Peak Wesley Way

The Peak Wesley Way, Peak District National Park – 47 miles, 6 days

A new, self-guided, way-marked pilgrimage through the Peak District National Park, the Peak Wesley Way is 47 miles, starting at Matlock train station and ending at Edale (also the starting point of the Pennine Way for any brave souls wishing to continue their trek!).  The path connects six rural Methodist chapels, each with their own character and story, still in use as places of worship, where pilgrims can stay overnight.

The route takes in some of England’s most breathtaking natural beauty, journeying north through the picturesque hills and dales of the White Peak to the more dramatic, rugged, Dark Peak, and yet still a landscape that bears the marks of generations of farmers, industrialists and travellers who have trod these paths before. The travellers included John Wesley’s Methodist preachers, ordinary people who made extraordinary journeys to bring their good news to the villages and founded the chapels along the Peak Wesley Way.

Day 1: Matlock to Youlgrave

The route ascends the medieval Limestone Way northwards from the spa town of Matlock, incorporating the 14th century Hermitage at Cratcliffe Tor, concluding at Youlgrave, a village of 500 dwellings served by its own private water supply.

Day 2: Youlgrave to Great Longstone

A day of beautiful countryside views and riverside walks, incorporating the “shy” River Lathkill, Victorian weirs, the market town of Bakewell (home of the famous pudding) and the stunning Monsal viaduct.

Day 3: Great Longstone to Baslow

Travelling through the last of the limestone White Peak and its ancient lead mining Rakes, until it meets the harsher gritstone of the Dark Peak at Baslow. The churches and chapels you pass all have stories to tell, as does the toll bridge at Baslow, the oldest surviving bridge over the River Derwent.

Day 4: Baslow to Hathersage

Ascending to the top of Baslow, Froggatt and Curbar edges affords spectacular views of the Hope Valley. Points of interest include Padley Chapel, a memorial to Catholic priests martyred days before the Spanish Armada was spotted off the coast of Cornwall. If you pack your swimwear you may be able to take a dip in Hathersage Lido.

Day 5: Hathersage to Castleton

A journey through the Hope Valley, with Mam Tor, the “Shivering Mountain”, in view for much of the day. Along the picturesque route you will encounter many clues to the changing ways people of the valley have lived, worked and made meaning of life.

Day 6: Castleton to Edale

Castleton was once a prolific mining area, and is famous for the semi-precious Blue John stone. This area was also the site of the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, fighting for the “right to roam”. Your final day includes a short but steep ascent and a visit to the recently restored Methodist chapel in Barber Booth, built within a few years of the death of John Wesley.

The Peak Wesley Way can be booked through their website, www.peakwesleyway.com.

Directions

Starts: Matlock (train station)

Ends: Edale (train station)

Route: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/21572534/peak-wesley-way