But it’s nice to get out occasionally, right? And the Peak District is a sparkling gem of the north that’s not far from Manchester’s bustling city centre, so whether you’re exhausted from working the nine to five or the nightshift, are studying hard, or just want a fun weekend away, then a daytrip to the Peaks will cure you of all of life’s stresses.
We highly recommend it.
The Peak District National Park covers 555 square miles mostly in Derbyshire, but also includes parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.
This year, the Peak District celebrates its 70th anniversary as the UK’s first National Park named in 1951.
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Fancy making the trip then? The Manc is here to help you navigate the Peaks to make sure you have the best weekend away, with no car necessary.
We’ve outlined five simple walks, so you can get out there and enjoy the stunning views.
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Of course, it wouldn’t be a Manc’s guide to a northern staycation without thinking of the weather, so we’ve made sure our plans for you are waterproof, and they’re both cheap and easy too, so pack some scran, whack on your walking boots, and become at one with nature.
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Preparation & How to Get There
First things first – getting there.
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Trains leave Manchester Piccadilly Station to Edale – which is a village right in the heart of the Peaks – every hour, so you’ll want to get a Manchester to Sheffield train on the Hope Valley line, where tickets range between £11.50 – £12.20 for the full 45-minute journey
Even more convenient, there’s one map that covers all our five walks.
OL1 Peak District (Dark Peak Area) is your lifeline, and you can get your hands on it either via Amazon or, if paper isn’t your thing, go to your App store to OS Online App or ViewRanger App, and all the routes will be on there.
Ready, set, let’s walk.
The 5 Walks
Take your pick.
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Grindslow Knoll
Edale from Grindslow Knoll / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
There are two options when walking Grindslow Knoll.
Option A is a four mile walk taking between two to three hours that’s steeper and an occasionally rockier ascent at times but is shorter overall, and then there’s option B, which is five and a half miles that takes half an hour longer than the other, but is a a more gradual route via Ringing Roger.
Both routes lead to a 360° view at the summit of Grindslow Knoll.
Gradually descend, meeting with the Penine Way and back to Edale.
Mam Tor via Black Tor
Mam Tor via Black Tor / Credit: Pixabay
This is absolute cracker of a walk with stunning views and also easy on the knees.
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Spreading across two Tors and across the back of the Great Ridge, this walk takes between two and a half to three hours and is a sum total of five miles.
Hiking up Back Tor is optional as it’s harder as the route goes up and down.
Kinder Scout via Grindsbook Clough
Penine Way, Kinder Downfall / Credit: Flickr
This is a bit of a longer one to really reset yourself after a tough week at work.
A wonderful eight mile walk taking between four to five hours, many seasoned Peak-goers crown this their favourite walks.
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peaks, so it’s definitely worth the trek as you can see all across the land and it even has a waterfall. It’s also circular, leaving the village past the Nags Head (some people might just end there), and then over the bridge leaving the tiny village behind you.
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Or you can go the other way round and finish up by the Nags Head – your choice.
Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder
Peter Nook Wood and the River Kinder / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This is a must-walk route because it covers two major Peak District locations – the highest point in the peaks, Kinder Scout, and Jacob’s Ladder.
Known as ‘the Beautiful Steps to Kinder Scout’, Jacob’s Ladder is a set of stone steps cut into the hillside, leading up to the Kinder Plateau, and the eight to 10 mile route follows the start of the Pennine way to an aesthetic packhorse bridge, which marks the start of Jacob’s Ladder.
Mam Tor via Jacob’s Ladder and Rushup Edge
Penine Way, Edale from Kinder Scout / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mam Tor is one of the most popular places to visit in the Peak District and this walk combines it with a loop via Jacob’s Ladder and Rushup Edge.
From Rushup Edge, there are beautiful views towards Mam Tor and then you cross to the Tor before slowly descending back to Edale – it’s a long but gentle walk of 10 miles taking between four and five hours.
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Take your time and enjoy the views, because the Peak District’s got a lot of them.
Now, we think it’s time for a well-earned pint, right? We’re spoiling you for choice with the two finest pubs in Edale.
Pick one or go to both – no one’s driving, remember.
At The Rambler Inn, there’s hearty meals that are locally-sourced and served in the warmth by friendly and attentive staff, a large beer garden to make the most of on a nice day, and a wide range of real ales, traditional ciders, whiskeys and sprits at the bar.
A proper country pub with sturdy furniture and thick upholstery, The Rambler Inn is a cheap, cheerful, and welcoming sight after a long stomp the Peaks.
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The menu is extensive with a great range of vegan or vegetarian option, and famous for its gluten free fish and chips.
Why not try their breakfast and stay in one of the cosy rooms overlooking the mountains?
The Old Nags Head
The Old Nags Head / Credit: The Old Nags Head
Stone walls, exposed beams, and an open fire make up the interiors of quintessentially-British The Old Nag’s Head, so pull up a chair, grab a pint, and soothe your feet in the against the crackling flames.
No messing about, this pub fills your hungry stomach with meat feast pizzas, BBQ pulled pork smothered fries, and any sandwich filling you can think of, from roast beef to halloumi, red pepper, and sweet chilli.
Slushie cocktails are now available here too – so you can’t go wrong.
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Featured Image – Pixabay
Kids & Family
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
Kids & Family
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Dolly Busby -
20th October 2021 
