glasses and head up there to enjoy the vibrant colours as the sun disappears.
The nearest place to park is the Curbar Gap car park, only around 260 metres from the viewpoint.
From the car park, cross the road and follow the track to the edge.
If you fancy more of a walk, team Curbar Edge with Froggatt Edge and White Edge for a longer route with some of the other best views in the Peak District.
10. Dovestone Reservoir
Address: Dovestone Car Park, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7NE
Located on the edge of the Peak District National Park in Oldham, Dovestone Reservoir is popular for days out, water sports, and hiking trails.
Paths around the reservoir are wheelchair accessible and suitable for pushchairs, so everyone can enjoy the views here.
If you fancy extending your walk, you can also walk around Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the water and into the Chew Valley, which is home to lots of rocky crags.
See if you can spot Dovestones Edge, Quarries, the Ravenstones, and Wimberry Rocks!
If you’re lucky, you may even get to see some peregrine falcons, the fastest bird in Britain, as they nest here.
11. Thor’s Cave
Address: Alstonefield Car Park, Lode Lane, Alstonefield, Ashbourne DE6 2FY
You might not think that a cave would make for the best of views, but Thor’s Cave in the Manifold Valley would be an exception.
The cave’s entrance is the perfect frame for the landscape below it, making for a truly beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity.
It’s also a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Thor’s Cave is a busy spot in the Peak District, so try to avoid weekends and Bank Holidays and visit early in the morning if you can.
There’s sometimes even a queue to get into the cave!
From the free car park in Wetton, head to Carr’s Lane.
From here, it’s around a 20-minute walk to Thor’s Cave.
12. Monsal Head
Address: Ashford Lane, Monsal Head DE45 1NL
Monsal Head offers one of the most spectacular views in the Peak District.
You’ll look down onto the River Wye, winding its way through the dale and the old Headstone railway viaduct crossing it.
There’s a car park here, so you can jump out and sit on one of the benches.
Grab an ice cream from the van or pop into the Monsal Head Hotel & Bar for lunch or a pint.
Monsal Head is along the Monsal Trail, a former railway line offering 8.5 miles of traffic-free cycling or walking, so it’s a great place to stop off for a rest along the way.
Jump on the trail from its starting point in Bakewell and continue until you reach the signs directing you up the steps to Monsal Head.
13. Surprise View
Address: Surprise View Car Park, A6187, Grindleford, Derbyshire S32 1DA
The clue is in the name with this one!
Surprise View is situated high above the gorgeous village of Hathersage and is one of the best viewpoints in the Peak District.
If you fancy a walk, it’s also the starting point for several different routes!
To get the best views, go to the back of the car park and head up one of the two paths here.
Carry on uphill, and you’ll pass Mother Cap stone and Over Owler Tor stones, one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Peak District.
From here, look around you and take in the panoramic views.
There’s an ice cream van in the car park, so it’s the perfect spot for a summer afternoon stroll and a 99 with a flake.
Surprise View is a great place to catch a Peak District sunset, and it’s also a Dark Skies stargazing spot.
So on a clear night, you’ll be able to enjoy picking out constellations in the night sky.
14. Stanage Edge
Address: Hook’s car park, Stanage Edge, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 1BR
Stanage Edge, in the Hope Valley, is popular with walkers and climbers.
At its highest point, High Neb, it stands 458 metres above sea level, giving you a great viewing position to see the surrounding landscapes.
It’s around four miles long, too, so you can give your legs a good stretch here.
From the top, you can see across the Hope Valley towards the Great Ridge and Mam Tor.
There are several free places to park on the road below Stanage Edge, and there are obvious paths from the road up to the edge.
Alternatively, you can park at the train station in the nearby village of Hathersage and take a circular walk up to the edge.
15. Dovedale Stepping Stones
Address: Dovedale, Ilam, Ashbourne DE6 2AY
Dovedale is a National Trust area near the town of Ashbourne.
The stepping stones here cross the River Dove and have been in place since the Victorian age.
