The White Peak is the central and southern part of the Peak District National Park and gains its name from the geology of the area. It’s typified by a series of stunning, water carved limestone dales and is famous for its gin clear rivers such as the Dove, Wye, Manifold and Lathkill.
The river valleys are well wooded and play host to a fabulous array of bird species, whilst the higher reaches of the dale sides are craggy, rock strewn and home to some fantastic flora and fauna. Between the iconic dales and rivers farming is the main land use and the well grazed fields are enclosed by traditional drystone walls and dotted with charming villages which are always a joy to visit.
Our walk is designed to follow a route that takes in a good cross section of these habitats and gives us the best chance of encountering the White Peaks fantastic wildlife.
We start in one of the area’s pretty villages, before climbing up into the farmland and pasture above the houses where we hope to see Skylark, Meadow Pipit and possibly Brown Hare. The farm buildings and cottages have good numbers of nesting Swallows and Swifts which are always a joy to watch!
Dropping down into one of the White Peaks many ‘dry’ dales (formed by glacial meltwater carving a deep narrow valley in the local soluble limestone before finding a route underground leaving a dry valley) the steep bare grass sides bring a welcome splash of colour as Cowslip, Primrose, Bluebell and Early Purple Orchid crowd the slopes and Butterflies such as the Common Blue and Orange Tip delight as they flit between the flowers. We’ll be listening out for the ‘see-tack’ of the migrant Northern Wheatear that return to breed here in early Spring.
Further down the dale sparse scrub and stunted trees start to appear on the upper slopes – these areas are home to the Common Redstart and we should get great views of this jewel of a bird.
As the dale becomes more wooded we’ll encounter more birds as Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler give their delightful songs and Spotted Flycatcher dart from their perches in pursuit of flying insects. Reaching one of the Peak Districts famous rivers, we head upstream where we should encounter one of its most famous residents – the charismatic and entertaining Dipper! Grey Wagtail are very likely and Willow and Marsh Tits can be encountered as well as Mandarin. Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard and Raven are all possible above the craggy slopes.
We’ll finish back in the village in plenty of time for a well deserved ice cream!
Species seen on previous walks: Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Mandarin, Little Grebe, Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven, Wheatear, Common Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Linnet, Swallow, Swift, Grey Heron, Brown Trout, Early Purple Orchid, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Orange Tip, Brimstone
And with a slice of luck!: Pied Flycatcher, Red Kite, Stoat, Brown Hare
Duration: 5-6 hours
Cost: Adults £35, Under 16 £20 (must be accompanied by an adult). There is a 10% discount when two or more adults book. No deposit required!
Need to know: The weather can be very changeable in the Peak District in Spring so come prepared – Heavy rain may lead to a postponement/cancellation – Some paths are steep and rocky and may be slippy but don’t worry we’ll take our time.