Thoughts on short Peak District hike?
 

Hi, we are a family of four heading to Europe later this spring. We have one open day in Manchester, and I was hoping we might explore the Peak District since it's so close.

Background -- I'm reasonably fit and getting better :-), our two teens are ridiculously fit and husband is reasonably fit but recovering from knee surgery (not a replacement) last year. He's almost 100% and loves to walk/hike/photograph but is a little concerned about overdoing it early in our trip. However, he doesn't want to miss out on a trip to the Peak District, because the images we've seen so far are amazing.

I found this hike online which is only 5.5 miles and looks like it might work for us. Any thoughts?

http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk...s/walk_a/1113/

We'll have the whole day so I figure we can take our time. Worst case scenario, if we get to Edale and husband decides against going, he can relax in the pub or stroll through the town with camera in hand while the teens and I hike, and then we can meet up afterward. From what I've seen, Edale is a small village ... any local favorites? I've only seen references to the train station and the Old Nag's Head.

Thanks for your feedback -- much appreciated!

Edale is a good base for two excellent walks. There are others including Monsal Dale and the most popular Dovedale (but possibly too far). A cheap book of walks "AA 50 Walks in the Peak District" gives you a good guide to lots of walks near Manchester.

Sounds wonderful. I've never hiked there but have been several times and love it. Only advice, no matter how nice the day put some dry gear or a rain poncho in your day packs. Weather can change in an instant and there have been some sad tales of severe hypothermia.

That's the area I did lots of hiking 50 years ago! I seem to remember it was very scrambly with lots of steep uphill bits. And wet. But it is a very spectacular area and Edale is definitely the hiking centre for the Peak District. Good luck and let us know how you go on.

Hi

We too are going to the Peaks later this Spring.

The website with the walks looks great. Thanks.

Thanks for the suggestions! I ordered the book already in e-book format and am looking forward to settling in with it.

good shoes, waterproofs, water bottle or two, take a phone and enough charge to use the GPS.

Spring? If you mean March (hmm still risk of snow).
Check the BBC weather (normally pretty good, 5 days out now, and provides it to a small zone by the hour) and if says a lot of rain then avoid. Nothing like climbing up a set of steps that become a waterfall.