derbyshire dales tourism

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White Peak Area

10 best derbyshire dales walks in the peak district.

The Derbyshire Dales is a beautiful area of Derbyshire with some stunning scenery, it covers a wide area with some iconic walks.

Within the Derbyshire Dales district you can visit the beautiful dales, there are over 50 Derbyshire Dales in the Peak District National Park, dotted in between the quaint towns and villages, including Bakewell, Milldale, Tideswell, Tissington and many more.

The dales are located within the White Peak area of the Peak District. They include some popular places like Dovedale with it’s stepping stones or Monsal Dale, not far from the scenic viewpoint at Monsal Head. As well as some less well-known dales, that are equally stunning to explore.

Here are our favourite Derbyshire Dales walks complete with beautiful routes to visit them!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve done any of these routes and what you think!

10 Best Derbyshire Dales Walks

Keep reading to see our top 10 Derbyshire Dales walks for you to enjoy.

Each Derbyshire Dale has a link to a walk (or walks) that you can click the link to get full details of the route, map, parking and GPX file.

How many of these Derbyshire Dales have you visited?

Lathkill Dale

Lathkill Dale is a beautiful walk to start this Derbyshire Dales list. The River Lathkill runs through the dale and with dramatic limestone cliffs this walk has plenty to tease your senses as you explore through the dale.

The River Lathkill and Lathkill Dale is a National Nature Reserve and also a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), which means it is incredibly beautiful but more importantly there’s no wild swimming, paddling or even letting your dog in the water. (There are signs but these are easy to miss!)

Along the river you can see Dippers, maybe a water vole and there’s plenty of wild flowers to make you feel immersed in nature. 

You can explore Lathkill Dale from a few different start points, Monyash, Over Haddon or Youlgreave. We have a lovely short route on the website from Monyash, that explores above and below the Lathkill Dale see route details below.

Lathkill Dale walks

• Lathkill Dale Walk (+ Waterfall) From Monyash | 4-Mile Route

Wolfscote Dale

Wolfscote Dale is wonderful walk taking you alongside the River Dove for a sense of calm with flowing water. 

This walk also has the bonus of having a few fun caves that you can explore at the start of the dale too! You can visit Wolfscote Dale from nearby Hartington , Alstonefield or Milldale.

Our walk begins from Hartington, which is a lovely location complete with pubs, cafe and large car park. There’s a few bonus Derbyshire Dales on this route as it includes two other dales (Beresford Dale and Biggin Dale). See link below for all the details.

Wolfscote Dale walk

• Wolfscote Dale + Biggin Dale Walk From Hartington | 5-Mile Route

The Chee Dale walk is probably one of my favourite Derbyshire Dales walks in the Peak District.

This route explores below the popular Monsal Trail so you can enjoy the quiet tranquility of the flowing river and impressive limestone cliffs with luscious green flora and fauna along the path.

But the best, and my favourite part of the walk is the Chee Dale stepping stones that wind along past the rocks on two sections of the path.

Note – after heavy rain and high river levels the stepping stones can flood, this is normally in the winter months.

You can start the walk from Miller Dale . Click the link below for the full walk details.

Chee Dale walk

• Chee Dale Walk From Miller Dale (Stepping Stones Walk) | 5-Mile Route

Bradford Dale

Bradford Dale is lovely Derbyshire Dale close to Youlgreave and Middleton, winding alongside the River Bradford, which you can see evidence of old sluice gates along the river.

There are a few treats on this walk, the interesting ‘books in the wall’ and even a small swim spot, perfect for kids to cool off on hot sunny days.

We have a couple of different walks along Bradford Dale, a couple from Moor Lane car park near Youlgreave and a longer route including Robin Hood’s Stride from Elton . See the walk routes below.

Bradford Dale walks

• Bradford Dale Short Walk Youlgreave | 5-Mile Route
• Bradford Dale Walk From Youlgreave | 6-Mile Route
• Robin Hood’s Stride Walk + Bradford Dale From Elton | 8-Mile Route

Water-cum Jolly Dale

This Derbyshire Dale takes you close to the River Wye where the river widens around Water-cum Jolly Dale and looks impressive against the back-drop of the limestone cliffs.

This is another walk that can experience flooding on the path after lots of rain, but there is a detour path available.

