Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge

Test yourself on the remote, rugged moors above Manchester as you take on the highest three mountains in the Peak District

The Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge is a circular route, starting at Hayfield, near Manchester, and then visiting three of the highest points in Derbyshire and the Peak District. The challenge is more a test of endurance over long distance and desolate moorland, rather than charceterised by steep acsents such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, but there is still over 800m of climbing throughout the day, so it WILL work you hard.

In total, the route is over 31km (19 miles) long.

The Details

🌍 Region: Peak District

🗺️ Start Location: Hayfield

➡️ Distance: 32km

⛰️ Ascent: 838m (tough)

🕙 Length: 10 hours

📆 Time of year: February - November

The Route
How to Book
Frequently Asked Questions

The Route

The route starts in the lovely little village of Hayfield, which lies on the western boundary of the Peak District National Park, and approximately 45 minutes from central Manchester.

Soon after leaving the village, we begin the climb up onto the moors, and as the views open up, Manchester becomes visible in the distance on a clear day.

Enjoying the view out towards Manchester

The path soon becomes steeper, before we reach the summit of Mill Hill (544m - NOT one of the three peaks!), and Bleaklow becomes visible in the distance. From here, we join the Pennine Way and begin the trek along the vast, open and boggy moors, with the Snake Pass visible in the distance. Thankfully, the path is good.

After crossing the Snake Pass, we soon leave the Pennine Way, and head west to cross Crooked Clough, before climbing steeply to our first of the Three Peaks, Higher Shelf Stones (621m). After celebrating the achievement, and visiting the nearby memorial, we cross the vast moor of Bleaklow. The path fades in and out here, but our guides know the route well, and will keep everyone close by as we cross, and soon reach Bleaklow Head (633m), the second of the three peaks.

This is the furthest point from the start, and we now head back along the Pennine Way, across Blealow. Although there is path, the going is tough, as it undulates through the peat hags on the empty moor. We cross the Snake Pass again, and head back along our earlier path to Mill Hill.

This time we head left towards the towering Kinder Plateau.

Approaching the mighty Kinder plateau, heading towards the last of the Derbyshire Three Peaks

After a tiring, but mercifully short climb, we reach the plateau. It may seem like we are nearly back, but there is a long way to go from here!

We follow the edge of the plateau over the course of 4km, crossing Kinder Downfall, and heading towards the final peak of Kinder Low (633m). The views from here are stunning, and on reaching the final peak, you’ll be treated to a vista of Edale.

The final part of the journey is a steep path down from the plateau, and back into the valley, before crossing fields, and finally following the peaceful River Sett back to Hayfield and a well deserved rest!

How to Book

We offer this fully-guided walk for private groups at a discounted rate of £49+VAT per person, subject to a minimum charge of £588+VAT (i.e. we are happy to lead groups of fewer than 12 people, however we will charge £588+VAT for this).

We offer this discounted rate as we want to see as much money going to the charity as possible (note that if you do not want to do the walk for a charity, we still offer this route at a rate of £80+VAT per person)

1. Check our calendar below and find an available challenge date that suits you

2. Enter your details, and pay a deposit of £49+VAT to confirm the booking

3. We will be in touch within 48 hours to arrange a planning call with you

Included:

  • Professionally qualified and insured walking guides to lead the group on the route.

  • For groups larger than 18, we will also provide a support vehicle with an additional professional guide at the Snake Pass summit (2 stops - inbound and outbound)

  • Route and Event Planning, administration and management, including participant registration and risk assessments

  • Event Planning Meetings to co-ordinate with your leadership team

  • Pre-event participant Welcome Call and Briefing meeting

  • Event Briefing Park for all participants

  • A customised FAQ for your event and information guides for participants (e.g. training routes, what to wear, etc)

  • We are also on hand for any questions and consultancy for setting up the event at your end

Things you and the participants need to arrange:

  • Transportation to and from the walk start

  • Post event refreshments (e.g. drinks and meals)

  • Sustenance during the event (e.g. packed lunches)

  • Pre- and post-event accommodation

  • Personal walking equipment for participants (we can advise on what to bring, and will carry group-equipment and a limited amount of spare gear)

Questions? Drop us a message

Frequently Asksed Questions

  • The Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge is a circular route, starting at Hayfield, near Manchester, and then visiting three of the highest points in Derbyshire and the Peak District. The challenge is more a test of endurance over long distance and desolate moorland, rather than charceterised by steep acsents such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, but there is still over 800m of climbing throughout the day, so it WILL work you hard.

