The best mountain hikes around Staffordshire Moorlands

There are several mountaineering routes in the Staffordshire Moorlands, with this guide featuring 5 highly-rated options. The region, particularly within the Peak District National Park, offers a diverse range of trails across its gritstone uplands and rocky escarpments.

Yes, there are routes suitable for those new to mountaineering or families. For example, the Chrome Hill – View of Parkhouse Hill loop from Hollinsclough is an easy 6.4 km (4.0 miles) trail that takes about 1 hour 55 minutes, offering distinctive views without extreme challenges.

The Staffordshire Moorlands are rich in dramatic natural features. You can encounter iconic gritstone ridges like The Roaches, explore the mysterious Lud's Church, or discover the impressive Thor's Cave in the Manifold Valley. Many routes offer panoramic views from prominent hills like The Cloud and Hen Cloud.

Many of the mountaineering routes in the Staffordshire Moorlands are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Burbage Edge loop from Combs, a moderate 10.5 km (6.5 miles) path featuring scenic vistas.

For breathtaking views, consider routes that ascend prominent peaks and ridges. The Roaches offer panoramic views across heather moorland, while the The Cloud Summit Trig Point provides expansive vistas over the surrounding counties. The View over Macclesfield Forest – Shutlingsloe Summit loop also leads to a prominent summit known for its outlooks.

Many trails in the Staffordshire Moorlands are dog-friendly, but it's essential to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, which are common in the Peak District National Park. Always follow the Countryside Code.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountaineering in the Staffordshire Moorlands, with milder temperatures and often clearer skies. Summer can be beautiful but also busy, while winter can bring challenging conditions like ice and snow, especially on higher ground.

While this guide features moderate routes, the Staffordshire Moorlands, with its wild and rugged gritstone uplands and rocky escarpments, offers terrain that can be challenging. Routes involving ascents of features like Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill, such as the Chrome Hill – Parkhouse Hill loop from Parkhouse Hill, provide a good workout with significant elevation changes.

Parking is generally available at popular starting points for many routes, particularly around well-known areas like The Roaches. However, during peak seasons or busy weekends, spaces can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early or have alternative parking options in mind.

The komoot community highly rates mountaineering in the Staffordshire Moorlands, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic and diverse natural landscape, the challenging terrain, and the panoramic views across the heather moorland and gritstone uplands.

Yes, some routes incorporate water features. For instance, the River Dane Crossing – Colorful Mineral Spring loop from Quarnford is a moderate 10.3 km (6.4 miles) trail that includes a river crossing and a unique mineral spring, offering a different kind of scenic interest.