Their setting is really idyllic, with hills surrounding them, and Dovedale makes for a perfect picnic spot or a place to have a paddle.
Dovedale is a very popular spot with locals and tourists alike, so try to visit early in the morning or out of season to get the place to yourself.
Unfortunately, when there has been a lot of rain, the stepping stones tend to get flooded, so bear that in mind when visiting.
From the car park, follow the easy path to the stepping stones, which takes around 10 minutes.
If you’re looking for more of a walk after you’ve crossed the river, head to Thorpe Cloud, a steep but short climb, or head into the pretty village of Ilam.
Thorpe Cloud itself provides some fantastic views over the surrounding green hills.
This area is sometimes referred to as the mini Alps.
16. Hen Cloud
Address: Roach Road, Upper Hulme, Leek ST13 8UA
Hen Cloud is a hill on the southern edge of a gritstone outcrop, not far from the more famous Roaches.
Situated in Staffordshire, Hen Cloud is quieter than its more well-known neighbour, so you’re likely to get more tranquillity here.
There are some gorgeous views from the top of Hen Cloud.
You can see over the nearby Tittesworth Reservoir and the surrounding countryside.
Park on Roach Road to the west of Hen Cloud, and then choose one of the various footpaths to take you to the top of the hill.
Enjoy the rock formations and look out for birds of prey too!
17. Back Tor towards the Great Ridge
Address: The Strines Inn, Mortimer Road, Bradfield Dale, Sheffield S6 6JE
If you’ve already ticked off the Great Ridge from Mam Tor, then it’s time to see it from the opposite perspective!
Back Tor is approximately 538 metres above sea level and is situated on Derwent Edge, above Ladybower Reservoir.
The trig point, which marks the highest part of Back Tor, is up a steep, eroded path and so can be a bit challenging to get to.
However, once there, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the iconic Great Ridge and the peak of Mam Tor.
One of the most popular walking trails to do in this area is the Back Tor and Lost Lad circular route.
The route is around eight miles long over Derwent Edge and moorland.
Start from the Strines Inn and head down through the woods.
When you come to a crossroads, turn right and follow the paved stone path to the trig point.
18. The Roaches
Address: Upper Roach Road, Upper Hulme, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 8UA
The Roaches is a rocky outcrop with substantial rock faces, gritstone cliffs, and hillsides covered in heather.
It’s one of the most photographed landscapes in Staffordshire!
The best time to visit is late August when the heather is in full bloom, so you can marvel at the purple-coloured hills.
From here, you can see for miles over the surrounding moorland, Tittesworth Reservoir, and Leek.
On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Snowdon.
If you’re a wild swimming fan, there is a pool here called Doxeys Pool, or Mermaid’s Pool as it’s sometimes known, thanks to the legend of the water spirit which is said to live here.
When taking a dip, you’re rewarded with views over the Roaches themselves.
To get to the Roaches, park in the free layby and then head through the wooden gate, following the signposted footpath uphill.
You’ll know it when you see it!
19. Higger Tor
Address: Upper Burbage Bridge Car Park – Peak District NP, Ringinglow Road, Hope Valley S32 1BR
In the north of the Peak District, you’ll find Higger Tor, a large gritstone rock formation interspersed with heather during the summer.
From the road, it’s a quick and easy walk to the top, and you’ll get spectacular views in every direction.
To the north and east, you’ll be able to see Burbage Moor and Burbage Edge, with the skyline of Sheffield behind this, although just out of view.
To the south, you can see the Iron Age hillfort of Carl Wark as well as Mother Cap and Owler Tor.
Although the purpose of Carl Wark is a mystery, it’s thought that it may have had a military purpose.
There’s a defended gateway, a natural citadel, and burial mounds nearby.
The best time to visit Higger Tor is late August when the heather is in full bloom in the Peak District.
During the winter, the landscape can appear quite bleak and barren.
Choose a clear day and enjoy the purple colours and expansive views.
It’s not far to walk from Higger Tor to Carl Wark, and there’s a clear path across.
When you get there, turn back to enjoy the views back to Higger Tor and Burbage Rocks.