We have two walks that includes a few other Derbyshire Dales as well as Water-cum Jolly Dale so this route is a real treat. The first begins at Litton, where there’s a lovely pub to end your walk and the second starts from Tideswell, both are lovely routes.

Water cum-jolly Dale walk

• Tideswell, Miller’s + Cressbrook Dales Walk From Litton | 8-Mile Route
• Tideswell Dale, Miller’s Dale + Monsal Trail Walk | 7-Mile Route

A list of the Peak District Derbyshire Dales wouldn’t be complete without Dovedale, probably the most well-known Derbyshire Dale. But with this it does mean it’s the busiest of places to visit. If you want those stepping stones to yourself then you’ll need to visit off-peak!

You can start the walk from nearby Thorpe and at the other end Milldale or Alstonefield. View our two different walk routes on the website below.

Top tip – if you can visit mid-week or on a summer evening for a quieter walk.

And don’t forget if you do our Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud walk we have charity patches for Thorpe Cloud that you can order from our shop 🙂

Dovedale walks

• Alstonefield Walk (Via Milldale + Dovedale) | 7-Mile Route
• Dovedale Walk (Bunster Hill + Thorpe Cloud) | 7-Mile Route

Deep Dale is one of the much quieter Derbyshire Dales, there’s no river running directly through the dale but you’ll cross over. Deep Dale is a Nature Reserve so be on the look out for plenty of wildflowers including Early Purple Orchids and Cowslips.

As well as the wildflowers there’s also a dew-pond which is home to the rare Great Crested Newts, difficult to spot but nice to know they are happy in there!

The walk on our website from Ashford-in-the-Water includes two dales, Deep Dale and Monsal Dale, as well as a visit to Magpie Mine so this route offers a great mix of things to see.

Deep Dale walk

• Magpie Mine Walk (+ Monsal Dale) From Ashford-in-the-Water | 8-Mile Route

Cressbrook Dale

A dramatic Derbyshire Dale with some interesting history towards the end of the dale. It’s a rather grim so you may or may not want to read about what the stone was used for (maybe you can guess) , but thankfully it’s now known as a beauty spot to climb and admire the views.

Our walk begins from Litton and again goes via several other beautiful Derbyshire Dales on the way before finishing with Cressbrook Dale. You can read the full walk route here.

Cressbrook Dale walk

Monk’s Dale

Monk’s Dale is another Derbyshire Dale Nature Reserve, it’s a beautiful walk in all seasons but like the other walks during spring and summer they really come to life.

This route begins from Miller’s Dale station car park, but instead of picking up the popular routes this Monk’s Dale walk takes you on a quieter walk before looping round to pick up the Limestone Way.

The path is rocky and you’ll have numerous tree roots to climb over but it does make it feel rather mystical as you explore the dale. Read our full walk below.

Monk’s Dale walk

• Monk’s Dale Walk From Miller Dale | 4.5-Mile Route

Monsal Dale

Another well known Derbyshire Dale to complete the list. Monsal Dale runs alongside the River Wye and it’s a popular walk from Monsal Head.

The dale has plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery as well as admiring the impressive Headstone Viaduct with the Monsal Trail above.

We have two walks on the website, a shorter route from Monsal Head (which you can extend to explore more of Monsal Dale) or a second longer route that starts at Ashford-in-the-Water and you walk the entire length of the dale.

Monsal Dale walks

• Monsal Head Short Walk | 2-Mile Route

Do you have any more questions about the Derbyshire Dales walks? Ask me in the comments below.

Ordnance Survey Walk Map

Derbyshire dales.

For these Derbyshire Dales walks, the  OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)  covers the whole area.

Shop online at  Ordnance Survey

And don’t forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition compass , it’s more expensive but a valuable piece of kit!

For online maps, you can get via OS Online App or Viewranger App .

Check prices here for the  one month or yearly option with OS Online App. 

More walks in the Peak District

Love the walks in the White Peak area of the Peak District? You might like these circular walks.

• Robin Hood’s Stride From Elton | 4.5-Mile Route
• Parkhouse Hill + Chrome Hill Walk From Earl Sterndale | 5-Mile Route
• Baslow Edge Short Walk From Curbar Gap | 3-Mile Route

Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here

View walks directory here

*Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here .

Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. Are you enjoying the walks? You can say thank you and buy me a coffee here . Thank you very much 🙂

Peak District charity patches

Read  about the  charity here .