    In total, the route is over 31km (19 miles) long.

  • The three peaks that make up the walk are Higher Shelf Stones (621m), Bleaklow Head (633m) and Kinder Low (633m).

  • The route varies between some excellent paths and some seldom-trodden tracks. Early in the challenge, we will use dirt tracks to cross open moorland (which get muddy when wet). The ground on Bleaklow is quite challenging, with some off-path navigation needed off Bleaklow Head, and the Pennine Way on the way back to the Snake Pass summit cuts through peat hags which can make for quite arduous going.

    Technically, it is quite a straight-forward walk with no scrambling involved, though the path down from Kinder Low is fairly steep.

  • We lead groups of up to 100 for this challenge. There is no minimum number, though there is a minimum charge equivalent to 12 people.

  • The truth is that whilst not everyone will be fit enough, I'd say that with a little preparation, the route is well within the capability of most people.

    If you've done any hill walking, this is absolutely achievable for you.

    If you walk the dog regularly for a couple of km, or walk the kids to school, you can build up from there.

  • Of course you do! Check out our walking routes page for some walking ideas

  • I'd ask here: How much would you dog appreciate a 31km walk up three mountains?! If the answer is: They'd love it! Then absolutely, consider it. Please be aware however that you will need to keep your dog on the lead throughout the walk. Please read our full FAQ for more details about bringing dogs on adventures

  • The walk starts in the Sett Valley Trail car park, in Hayfield. There is a large car park, with a bus turning area, so perfect if you are organising transport for larger groups. Parking is usually £5 per day.

    The nearest train station is in New Mills, about 4km away.

  • The challenge time is to complete the walk within 10 hours. To put into context, this is a steady walking pace throughout, with small breaks. A fast walker can probably do the route in about 8-9 hours.

  • We can vary the start time in summer, but in Autumn and Spring we usually need to make use of the available decent daylight, which can mean a fairly early start (0630-0700).

  • Coming back in the dark is unlikely, but not an issue. We know the route well, and are also experienced of walking and navigating in the dark.

  • Hayfield gets quite busy on Saturdays in summer. The route itself is not very well-known, so parts of it will be very quiet, but expect busier areas around Hayfield, the Snake Pass Summit, Higher Shelf Stones and on Kinder Scout. It will be almost deserted during the week, even in summer.

  • There will be a recommended equipment list provided to participants, but in brief, you'll need some comfy walking boots, waterproofs, non-cotton/denim trousers and an insulation layer. You'll also need to pack a rucksack with enough food and water for the day.

  • There is a campsite operated by the Camping and Caravanning Club to the east of Hayfield (we actually walk through it on the way back!), The George Hotel in the centre, plus a number of B&Bs AirBnB options.

  • We don’t organise a formal post-challenge meal, and groups usually are happy to make their own arrangements. We will direct finishers to meet in the place of your choice. For smaller groups, we’re happy to book somewhere locally for you and the team.

  • This route is very remote, and there are no facilities once we leave Hayfield. For groups of 20 or more, we will provide a support and replenishment vehicle on the Snake Pass summit which will meet you on the way out onto Bleaklow, and on your return off the moor. The vehicle will carry water top ups, plus some sugary treats.

    There is no water (nor many streams) out on Bleaklow, so carry plenty of water, particularly if there is no support vehicle.

    There are no toilets on route, so it's a 'wild wee' situation.

  • You can book here.