Walking the Peak Wesley Way: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Beauty and Companionship
The Peak Wesley Way is a six-day self-guided pilgrimage through the heart of Derbyshire, stretching from the spa town of Matlock to the village of Edale in the Hope Valley. Pilgrims travel from the gentler landscapes of the White Peak to the rugged, dramatic terrain of the Dark Peak.
This 43-mile route leads through some of England’s most breathtaking natural beauty — a landscape that speaks of ancient geology, hard-working farming communities, industrial heritage, and centuries of human journeying. Along the way, pilgrims walk up to ten miles a day, staying overnight in Methodist chapels — simple but holy places still alive with worship and welcome.
Route Overview:
Day 1: Matlock to Youlgrave (9 miles)
Day 2: Youlgrave to Great Longstone (8–10 miles)
Day 3: Great Longstone to Baslow (6 miles)
Day 4: Baslow to Hathersage (8 miles)
Day 5: Hathersage to Castleton (8 miles)
Day 6: Castleton to Edale (4 miles)
Reflections from the Road
Helen and I chose this pilgrimage to mark the end of my first sabbatical — a time to rest, reset, and reconnect with God. It was also our very first pilgrimage. My parents dropped us off in Matlock with our rucksacks packed lightly, but our hearts filled with anticipation and nerves.
We had many questions: What if we don’t finish? What if it’s too hot? What if one of us faints? Will we struggle up the hills?
I clung to the verse from Joshua 1:9:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Day 1: Matlock to Youlgrave
Rucksacks on, we set out under a scorching 30°C sun. The heat made this first stretch especially challenging. We were low on water, and when we reached Bonsall, the pub and shop were closed. Anxious and parched, we felt completely drained.
And then — grace. A kind local invited us into his garden, filled our bottles, and offered rest. It felt like a moment straight out of the Good Samaritan story.
We continued, stopping briefly in Winster, and finally reached Youlgrave Methodist Chapel, exhausted but thankful.
“I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14
That night, we slept deeply.
Day 2: Youlgrave to Great Longstone
This day brought relief — cooler weather, softer terrain, and beautiful riverside walks along the “shy”River Lathkill. We passed Victorian weirs, wandered through Bakewell, and crossed the iconic Monsal Viaduct.
We were uplifted by lunch with friends in Bakewell — a moment of encouragement and companionship. They even joined us later in Great Longstone for food and fellowship.
Great Longstone Methodist Church is a beautiful space of peace. Sleeping in these churches brought a deep sense of being held by God.
Day 3: Great Longstone to Baslow 
This leg of the journey took us through the final stretches of the White Peak, passing ancient lead mining Rakes, before entering the grittier Dark Peak landscape near Baslow.
We passed historic chapels and crossed the Baslow toll bridge. Passing through Calver, I reflected on our time at Cliff College, just nearby.
Walking this ancient path, I thought often of the words:
“Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” —
Proverbs 4:26
Carrying everything we needed made me think about refugees — those forced to move, to walk, to carry burdens far heavier than ours.
A stunning climb along Baslow, Froggatt and Curbar Edges offered panoramic views across the Hope Valley. We paused at a memorial to Catholic priests martyred just before the Spanish Armada — a sobering moment.
We forgot our swimwear, otherwise we’d have enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Hathersage Lido!
Hathersage Methodist Church welcomed us warmly — a vibrant congregation and proud Silver Eco Church Awardholders.
Our journey had also been eco-friendly: low-impact travel, minimal gear, and deep respect for creation.
The walk brought to mind the Road to Emmaus — we felt Christ walking beside us.
Day 5: Hathersage to Castleton
Our penultimate day led us through the lush Hope Valley, with Mam Tor, the “Shivering Mountain,” a constant companion on the horizon. Castleton is rich with mining history, including the unique Blue John Stone, once mined here.
Day 6: Castleton to Edale
Only 4 miles left — surely it would be easy? Not quite. The climb out of Castleton was steep and tough, but the reward came quickly. We reached Barber Booth Methodist Chapel, recently restored, and built within a few years of John Wesley’s death — a beautiful historic marker near the end of our journey.
At last, we arrived at Edale Methodist Chapel, where Helen’s parents met us and drove us back to Hull.
We were tired — but spiritually renewed.
The Pilgrimage Continues
Though the walking is over, the journey goes on.
We stayed in welcoming Methodist chapels, carried everything we needed, and tried to walk gently on the earth. The chapels offered more than beds — they gave us hospitality, silence, community, and a deeper connection with God.
We made so many special memories. We walked through God’s creation. We laughed, prayed, sang, sweated, and shared in the simplicity of being pilgrims.
We highly recommend the Peak Wesley Way:
👉 https://peakwesleyway.com
As the final days of my sabbatical draw near, I look back on this journey with gratitude. And I hold on to the words of John Wesley:
“The best is yet to come.”
A Pilgrim’s Prayer
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