Mam Tor Patch

Kinder Scout Patch

Thorpe Cloud Patch

The Roaches Patch

Win Hill Patch

Peak District Walks Patch

Need more help planning your Peak District trip?

Join our Peak District walks Facebook page , follow us on Instagram and  Twitter for inspiration.

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 .

Becky - Peak District Walker

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Scenic routes in the Derbyshire Dales

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• Miles without Stiles

A popular excursion along the beautiful River Dove to its famous Stepping Stones at the foot of Thorpe Cloud.

Access for All

Distance: 640 m to the stepping stones

Nearest Facilities: Dovedale Car Park and Izaak Walton Hotel

• At the car park entrance, take the road marked by a vehicle restriction sign
• Follow the river to the Stepping Stones.

Alternative

Elevated views from the Izaak Walton Hotel.

Getting there

Start at Dovedale Car Park via Thorpe and the A515.

Ordnance Survey grid reference: SK 1465 5095

Postcode: DE6 2AY

Get Directions

Do you know?

• The Peak District’s best-known dale and its ‘Princess of Rivers’ was first made famous for its fishing by writers Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton in 1653.
• Dovedale’s picturesque scenery was popularised by the Romantic Movement and its fame established by railway tourism and guided donkey trips from the Stepping Stones.
• In the 1930’s, a campaign was launched to make Dovedale Britain’s first National Park.

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Derbyshire Dales

The Top 19 Peaks on the Derbyshire Dales

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Chrome Hill

Hiking Highlight

Chrome Hill, and its smaller neighbour Parkhouse Hill, are amongst some of the most distinctive hills in the Peak District. Commonly known as the ‘Dragon’s Back’, the hill boasts amazing views and a wonderful challenge.

Parkhouse Hill

Parkhouse is an iconic hill in the Peak District. Small yet challenging, the technical ridge affords a real sense of exhilaration. The views are absolutely spectacular, too. It gets quite … read more

Tip by Dan Hobson

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High Wheeldon

High Wheeldon is a distinctive dome-shaped hill that offers fabulous views over Chrome and Parkhouse. The short but steep hill involves a slog to the summit but it’s well worth … read more

Beautiful views across Derbyshire moorland fields

Stanton Moor

Stanton Moor is a majestic area of upland on the edge of the Peak District. With a Bronze Age stone circle at its heart, the moorland is much-celebrated for its … read more

White Path Moss

White Path Moss has great views over the valleys and boulders in the ferns. It can get quite windy indeed at the ledge, but climbing down a few metres or getting further off the plateau often helps quite a bit.

High Neb is the breathtaking summit of Stanage Edge. As you stand atop rugged rocks, the views over the Hope Valley, the moors and the gritstone escarpment stretching out before … read more

This whole area is great for the kids, but the rocks here in particular are a great location to bring the kids. Plenty of climbing over and under the rocks … read more

Bolehill has a trig point at 323m. It's the area of high ground south of Black Rocks and northeast of Wirksworth. There are lots of nice walking trails in the area especially through the Big Plantation and across Cromford Moor.

Minninglow Hill

Minninglow is a 1,220-foot (372 m) hill in the White Peak region of the Peak District. It is most notable for the impressive chambered Neolithic burial tomb that adorns the … read more

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Explore the most popular Tours on the Derbyshire Dales

Discover the most popular attractions on the derbyshire dales.

Discover Derbyshire Dales’s best peaks and summits by region:

• Matlock Bath
• Hartington Nether Quarter
• Offcote And Underwood
• South Darley
• Darley Dale
• Tissington And Lea Hall
• Grindleford
• Brassington
• Great Hucklow
• Hartington Town Quarter
• Ashford In The Water
• Ivonbrook Grange
• Northwood And Tinkersley
• Nether Haddon
• Eaton And Alsop
• Newton Grange
• Kirk Ireton
• Baslow And Bubnell
• Fenny Bentley
• Hartington Middle Quarter
• Stoney Middleton
• Over Haddon
• Abney And Abney Grange
• Little Longstone
• Little Hucklow
• Great Longstone
• Middleton And Smerrill
• Blackwell In The Peak

See even more amazing summits in Derbyshire with these guides:

• Peak District

The Derbyshire Dales: A Walking Holiday Gem

Nestled in the heart of England, the Derbyshire Dales boasts rolling hills, lush valleys, and charming villages, creating a picturesque backdrop for walking holidays. With its rich history, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails, the Derbyshire Dales is a walker's paradise just waiting to be explored.

