How to stay cool for your Peak District summer walks

The feature photo is from the Lathkill Dale walk

Summer is here and the Peak District is at it’s best with its carpet of vibrant green under a clear blue sky. The views from the escarpments, such as Stanage Edge and The Roaches, are stunning, and the woodland walks are bursting with colour, especially Stand Wood behind Chatsworth House.

The urge to get out into the hills is strong when the weather is on form, but it’s important to stay sun-safe and hydrated on those hot days.

So here are our warm weather tips for your family walks in the Peak District.

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1. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Apply it before your hike and have a small bottle of it handy for tops ups.

2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and bring the sunnies.

3. Stay hydrated and bring enough water. Sip regularly, little and often. There are no drinking fountains along the walks in the Peak District. Freeze water bottles over night before your hike, then sip small amounts regularly when walking. If you’re planning for a full day hike, it’s worthwhile investing in a Waterwell filtration bottle to fill up from rivers and streams. It’s also a good idea to have water in your car to rehydrate after your walk, or perhaps finish your walk at a pub (check out our Peak District pub walks).

4. Avoid the crowds and midday sun by starting your walk early or late in the day. Indeed, parking quickly fills up at the hotspots of the National Park on a sunny weekend and school holidays, especially around Mam Tor, Dovedale, and Ladybower Reservoir. Plan to arrive by 9:30am or after 4pm.

5. Apply mossie repellent before you go out. We like the incognito Insect Repellent Spray.

6. Check the weather forecast and if a heat wave has been declared, avoid strenuous walks with a steep incline. Instead, seek shade with one of our Peak District woodland walks, or perhaps seek out a wild swim spot.

7. Leave the heavy hiking boots at home. Light trekking trainers, or even hiking sandals for shorter walks, are better to allow your feet to breath and avoid rubbing.

8. Pack a light waterproof jacket. This is the Peak District after all and the weather can change very quickly! On the hilltops it can get quite blustery. Don’t get caught out.

9. Make sure you have cash on you in case you pass an ice-cream van.

10. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard if you’re feeling the heat. Stop, find shade, and rehydrate. Don’t feel bad about turning back if it’s just too hot to be hiking.