Calton Hill

Standing 383 metres above sea level, this limestone hill offers some of the finest views across the Peak District without the crowds you'll find on the more famous summits. The walk to the top from Buxton takes about 45 minutes through pleasant farmland and stone-walled fields, with the gradient never becoming too punishing for families with older children.

From the summit, you can see across to Kinder Scout on clear days, with the White Peak's characteristic dry stone walls creating a patchwork below. It's particularly lovely in early morning when the mist sits in the valleys, though any time of day works well enough.

Walkers will appreciate this as a proper workout without being overly challenging, while families might find younger children flagging on the return leg. The paths can get muddy after rain, so decent boots are worth packing.

For those staying at nearby sites like Beech Croft Farm or the various options around Buxton, this makes an excellent half-day excursion. You're only a stone's throw from the spa town itself, so combining the climb with a wander through Buxton's Georgian architecture works brilliantly. Allow three hours total including the walk and time to enjoy the views at the top.