The best walks and hikes around Hayfield

Exploring the Dark Peak’s plateaus

While the Peak District has three distinct geological regions, it’s perhaps best known for the Dark Peak region. This vast area of moorland provides some of the best hiking trails around Hayfield and it’s directly accessible from the village on foot. 

From Hayfield, hikes towards the Kinder Scout plateau will almost always give you spectacular views of the Kinder Downfall, a dramatic waterfall cascading from the top of the moor. The waterfall is the highest in the Peak District and occasionally freezes over in winter, creating a phenomenal display of icicles. 

Kinder Scout rises around 1,500 feet (457 m) above Hayfield so you’ll need to be prepared for the ascent. Once you’ve got to the top though, you’ll be rewarded. The views from the Dark Peak’s plateaus, especially Kinder Scout, offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding hills and valleys. 

You’ve got free reign to wander Kinder Scout’s open heath but to avoid wet feet, watch out for the numerous streams that begin up here. If you hike in spring, keep a lookout for this area’s most unique resident, the mountain hare. These cautious creatures are active throughout the year but their white winter coats are easier to spot against the moorland after snowmelt, before they change back to their summer brown. 

Staying low around Hayfield

Hayfield occupies a nook on the valley floor surrounded by hills on every side. The flat walks around Hayfield follow the River Sett westwards or eastwards to the River Kinder and the Kinder Reservoir. There are plenty of trails to explore in the low contours of the surrounding hills and paths going upwards do so with a gentle gradient, allowing even tired legs to get fantastic views. 

Walking trails along the River Goyt are also easy to reach from Hayfield. From nearby New Mills, you can explore both up and down the Goyt along a wide valley. The variation of Hayfield’s walks are one of the reasons the village makes such a good base if you want to access the Kinder Scout region.