Walk 45: Hope Pilgrimage

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.

Start Grid Ref: SK 12335 85774
W3W: smiles.website.scrapping

Route Map

Download Route File (.gpx)

GPX files can be used with compatible GPS devices and mapping apps to help you follow the route.

Weather

Mon 9 Nov

Foggy

Temperature: 3–7°C
Rain: 27%
Wind: 11 km/h

Tue 10 Nov

Light drizzle

Temperature: 5–8°C
Rain: 20%
Wind: 17 km/h

Wed 11 Nov

Drizzle

Temperature: 2–7°C
Rain: 18%
Wind: 17 km/h

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

Guidance

Route Information & Safety

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

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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.

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.

Ladybower Reservoir, Day 1, around mid-afternoon — Ladybower Reservoir

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.