Holiday rentals in Edale

Located in England’s Peak District between Manchester and Sheffield, the tiny village of Edale is made up of scattered hamlets that were originally cattle farms. The settlement started as herdsmen’s shelters, and its winding lanes are now lined with stone cottages and two pubs, where the fires crackle in winter and the gardens fill with locals on summer evenings. Edale is the start or end point for many hikers and cyclists tackling the famous Pennine Way, which extends right up to Northumberland.

The dramatic summits and valleys of the surrounding Peak District are popular with outdoors enthusiasts, offering plenty of ways to explore by land, air, and sea. If you’re keen to spend time exploring the rivers, you have your pick of options, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and wild swimming — bear in mind that the water temperature makes a wetsuit advisable for most of the year. Gliding and rock climbing provide a bird’s eye view of the sprawling Peak District National Park, while cycling, walking, and horseback riding routes keep things grounded.

As Edale is famous for its hiking and cycle routes, the best times to visit are the spring, summer, and autumn months. The summer months have the warmest, driest weather and the most daylight hours, perfect for exploring the area’s picturesque hills. The summer holidays in the UK, which run from mid-July to early September, are a particularly popular time to book Edale accommodation. If you’d prefer more space to explore, spring and autumn are good options, with their mild temperatures. Around an hour’s drive southeast of Edale, decorated boats light up dark autumn evenings on Saturdays throughout October as part of the annual Matlock Bath Illuminations event. Things quiet down a lot during the winter, attracting walkers looking for crisp days and cozy nights.

Pennine Way

This 268-mile trail is one of the most famous pathways in the UK, traversing moorlands, bogs, mountains, and swathes of farmland. Leaving Edale, the route passes by Kinder Scout — a large moorland plateau offering sweeping views and a picturesque waterfall. Besides Edale, the path has over 500 different public access points, allowing walkers to enter and exit at frequent intervals.

Peak District National Park

Covering over 550 square miles, the Peak District National Park extends across limestone valleys, tranquil lakes with picture-perfect reflections of the surrounding hills and trees, and emerald-green moorland dotted with wildflowers. Popular for walking, cycling, and horseback riding, the park envelopes the village of Edale in its towering heights and rolling countryside.

Hope Valley Line

Opened in 1894, this iconic train line is one of the most scenic ways to arrive in Edale. Along its journey between Sheffield and Manchester, the train passes by rolling hills, peaceful valleys, and historic viaducts as it makes its way through the numerous railroad tunnels of the Peak District, including Totley Tunnel, England’s fourth-longest.