Winyards Nick

The walk up Winyards Nick, near Hope Valley, isn't long but it's proper steep. You're looking at a sharp ascent through moorland with the Derbyshire grit stone landscape closing in around you - it's the sort of climb that gets your legs working but rewards you quickly with decent views across the valley. The nick itself is a narrow pass between hills, and once you've huffed your way up, you can see why walkers rate it. Takes about 45 minutes from the car park if you're not hanging about.

This is walker territory, frankly. If you're after a quick leg-stretcher with some actual elevation gain and proper Pennine scenery, it delivers. Families with confident young hikers will manage it fine, but toddlers and pushchairs won't have a pleasant time - the path is narrow and exposed in places. The whole outing works brilliantly as a half-day excursion, especially if you're basing yourself at one of the local campsites like North Lees or Wyming Brook Farm, both within a few miles.

It's free to visit, obviously, and there are no set hours - it's just moorland. Spring and autumn are your best bets weatherwise, though walkers tend to tackle it year-round. The surrounding area has plenty of other walks if you're staying put for a few days, so pairing this with a longer exploration of Hope Valley's footpaths makes sense. It won't take your breath away the way some Lake District peaks do, but if you're after genuine High Peak terrain without the faffing about, Winyards Nick gets you there.