The Peak District National Park: A Walker's Sanctuary

The Derbyshire Dales lies within the Peak District National Park, Britain's first national park and a haven for walkers. The park offers over 1,500 miles of well-trodden footpaths, ranging from gentle strolls through picturesque valleys to challenging hikes across rugged moorlands. The popular Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, and the Limestone Way are just a few examples of the trails that crisscross the Derbyshire Dales, providing a variety of routes for walkers of all abilities. Clearly signposted paths and easily accessible starting points make the region a stress-free and enjoyable destination for walking holidays.

Cobbled Streets, Cosy Pubs and Tearooms

The Derbyshire Dales is steeped in history, with enchanting villages and historic landmarks dotting its landscape. Unravel the rich tapestry of the region's past by visiting the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle, the stately Chatsworth House, or the elegant Haddon Hall. As you stroll through the cobbled streets of picturesque villages like Bakewell, Ashford-in-the-Water, and Tideswell, you'll experience a warm, welcoming atmosphere and have the chance to interact with friendly locals in cosy pubs and tearooms.

Abundant Wildlife and Scenic Nature Reserves

The diverse landscapes of the Derbyshire Dales provide a sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the majestic red deer, the elusive water vole, and the vibrant kingfisher as you explore the region's tranquil valleys and wooded areas. The dales are also home to several nature reserves, such as the Lathkill Dale National Nature Reserve and the Long Dale National Nature Reserve, offering incredible opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

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Derbyshire Dales

Get walking > your area > derbyshire dales, welcome to walking in the derbyshire dales.

Walking is for everyone –  free, accessible and good for our body and mind.  Here in the Dales we have every type of walking on offer from fully accessible trails, beautiful parks, undulating footpaths in lovely countryside, right up to big hill walks.

At Derbyshire Dales Health Walks, we believe walking is inclusive.  We train volunteers to become walk leaders with the goal of providing free, led walks, enabling everyone in our community to get out.  These Health Walks are an integral part of the wider Walk Derbyshire model and if you think that becoming a walker or a walk leader sounds like it is for you then why not get in contact?

All Health Walks are detailed on the Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) website.  An up to date quarterly Guide is always available

www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/walkguides

and individual information for each walk is also available

www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/healthwalks

‘Walks for All’ are a fully accessible, dementia friendly walk and talk which are very much designed with you in mind.  The pace is set by you and you choose whether you walk a long way or just bench to bench along the even easy ground with the walk leaders.  DDDC Health Walks run these in partnership with the Peak District National Park and more information is available

www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/walksforall

Walk Moor is a programme of short led walks run in Partnership with Eastern Moors Partnership and NE Derbyshire District Council.  They are located on the gritstone Edges and the Moors surrounding the Burbage Valley and Longshaw Estate.  The short walks are monthly between March and November with a few longer walks along the way.

www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/walkmoor

Derbyshire Dales Contact

Helen milton.

Health Walks Coordinator

01629 761194

[email protected], hackwood 3 mile circular walk.

A 3 mile circular walk around the farm starting at the car park for Hackwood Cafe. Feel free to start or end your walk with a drink or meal at the cafe.

Upcoming Events

Nature natter walks- hall leys park, nature natter walks- bakewell park, latest derbyshire dales news.

October 2023

Sally’s experience- Deaf-initely Women Carsington Water Circular Walk video

December 2022

Derbyshire Dales Stakeholder engagement meeting and local area insight

Stay up to date with all things walk derbyshire.

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Welcome to Castleton

Castleton is a beautiful village situated at the head of the Hope Valley in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Things to do in Castleton in the Peak District & Derbyshire

Close to mysterious Mam Tor, locally known as the 'Shivering Mountain', Castleton is one of the most beautifully-situated villages in the Peak District.

Whether you approach through the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass or from the Hope Valley, you'll appreciate the fabulous views created by its location on the cusp of the Peak District's breathtaking limestone and gritstone landscapes.

Whatever the weather, Castleton has something to offer visitors of all ages at any time of year. If it's fine and you're feeling fit, climb the steep steps up to the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle, completed in 1086 for William Peverel, a favoured knight of William the Conqueror.

