Peak District Loop Road Trip Itinerary
The Peak District Loop is an 83mi road trip through the heart of the Peak District in England, starting and ending in Belper. It's the perfect route for an unforgettable three-day journey, with plenty of attractions to discover along the way.
The trip begins in Ashbourne, a historic market town with plenty of local charm. From there, you'll travel through Castleton, a picturesque village known for its caves, and Matlock, a charming spa town with plenty of activities to enjoy.
The best time to drive this route is in spring and summer, when the landscapes are at their most vivid. The roads are generally of good condition, making it suitable for drivers of all levels.
This road trip is a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the Peak District while keeping your budget in check. With its stunning landscapes and plenty of attractions, the Peak District Loop is sure to provide you with a high level of experience and memories.
3
number of days
133 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Belper
Distance 133 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: slow
30.5 kWh
Airports
EMA
,
DSA
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Belper is a quaint market town situated in Derbyshire, England. It is the starting point of the Peak District Loop, a beautiful road trip through the rolling hills and lush green valleys of the Peak District National Park.
The town of Belper is a great place to get a feel for Derbyshire. The centre of the town is the historic Market Place, with a variety of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. There are also plenty of attractions in the area, including the East Mill, a Grade II listed mill building, and the Strutt’s North Mill Museum. For those interested in history, the town has many fine old buildings, including the 16th century St. Peter’s Church.
For those travelling to Belper by air, the closest international airport is East Midlands Airport (EMA). From the airport, car rental is available to get to Belper.
The Peak District Loop will take you on an unforgettable journey through the countryside of Derbyshire. Along the way, you will find stunning views, charming villages and plenty of places to explore. So start your road trip from Belper and experience the beauty of the Peak District.
1
Belper
- Ashbourne
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Belper to Ashbourne, two towns located in the heart of Derbyshire, England. This stage of the journey is only 12 miles long and will take you less than an hour to drive.
Begin your trip in Belper, a quaint market town with a history of milling, and visit the 19th century Strutt's North Mill, a Grade I listed building on the banks of the River Derwent. There's also the River Gardens, a peaceful spot for a stroll and a picnic, as well as the Belper River Gardens Railway, a miniature railway with a lovely café.
Continue your journey to Ashbourne, a picturesque market town located on the banks of the River Henmore. Here you can explore the many independent shops and cafes, as well as the medieval St Oswald's Church. Don't miss the Ashbourne Town Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the town's past.
This is just one of the stages of your tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Ashbourne - England - Europe - Road Trip - Flickr
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2
Ashbourne
- Buxton
Distance 39 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: slow
9.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage between Ashbourne and Buxton!
This 24mi drive will take you fewer than 2 hours to complete, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful places in England.
Starting in Ashbourne, you can visit the imposing St Oswald’s Church, a Grade I listed building that dates back to the 13th century. You can also explore the historic market town, with its many shops and pubs, or visit the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football Match, a traditional game played every year in the town.
Continuing on your journey, you can stop in the charming village of Parwich, where you can admire the ancient Anglo-Saxon church of St Peter and St Paul.
Finally, you will arrive in Buxton, a spa town known for its Georgian architecture, mineral springs, and beautiful parks. Here you can visit the magnificent Buxton Opera House, the Pavilion Gardens, and the Devonshire Dome, a former stable block of the Devonshire family.
We hope you enjoy this stage of your road trip and that you have a wonderful time exploring the beautiful places of Ashbourne and Buxton. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Buxton - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Buxton - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Buxton - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Buxton
- Castleton
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Buxton-Castleton road trip stage! This journey is one of the most exciting stages of a larger tour, and it will take you only fewer than 1 hour to drive the 10mi between these two beautiful towns.
Buxton is a charming town filled with attractions and activities to explore. Start your journey by visiting the Pavilion Gardens, a Victorian park with an impressive 2.5 acres of gardens and a café. Then, check out the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, which offers a great collection of artifacts and artworks. Finally, don’t miss the Poole’s Cavern, a spectacular limestone cave with unique geological formations.
After exploring Buxton, it’s time to continue your journey to Castleton. This picturesque village is home to the stunning Peveril Castle, a Norman fortress with a beautiful view of the Hope Valley. You can also visit the Treak Cliff Cavern, a limestone cave with a wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites. And, don’t forget to explore the Peak Cavern, the largest show cave in the Peak District.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Castleton - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Castleton - England - Europe - Road Trip - Vikipedija
Castleton - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Castleton
- Eyam
Distance 16 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
3.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Castleton to Eyam? This 10mi journey will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy the scenery and the attractions along the way.
