Walk 45: Hope Pilgrimage

Walk Details

About difficulty

• Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
• Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
• Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

The Hope Pilgrimage is a linear route from Edale to Eyam, making public transport a convenient option. It also avoids needing to return to your car after completing the walk.

Travelling to Edale

• Edale has its own railway station, close to the start of the route.
• Regular trains run from Sheffield and Manchester.
• You can walk directly from the station to join the pilgrimage route.

Returning from Eyam

• Bus services connect the village with nearby towns and onward transport links.
• Check the latest timetables before you set off, particularly if you plan to travel home straight after finishing the walk.

Public transport makes the logistics straightforward, but it is worth planning the return journey in advance, especially on Sundays, bank holidays or outside peak travel times.

Directions to the start point

Route Map

Weather

Forecast for the walk start

Plan for changing conditions on the hills.

Fri 16 Oct

Light rain

Temperature

7–11°C

Rain

100%

Wind

22 km/h

Sat 17 Oct

Partly cloudy

Temperature

6–10°C

Rain

0%

Wind

18 km/h

Sun 18 Oct

Drizzle

Temperature

6–9°C

Rain

10%

Wind

22 km/h

Forecast data updates hourly. Conditions can change quickly on the hills. Forecast data: Open-Meteo.

Guidance

In this guide, I share my experience of walking the Hope Pilgrimage with a friend, including the route we took, what we found along the way, and how we approached the two-day adventure.

This is a personal account rather than official route guidance. Before setting out, check the official Hope Pilgrimage information and carry out your own research, particularly on navigation, accommodation and current route conditions.

About the Hope Pilgrimage

The Hope Pilgrimage is a modern walking route through the Peak District, created in 2020 by the team at Eyam Church. It runs from Edale to Eyam, linking churches, villages and historic landscapes along the way.

• A linear route from Edale to Eyam
• Combines walking, history, nature and reflection
• Visits churches along the route
• Official guidebook includes church stamps and Bible verses
• Finishes in the historic plague village of Eyam

The pilgrimage is about more than reaching the finish. The churches provide places to pause and reflect, while the villages, cafés, pubs and viewpoints offer opportunities to slow down and enjoy the journey.

The route crosses spectacular Peak District scenery, but it is designed to be experienced at an unhurried pace rather than simply completed as a challenge.

Eyam provides a meaningful final destination. Its history during the Great Plague of 1665–66 when villagers isolated themselves to help protect neighbouring communities adds a powerful sense of purpose to the end of the journey.

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Itinerary

Day One

• Start: Edale
• End: North Lees Campsite
• Distance: 33.8 km (21 mi)
• Accommodation: North Lees Campsite
  • Pitches and pods available (four standard pods and two family pods and one accessibility pod)
  • A fully-equipped shower block with separate men’s and women’s showers and toilets

Starting in Edale, this demanding first day crosses some of the Peak District’s best-known high ground: Mam Tor, Win Hill and Stanage Edge.

Route highlights

• Climb Mam Tor straight from Edale
• Descend into Castleton, then walk through Bradwell and Hope
• Pass the cement works and Roman remains
• Tackle the steep ascent of Win Hill for wide valley views
• Follow Ladybower Reservoir to Bamford
• Finish beneath the gritstone cliffs of Stanage Edge at North Lees Campsite

What to expect

• A long, strenuous day with three major ascents; Mam Tor, Win Hill and Stanage Edge
• An early start is recommended, especially outside summer
• Food and refreshment options are available at the caverns, in Castleton, Bradwell and Hope
• Big views from Mam Tor, Win Hill and Stanage Edge
• Stunning views at Ladybower Reservoir

The climb over Mam Tor makes for a challenging start, and Win Hill provides another substantial test later in the day. By the time you reach Stanage Edge, the distance and accumulated ascent will be noticeable, but the views make the effort worthwhile.

The route is nicely broken up by villages and changing scenery, so there are plenty of opportunities to pause, refuel and enjoy the landscape.

We stayed in a pod at North Lees Campsite, avoiding the need to carry a tent. After a long day on the trail, having a comfortable place to sleep was a real luxury and helped keep our packs lighter.

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Day Two

• Start: North Lees Campsite
• End: Eyam
• Distance: 17.8 km (11 mi)

The second day completes the Hope Pilgrimage, returning to Stanage Edge before crossing open moorland, visiting Hathersage and finishing in the historic plague village of Eyam.

Route highlights

• Climb from North Lees Campsite back to Stanage Edge
• Cross the moors via Higger Tor and the ancient earthworks of Carl Wark
• Descend into Hathersage for a possible refreshment stop
• Cross Eyam Moor and pass Sir William Hill
• Finish in Eyam, associated with the Great Plague of 1665–66

What to expect

• A shorter day than Day 1, but with several worthwhile climbs
• Open moorland, expansive views and prominent historic landmarks
• Food and refreshment options in Hathersage
• The chance to visit the pilgrimage’s nine churches and collect guidebook stamps

The opening climb back to Stanage Edge is an immediate reminder that there is still elevation to come. Once on the moors, though, the broad views and landmarks around Higger Tor and Carl Wark make for a rewarding morning.

The descent into Hathersage offers a welcome change of pace before the route heads uphill again across Eyam Moor. The day may be shorter, but the climbs can still feel demanding after the distance covered on Day 1.

As you approach Eyam, the journey takes on a stronger sense of purpose. Visiting the pilgrimage churches and collecting stamps makes each stop feel like progress towards the finish.

Arriving in Eyam is a satisfying conclusion to two days of walking. With its remarkable and sombre history, the village gives the final destination a significance that goes beyond completing the route’s roughly 32 miles.

Gallery

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