Castleton is the only place in the world where the semi-precious stone Blue John, unique to the Peak District and Derbyshire, can be found and there are numerous show caverns to explore Fortify yourself in numerous cafés, tea rooms and pubs before heading off to tackle the Great Ridge Walk, one of the finest routes of its kind in the country. Plus, there are lots of places to stay in Castleton including hotels, self-catering cottages, B&Bs and more.

Nearby is the pretty village of Hope , mentioned in the Doomsday book as well as Edale the small village that marks the start and end of the Pennine Way. Other places of interest nearby include the delightful Derbyshire village of Bradwell, which contains clusters of cottages and character houses that spread up the sides of a deep gorge before opening out onto lush meadows in the Hope Valley.

Activities in and around Castleton include paying a visit to Treak Cliff Cavern, an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, minerals and fossils. Oaker Farm Cottages & Haddy's Hut is a great choice for accommodation during your stay.

Featured Businesses

Losehill house hotel & spa.

Losehill House is the perfect blend of luxurious facilities in the glorious surroundings of the Hope Valley in the Peak District, with stunning views…

Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels

A new Leisure Hotel brand for the 21st century - welcoming walkers, dog owners, cyclists and adventurers to the Peak District

Edale Gathering

The Gathering opened in 2016 and has been 5* rated on Tripadvisor ever since. Located at the top of Edale valley on a private farm.

Oaker Farm Cottages & Haddy's Hut

Three Hope Valley cottages converted from a former dairy and barns to a high standard, along with a luxurious shepherd's hut. Tranquil, peaceful…

In The Area

Treak cliff cavern.

Visit an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, minerals and fossils. Home of the unique mineral Blue John stone

National Trust Longshaw Estate

A wonderful place to discover spectacular views of the Peak District, ancient woods, meadows, parkland and heather moorland.

Derwent Cycle Hire

Discover easy, family-friendly cycle routes in the Upper Derwent

Beyond The Edge

One of the UK's most experienced providers of hill and mountain activities.

Bike Garage

Bike Garage has been providing mountain bike hire since 2010 from its workshop in Bamford. Voted best cycle hire in the Peak District by Tripadvisor…

Castleton Visitor Centre

Castleton Visitor Centre is the perfect place to begin your trip or stay in the Hope Valley.

Yorkshire Bridge Inn

Situated in the beautiful Hope Valley, the Yorkshire Bridge Inn is a family owned multi award winning inn located just a short stroll from Ladybower…

Peak Walking Adventures

Guided walking and navigation days in the Peak District.

Our Great Itineraries

Peak district classics: hope valley itinerary.

Taking in some of the best views and most picturesque places in the Hope Valley, this varied tour would make an excellent weekend or midweek break.

Car-free guide: 48 hours in the Hope Valley

Take in dramatic scenery, quaint villages and some of the Peak District's most iconic attractions along the Hope Valley Line between Manchester…

Accessible Guide: How to spend a day in Castleton

How to spend an accessible day out in Castleton.

Events in Castleton

Foolow well dressing.

This ancient custom is unique to Derbyshire and is the art of decorating springs and wells with pictures made from natural materials.

Bamford Well Dressing

Bamford Well Dressing will be on display on The Green -This ancient custom is all but unique to Derbyshire. It's the art of decorating wells and…

Bamford Well Dressing in the Making

Come and see how we create the Bamford Well Dressing!

Trails nearby

Hope valley & hucklow mtb route.

This ride takes you through classic dark peak climbs and descents with breathtaking views.

Castleton Heritage & History Walk

This lovely 5.4 mile route takes you around the highlights of Castleton, one of the prettiest and most historically significant villages in the Peak…

Peak District Children's Walks from Castleton

This 4 mile walk in the hills around Castleton is perfect for adventurous kids and their adults

The Peak District GeoWalk

The GeoWalk is a must for rock enthusiasts guiding you through the stunning Peak District landscape and rock formations.

Places to stay

Willows-themed accommodation.

Willows is the brand-new accommodation option at Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath. Choose from eight stunning themed rooms and apartments, each with…

Saints Meadow

A perfect escape: Luxury wooden retreat cabins in the rolling hills of the Derbyshire Dales.

The George Hotel – Hayfield

Nestled in the heart of picturesque Hayfield, The George exudes an irresistible charm that captures the essence of countryside comfort.

Walker Peak Cottages

Our 2 bedroom, dog friendly cottage located down a quiet lane in Wirksworth is an ideal base for a Peak District stay.

