Whoever you’re visiting the Peak District with, or if you’re going solo, it’s always sure to stir the heartstrings! If you’re going as a couple though, and want to add a little romance to your visit, we’ve got some great ideas for you.
We’ve picked some of our favourite things to do together in the Peak District, along with some lovely walks to accompany them.
Do you have any romantic Peak District ideas to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
10 Best Romantic Peak District Ideas
From grand stately homes used as backdrops for period dramas, to eye-popping beauty spots and sunrise viewpoints and from stargazing spots to heart-pumping adrenaline adventures; whatever your preferred way to spend a romantic day we’ve got you cvoered. Below you’ll find our 10 best romantic Peak District ideas, as well as a description of our walks you will find in the same area.
Click through to any of the walks described to get the full route description, as well as a map and GPX file.
1. Watch The Sunset Together
Sitting side by side and gazing at the changes colours of the sky whilst taking in a stunning view, what better way to spend time together? There are so many great vantage points in the Peak District to watch the sunset, from windswept moorlands to panoramic edges and hilltops. Pack a flask and some cake in your backpack and hike up to watch the day draw to a dramatic close. Far better than staring at a screen!
We’ve created a list of 16 of our favourite walks where you can stop to watch the sun go down from a great viewpoint, along with some handy tips for staying safe while doing it. Take a read of the brief descriptions of the walks in our list, choose your favourite and click through to read the full details here.
16 Best Sunset Walks2. Share a Bakewell Tart in Bakewell
Bakewell is, unsurprisingly, the home of the Bakewell Tart and the original Bakewell Pudding. Both delicious sweet treats and perfect for fuelling a good walk! There are a few great bakery shops in Bakewell where you can purchase your mid-walk fuel, including The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. We’ve got the perfect hike for you to walk up an appetite too; our 7-mile Chatsworth and Edensor from Bakewell route.
Grab yourself a some bakes to share and head out for a fab walk together!
Bakewell Walk
3. Have a Heart-pumping Adventure for Two
The couple that plays together stays together! Or, something like that anyway!
Want to get your hearts racing together with something a little different? There are lots of adventure companies based in the Peak District who can take you on overground or underground adventures! Whether you fancy caving or climbing, gorge walking or mountain biking, or one of many other adventures you can find lots of options in the Action and Adrenaline section of the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire website.
Adventure Options4. Visit Lyme Park and Relive Pride and Prejudice
Lyme Park sits at the edge of the Peak District, in Cheshire. It is a grand stately home, sitting in a 1,400 acre estate. The perfect location for a romantic stroll!
Did we mention that the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice was filmed here? In an infamous scene, Colin Firth, playing Mr Darcy, emerged from one of Lyme Park’s lakes. He and Elizabeth Bennet are also filmed strolling the gardens as their romance sets hold. The filming transformed the fortunes of Lyme Park and people still visit today to spot where scenes were filmed.
We’ve got a three great walks from Hayfield, around a twenty minute drive from Lyme Park, ranging in length from seven to ten miles. Go for a hike before or after you take in the sweeping grandeur of Lyme Park!
Hayfield Walks5. Go Stargazing at the StarDisc
The StarDisc at Wirksworth is an illuminated 21st century stone circle created by Aidan Shingler. Spanning 12 meters, the carved black granite star chart mirrors the night sky and is inscribed with the constellations. The chart is illuminated at night with low-emission lights and is encircled by grey granite benches. Giving you the ultimate romantic spot to sit and stargaze together!
You pass the StarDisc near the end of our Black Rocks and StarDisc from Wirksworth walk. The walk is just four miles long but takes in fantastic views from Black Rocks, as well as lots of other local sights, before descending back past the StarDisc to Wirksworth. You could grab a sunset view from Black Rocks before gazing at the night sky at the StarDisc, then heading into Wirksworth for a romantic meal! Thank us later.
Black Rocks and StarDisc Walk6. Catch the Views on an Edges Hike
There’s something quite special about seeing standing side by side and seeing big views together. Over millions of years the landscape of the Peak District was formed by the glacial flows of Ice Ages carving the peaks and valleys you see before you today. It can really spark emotion realising the history that sits before you.
We have a couple of great walks which take in panoramic views from Peak District edges. If you want a longer hike try our 11-mile Six Edges Walk from Birchen Edge, or for a shorter one, try our 6-mile Curbar Edge with Frogatt and White Edge Walk. If you want a full day out hiking though you can find a great 14-mile route, which takes in edges views on the button below!
Stanage & Derwent Edges from Bamford7. Visit Lover’s Leap in Dovedale
Lovers Leap got its name after a young woman, who believed her lover to have been killed in the Napoleonic Wars, tried to take her life by throwing herself from the rocky crag. Luckily her dress caught on a protruding branch and her life was saved. Even more luckily she then found out her lover was still alive!
You can bring a little less drama to the area by heading to Dovedale for one of our walks in the area. You can take in Lover’s Leap on our 7-mile Dovedale, Munster Hill and Thorpe Cloud walk or our 10-mile Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale and Tissington Trail route.
8. (Don’t) Get Lost Together
Getting lost together might sound wildly romantic but it’s actually far better for you both (and for the Mountain Rescue) if you don’t get lost! If you both love hiking in the Peak District but hate those arguments about whose fault it is you added three miles onto your walk then a navigation course could be your perfect partner!
Seriously though, basic map reading skills is a great thing to have under your belt when out in the hills. Why not book a course and learn together?! Emma Holland is a qualified Mountain Leader who delivers regular navigation courses in the Peak District. You can check out the options and book now on her website.
Navigation Courses9. Take in the Scenery from Monsal Head
Can we interest you in a short walk with great views and a lovely pub at the start/finish?! We thought so. Our 2-mile Monsal Head and Viaduct Walk starts at Monsal Head, where you’ll enjoy views down the valley. You then descend through the trees to the River Wye, where there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic or watch water cascade over the weir. Finally, you walk beneath the viaduct, back across a footbridge over the River Wye and head up to Monsal Head.
It’s a short route but a good climb back up the valley so you’ll be sure to have worked up an appetite for a visit to the The Monsal pub at the top.
Monsal Head & Viaduct WalkGo for a Walk!
If none of the above take your fancy we do have one final idea…just go for a walk together! We’ve got almost 150 walking route options on our website, so you’re sure to discover one you both want to do together.
Happy walking!
All Walking Routes
What would your perfect romantic day in the Peak District look like? Let me know in the comments below.
Ordnance Survey Walk Maps
For these walks, there are two maps that cover them OL1 – Peak District (Dark Peak Area) and OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)
Shop online at Ordnance Survey
And don’t forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition or the Silva Classic compass.
For online maps, I recommend the OS Online App (I have been using it for many years and it is worth getting if you want to start walking more). Check prices here for the one-month or annual option with the OS Online App. All the walks on the website are created using OS Online + you can download them to the App.
Check prices here for the one month or yearly option with OS Online App.
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More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources.
Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak District and find the best walks direct from your accommodation.
Find out what maps you will need for your trip here.
Top tips - Read our useful guides on hiking tips here.
Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here).
Visit our hiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit).
Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :).
Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Read more here.