Start your journey in Castleton, a quaint village in the Peak District National Park, and visit the Castleton Show Cave, where you can explore the underground caverns. Then, take a short walk to Peveril Castle, a magnificent 11th-century fortress with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Continue your journey to Eyam, an idyllic village known as the Plague Village. Here, you can visit the Eyam Hall and the Plague Cottages, which tell the story of the 1665 plague epidemic. Afterward, take a stroll through the Eyam Museum, which features artifacts and exhibits related to the plague.
Make sure to explore the beauty of the area, and take some time to appreciate the stunning views of the Derwent Valley.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Eyam - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Eyam
- Matlock
Distance 26 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
6.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Eyam to Matlock road trip! This 16mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and is part of a larger tour.
Your first stop is in Eyam, the "Plague Village". Here you can visit the Plague Cottages, which were the home of the families who stayed in the village to contain the plague in 1665. You can also explore the churchyard and the old village, as well as the museum.
Next on your journey is Tideswell, a picturesque village with many interesting attractions. Visit the 14th century St John the Baptist Church, the Tideswell Well Dressing, and the Tideswell Dale Nature Reserve.
Further along the road is Millers Dale, a small hamlet with a beautiful view of the River Wye. Here you can explore the limestone gorge, the old railway tunnel, and the many caves.
Finally, you will reach Matlock, a town known for its natural beauty. Visit the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop park with stunning views of the Derwent Valley, and the Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Matlock - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Matlock
- Belper
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
4.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a 10 mi journey through the beautiful English countryside, starting in Matlock and ending in Belper. Along the way, you will be able to visit the stunning Matlock Bath, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. Here, you can take a stroll along the River Derwent and admire the spectacular views of the surrounding hills. You can also explore the Peak District National Park, where you can find interesting wildlife and a variety of outdoor activities. Afterward, you can head to Belper, a charming town with a rich industrial heritage. Here you can visit the East Mill, a former cotton mill, and explore its history. The whole journey should take you less than an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in all the sights. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Belper - England - Europe - Road Trip - Geograph
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Belper
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Belper is a small town in England's Derbyshire county, located in the heart of the beautiful Peak District. It is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the stunning countryside, and the perfect end point to a road trip around the Peak District Loop.
The town is home to a number of attractions, including the Strutt's North Mill, a Grade I listed building. The mill was built in 1786, and is now a museum open to the public. There is also the Belper River Gardens, a tranquil spot perfect for a picnic.
For history buffs, the town is home to the 12th-century St. Peter's Church and the Georgian-era Belper Market Place. The town also has a number of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, ideal for some retail therapy or a bite to eat.
From Belper, visitors can explore the surrounding countryside, with the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the Chatsworth Estate, and the spectacular limestone gorge at Dovedale all within easy reach.
The closest international airport to Belper is East Midlands Airport (EMA). From there, it is easy to rent a car and take the scenic drive through the Peak District to reach the town. For those looking for a scenic and tranquil way to end their road trip, Belper is the perfect destination.
Peak District Loop Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Belper
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End:
Belper
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Distance:
133 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
East Midlands Airport (EMA),
Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Peak District Loop is an enchanting 83-mile journey nestled in the heart of England's first national park, the Peak District. Originating and concluding in the charming town of Belper, this circular route encompasses a mosaic of historical towns, idyllic villages, and breathtaking natural wonders, making it the perfect itinerary for a three-day adventure.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Ashbourne: Known as the `Gateway to the Peak District,` this historic market town is characterized by its medieval street pattern and rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a taste of traditional English charm.
- Castleton: Famous for its show caves like the Blue John Cavern, this village is a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts and those seeking subterranean adventures.
- Matlock: Once revered for its therapeutic hydrotherapy treatments, Matlock is a Victorian spa town where travelers can indulge in a range of activities, from exploring the lush Derwent Valley to visiting the Heights of Abraham with its cable cars and cavern tours.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal period to embark on the Peak District Loop is during the spring and summer months, when the park is awash with vibrant greenery, wildflowers are in bloom, and the weather is typically mild, offering the ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and leisurely drives.
Potential Risks:
While the Roads in the Peak District are well-maintained and suitable for drivers of all abilities, visitors should always be mindful of potential hazards such as narrow lanes, blind curves, and livestock crossings. Additionally, the region's weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to check forecasts and Road conditions ahead of travel.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Peak District is steeped in history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Stone Age.
- The area is a haven for wildlife, including rare bird species like the peregrine falcon and the iconic red grouse.
- The Peak District is known for its traditional dry stone walls that crisscross the landscape, a testament to the region's agricultural heritage.
- The region's diverse geology has created an array of landscapes from the rugged moors of the Dark Peak to the rolling hills and dales of the White Peak.
A good choice for:
The Peak District Loop is a captivating getaway for those eager to immerse themselves in the quintessence of the English countryside. With an alluring combination of historical intrigue, natural splendor, and accessible routes, this Road Trip promises an unforgettable experience that marries the serenity of rural life with the thrill of discovery.
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