Special Offer

Late Availability offer for Derwent View

Special offer for our bungalow , holiday let Friday 17th May to Friday 24th May From £755 to £495 for the week

Villages nearby

Bamford is an attractive village and popular visitor destination close to walking routes and the reservoirs.

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Brochures and guides

A range of publications are available to help you plan a visit.

Cycle the Dales

A set of four cycle guides covering the Hope Valley, Bakewell, Matlock and Ashbourne areas. Each cycle guide has five routes, complete with OS mapping and route descriptions. Order a copy online (cost £1.10 inc p&p, per pack of four guides)

The Limestone Way walkers guide

All you need to walk this superb 46-mile route across the superb landscape of the White Peak. Directions, maps and photos. Order a copy online (Cost: £3.50 inc p&p).

Derbyshire Dales Visitor Guide

Events, places to visit, attractions and towns and villages. To or order a free copy email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bakewell town guide

Includes a pictorial town map. Walking routes, history and heritage, shopping, events and places to visit.

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Ashbourne town guide

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Matlock and Matlock Bath miniguide

Includes a map, history, events and places to visit.

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Walks in the Matlocks

Six walks around Matlock and Matlock Bath, with superb views of the Derbyshire Dales.

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Over Haddon: Everyone agrees, this Peak District village will soon be a 'ghost town'

D erbyshire residents on both sides of the debate fear their idyllic pocket of the Peak District is at risk of becoming a “ghost village” – and it’s not alone. The diminutive village of Over Haddon sits just south of Bakewell and has a population of around 250 people, living in 110 households, with lofty views over Lathkill Dale.

However, one in four of these properties are either holiday lets (21) or second homes (eight) for people who live elsewhere for at least the majority of the year, according to Derbyshire Dales District Council figures. Councillors of all political backgrounds – and none – have long proclaimed that Peak District villages are host to the most acute housing pressures and badly in need of more homes, particularly for young people.

They have bemoaned that extremely few new homes – and in some cases none – are being built in Peak District villages and hamlets. Meanwhile, they claim the few homes that go on the market are being snapped up for Airbnbs or holiday homes for people living elsewhere – with the blame often put on southerners.

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District council data shows buyers of holiday lets and second homes often live in the nearby cities of Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield – but also in London and Birmingham. Dales residents themselves, it found, own second homes elsewhere such as in Cornwall, the Lake District, North Wales and East Riding.

Current Airbnb listings for Over Haddon show 16 properties for rent, ranging from a £84 per night one-bed “guest suite” to a £328 per night four-bed “five-star boutique home”. A three-bed cottage currently for sale in the village is on the market for £575,000.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service visited Over Haddon on a grey and drizzly day to gain an insight into the life of villagers among holiday lets and second homes. Villagers told the LDRS that Over Haddon is currently at a “tipping point”.

All were surprised at the figure that a quarter of “homes” in the village did not maintain that as their primary purpose. Contending views on the situation both dubbed Over Haddon at risk of becoming a “ghost village” – for differing reasons.

Opposition to holiday let increases said the village could be destined to effectively become a holiday park in all but name, populated by tourists and other visitors – with little to no real residents and the absence of a “community”. Supporters said the village would head that way if properties were not snapped up for holiday lets, with residents unable to afford the house prices and much of the accommodation being costly to convert and refurbish or unsuitable as a family home – due to a lack of parking or garden space and with steep stairs.

A resident who did not wish to be named, and owns a holiday let himself, said: “The balance is getting better. A few homes have recently gone into permanent occupancy since the Covid pandemic and some only have permission to be holiday lets. Some properties are just going to sit empty if they are not converted into holiday lets because they are not suitable. Second homes are worse than holiday lets because they sit empty.

“The only way to sort the housing problem is to build more houses. Many houses here are not suitable for modern living. We need more affordable, good quality housing for families.”

A resident working in visitor services, who has lived in the village for 47 years, said: “Years ago there were hardly any holiday lets and only some second homes but that has all changed and we have a high percentage. It has affected things. There are not as many village people left to attend clubs or events at the village hall or in the church.

“Over Haddon has become a very affluent village. You are probably in the cheapest house now, a former council home. Older residents of the village are dying and when they do their homes become holiday lets or Airbnbs. The pub will probably benefit from it but there are no other benefits for us.

