White Peak Walks - The Southern Dales
30 walks in Derbyshire & Staffordshire

White Peak Walks - The Northern Dales 
35 Walks in  Derbyshire’s White Peak

These two guidebooks, in the standard Cicerone format 175mm by 118mm, split the White Peak along the A515 and A5012.  The maps at the start of each book indicate the location of each walk. At the end of each book there is an appendix summarising each walk with the distances in miles and kilometres.

The books have an introductory section with an interesting  history of the district together with advice on walking (directed at the novice) and noting the importance of taking a compass together with the relevant 1:25000 scale map in addition to the guide. The books are well illustrated with colour photographs giving readers a flavour of each walk.

The walks are designed as half day circular excursions, only 13 walks exceeding 10km, however the author suggests that the more experienced walker can extend or link some of the walks.

Each walk starts with a box summarising the starting point, distance, suggested time, parking place, description of the terrain and availability of refreshments. This is followed by a paragraph giving the reader an introductory feel for the walk. In addition there is an extract from the 1: 50,000 OS map designed to give the reader a feel for the overall course of the walk. The only extra piece of information that some  walkers might like included in this section is the amount of height gained or lost.

I found the route descriptions clear, detailed and easy to follow and consistent with my experience of walking in the White Peak. In summary these books are a useful source of ideas for days out in the White Peak

by Phil Nixon