Welcome to Distance Hiker Trail Snapshots, where members of our community share a Q&A snapshot of a trail they love!
In this article Alex shares a throwback snapshot of her hike along the Golden Miles Trail in Derbyshire – a small 35 mile circular route, starting from Ashford-in-the-Water. The route circles through Derbyshire villages such as Monsal Head, Great Hucklow, Hathersage, Calver, Endsor and Bakewell.
What made you choose the Golden Miles trail?
A short circular through the White Peak and lower Dark Peak, my favorite areas. It was my first LDW and a trial for both me and my dog before going on longer ones. I needed something with plenty of places to stay that were dog friendly and villages and towns along the way for food and any other necessities I might have forgotten.
What were the highlights of the trail for you?
Sunrise at a quiet Monsal Head. A rewarding bitter shandy and roast dinner at my night’s accommodation in the afternoon sun. Catching the last of the May bluebells. A cream tea in Edensor, Chatsworth. The beautiful Peak District views.
Coming to the realisation that walking many miles with my dog with nothing to worry about but food and sleep is possibly one of the greatest enjoyments in life.
Can you tell us about some great overnight spots you found, whether it’s a wild camp, B&B, or campsite.
The Plough Inn, Hathersage. A luxury stop on my first LDW. Would highly recommend as a treat. These days it’s a tent or bivvy!
Were there any parts of the trail you didn’t enjoy?
It was all stunning, maybe a little disappointed that we stayed in the valleys and never really got up high.
What would you do differently if you were to walk it again, and what advice would you have for anyone else looking to walk the trail?
I would maybe camp and do it over 3 days instead of 2 as I don’t need to test myself, it’d be lovely to take it all in. I would advise doing it in Spring or Autumn when the white peak is at her best.
Where is your next long-distance hike?
The Herriot Way
You can learn more about Alex and see some of her previous hiking, travel and long distance hiking photos on her Instagram @alibongo_
Trail Map
Would you like to be featured?
Here at Distance Hiker we are always on the lookout for great new long distance hiking content. Our Trail Snapshots are a great place to start. If you have a long distance trail you would like to share simply fill in the form linked here and email some photos to matthew@distancehiker.com.