“People from down south can move into the village because they can afford the prices, it is nothing to them and the dynamic of the village has changed. We do have a number of empty houses that do nothing for the village, one has been empty for 30 years and is owned by someone in Chesterfield, with one the owner died and the home can’t be sold and then there are four empty due to village elders dying and those will probably become holiday lets.

“It is a cycle of buy it, do it up and let it. I am not totally against holiday cottages, it is just the number of them. We are going to be a little ghost village if we are not careful. I want to see children in the village again, it is a different village now.”

A former social worker who moved to the village in 1996 said it was “such a shame” that small more affordable homes in the village were being “snapped up for Airbnbs”. She said: “It is creeping into Over Haddon. It is a very small village and parking has become a big issue. It does clutter up the roads.

“They are just proliferating. I don’t know how you can stop it because people are entitled to get the best price for their houses.” The village is home to a church, a village hall and a pub and does not have any other public services, she said, with a former cafe having closed years ago.

A further resident said: “We have probably got too many of them (holiday lets). It is really difficult to get rentals at the moment. It is not affordable, the houses that are for sale are too expensive and there is a demand for holiday lets. It is sad when families have to move out of the area.”

He said he had put their home on the market due to plans to work abroad for two years. The property was listed on the Friday, received an offer by the following Saturday and let by Monday, such was the demand for rented properties.

A self-proclaimed property developer, who has lived in the village for 15 years, told the LDRS they owned several holiday lets “all over the country” including two in Over Haddon. She said the influx in holiday lets was “perfectly fine” if done and managed properly – such as the provision of sufficient parking within the site of each home.

They said: “It has a profound impact on the economy and local people can’t afford the prices anyway. People from down south will buy the homes so they are better as holiday lets. It is good for the area, the tourism business in Derbyshire brought in something like £13 million last year and that is from people coming in and needing somewhere to stay.

“If holiday lets are properly run and if people are mindful of the area then it works well. If people like me don’t turn them into holiday lets they will become second homes because they are just not affordable and people from down south or abroad will buy them up and leave them empty and small villages like this will become ghost towns.”

A couple who worked in the tourism trade for 20 years told the LDRS that there was “certainly no good that I can think of” from the increase in holiday lets. They claimed there had been a 30 to 40 per cent increase in holiday cottages in the past few years.

This was welcome for buildings which were not suitable for homes and which could have ended up being bulldozed or lying derelict, but not for properties which could house the village’s next generation. A retired business consultant who has lived in the village for 15 years said: “We are at risk of not being a village anymore but a holiday-let destination. I’d say we are just at the limit now.

“The Peak District does rely on tourism but what we have lost is the village community. The next generation can’t afford to buy houses here so they have to move to Matlock or Chesterfield . We are now on the tipping point, particularly in villages like Over Haddon, of being taken over by holiday lets and day-trippers.”

Peggy Wilson, 40, who has lived in the village for eight years, working as a dog walker, said she is “surrounded” by holiday lets and is in one of the last few remaining permanent homes on her row. She said she often gets deliveries intended for holiday lets, gets blocked in by parking and has had bad experiences with noise disturbance from visitors enjoying a back garden hot tub and setting off fireworks.

Ms Wilson said: “The actual community here is dwindling and the tourism industry is taking over. There is no benefit for the village. The peaks are a desirable place to come and visit but the balance now is not quite right.” Council papers published in February showed that out of 35,000 homes in the Dales, 2,950 properties are either holiday lets, second homes or have been empty for more than two years.

These properties are said to be largely concentrated in the spine of wards running south to north from Wirksworth to Bakewell, through to Hathersage and Eyam, the council says. As of January this year, the council said there are exactly 1,000 second homes in the Derbyshire Dales, alongside 1,464 empty homes (577 empty for two years or more) and 1,373 holiday lets.

Consultants hired by the council found Over Haddon is host to one of the largest proportions of holiday lets in comparison to overall properties. A 2023 report from the Times and Inside Airbnb found the Derbyshire Dales had one of the strongest concentrations of Airbnbs in the Midlands.

It identifies particular concentrations of listed properties in the National Park, particularly around Bakewell, Chatsworth, Eyam and Hathersage. There were 75 Airbnbs per 1,000 homes in Ashford-in-the-Water, Bakewell, Baslow, Chatsworth, Edensor, Hassop, Monyash and Youlgreave, it found.

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