20. Kinder Scout
Address: Village Hall, Edale, Hope Valley S33 7ZA
Between Sheffield and Manchester sits the highest peak in the Peak District, Kinder Scout.
At 636 metres above sea level, it’s no surprise that you can get some of the best views in the Peak District here.
On a clear day, you can see the city of Manchester and Snowdonia National Park from the top.
Kinder Scout is one of the best Peak District walks for good reason!
The climb to the top can be pretty challenging in parts, but the views are more than worth it once you get there.
Park in the village of Edale and then head to the Old Nag’s Head pub.
From here, follow the footpaths and signs for the Pennine Way.
You’ll get to the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder, and from here, it’s a steep ascent to Edale Rocks and Kinder Low trig point.
21. Parkhouse Hill
Address: The Quiet Woman, Earl Sterndale, Buxton SK17 0BU
Parkhouse Hill is the neighbour of Chrome Hill and is just as impressive.
It stands at around 320 metres above sea level and is a unique-looking peak with craggy limestone rock formations.
Parkhouse Hill is also part of a designated Sight of Special Scientific Interest because of its geology.
Situated on the north side of the River Dove, this notable peak is at the edge of Derbyshire, close to the border with Staffordshire.
There are two ways to reach the summit of Parkhouse Hill, but both routes are quite steep, so they’re only suitable if you have a good fitness level.
The path can become a bit of a scramble at times.
From the top of Parkhouse Hill, you’ll be rewarded for your tough climb with fantastic views over the lush green countryside of the Peak District.
You’ll also be able to see Chrome Hill, or the Dragon’s Back, as it’s also known thanks to its resemblance to – you guessed it – a dragon’s back!
If you fancy a tougher challenge, combine the two hills into one walk while you’re in the area.
The closest parking to Parkhouse Hill is in the village of Earl Sterndale where there’s free roadside parking outside The Quiet Woman, a pub that’s unfortunately now closed.
From here, you can follow the public footpath towards the hill.
It should take around 20 minutes to get to the top.
22. Ashopton Viaduct
Address: Bamford, Hope Valley S33 0AX
One of the most recognisable bridges in the Peak District, Ashopton Viaduct crosses Ladybower Reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley.
Built in 1943, it’s the only major crossing of the reservoir.
Ladybower Reservoir was created in the 1940s when the villages of Derwent and Ashopton were flooded to create it.
Occasionally the reservoir waters go so low that the remains of the villages can be seen.
The best views of the viaduct are from above, from either Derwent Edge or Bamford Edge.
However, if you don’t fancy walking to get them, it’s just as picturesque from the roadside.
There’s free parking in marked bays on the roadside, around 300 metres from Ashopton Viaduct, so you can hop out and enjoy the views.
23. Baslow Edge
Address: Curbar Gap Car Park, Clodhall Lane, Hope Valley S32 3YR
The last of the Peak District edges to make our list is Baslow Edge.
It’s an outcrop of gritstone rocks that sits above the Derbyshire village of Baslow.
The views from Baslow Edge are pretty special.
On a clear day, you can see Chatsworth House on the left and Kinder Plateau on the right.
Keep an eye out for Eagle Stone, a six-metre-high block of gritstone, and the Wellington Monument, commemorating a visit by the Duke of Wellington.
You also may get to meet the Highland cattle that can often be found grazing here.
They’re placid animals but do be careful walking near them, especially if they have calves or you have your dog with you.
There’s a National Trust car park at Curbar Gap which is free for NT members.
There’s also a van here selling hot drinks at the weekend, so grab one to take on your walk.
Cross the road from the car park and then follow the clear footpath up to the viewpoint on Baslow Edge.
Here, there’s a plaque pointing out the peaks you can see – no more guessing which one is Kinder Scout!
So there you have it: the ultimate round-up of the 23 best views in the Peak District!
The Peak District is a real place of beauty and these views are no exception.
Whichever ones you choose to visit, you’re in for an absolute treat.
Dust off your walking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to see some of the best views in the Peak District.