Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Natalia
The Eccles Pike walk in the Peak District provides stunning views of the Derbyshire Peaks and English countryside. Located near the town of Chapel-en-le-Frith, the walk is a little steep at times but your efforts are rewarded once you reach the top. The 360 degree views of the area are some of the best views in the Peak District, and on a clear day you can even see as far as Manchester. This quick and easy guide covers everything you need to know about the lovely Eccles Pike walk in the Peak District.
Looking for some other walks in the area? Check out our list of easy Peak District walks!
Eccles Pike Parking
There are 4 free parking spaces just a short walk from Eccles Pike on Eccles Road, at postcode SK23 7EW.
If you’re looking to enjoy a longer walk up Eccles Pike then you may want to park elsewhere, as the parking on Eccles Road is very close to the peak. As there are only 4 spaces you do need a bit of luck to get a spot, but thankfully there are other places to park relatively nearby.
A convenient place to park for the Eccles Pike walk is at the lay-by on the A6 nearby to Spring Bank Farm, at postcode SK23 6BY. The lay-by offers free parking next to the start of a walking trail, but again isn’t marked on Google Maps – so click here to find the location of the start of the lay-by on What 3 Words.
There is also a free car park at Combs Reservoir from which you can walk to Eccles Pike. It’s further away than the A6 lay-by, but is useful if you want to plan a longer circular walk to Eccles Pike.
Eccles Pike Walk
The main Eccles Pike walk this will focus on is from the parking in the lay-by on the A6, as it’s only a very short walk to the peak if you park on Eccles Road. If you do park on Eccles Road then head through the gate besides the parking spaces and it will only take a few minutes to walk to the summit from there.
Around three quarters of the way along the lay-by on the A6 there is a signposted public footpath, which marks the beginning of the walk to Eccles Pike. Shortly after taking this path you will want to climb over a stile into the field on your left hand side.
Walk uphill through the field towards the left corner and then climb over the stile onto Back Eccles Lane. Head along the lane to the left for a few minutes in the direction of Eccles House, shortly before which you will come to a signposted public footpath on your right.
The path leads through a gate and then round to the left for a short distance before a trail to the right leads uphill. This section of the walk up Eccles Pike is a little steep, and can also be quite muddy and slippery, especially if it has rained recently. If you have a good pair of walking shoes we definitely recommend wearing them for this hike!
Follow the route uphill and after around 5 minutes you should come to a more visible path. Cross over this path and keep heading uphill, following along the wall towards the Eccles Pike peak.
It should take around 10-15 minutes to reach the summit from there, and the last section as you pass through some trees is quite steep. After you’ve got to the top of the steep section, walk to the left to reach the top of Eccles Pike and enjoy some amazing views of the Peak District and beyond.
The 360 degree views are a great reward for reaching the top, and on a clear day you can see as far as Manchester. A marker at the top of Eccles Pike shows the direction of a number of other hills and points of interest nearby and around the Peak District, including Mam Tor, Combs Reservoir and more.
Once you’ve enjoyed the view head back down the way you came until you reach the path which you crossed over earlier. If you want you can continue back the way you came, but we recommend taking a different route by turning left at this point and going through the gate ahead.
Continue along this path for around 500 metres before coming to a single-track road, at which point you should turn right. Follow this road downhill for around 5 minutes before turning right onto Back Eccles Lane.
Walk for around 300 metres before taking a left turn at the public footpath sign leading towards Spring Bank Farm. As the road starts turning to the left you will want to turn off to the right and a footpath will lead through some trees and bushes back to the lay-by where you parked, thus completing the Eccles Pike circular walk.
Click here to discover the hike on AllTrails to help navigate you on this Eccles Pike hike!
Other Places to Visit in the Peak District
If you’re looking for somewhere else to visit before or after the Eccles Pike walk then check out our links to some other great spots to visit in the Peak District below!
Chrome Hill – One of our favourite hikes in the Peak District, providing amazing views of the area and the nearby Parkhouse Hill. Well worth the climb considering the great views on offer!
Parkhouse Hill – A tougher climb than the nearby Chrome Hill, which makes it ideal for anyone looking for a challenge. Also offers some incredible views of this part of the Peak District!
Cave Dale – A towering valley carved out by glacial water, with 50-metre high limestone cliffs. One of the most scenic spots in the Peak District.
Bamford Edge – Rocky cliffs offering some spectacular views of rollings hill and the nearby Ladybower Reservoir. A relatively easy walk, taking around 20-25 minutes.
Thor’s Cave – An impressive cave standing above the beautiful Manifold Valley below. From inside the cave, the entrance perfectly frames the valley below and makes for a brilliant view! Can be visited on a 20-30 minute walk, or a much longer 10-mile walk through the Manifold Valley.
The Roaches – A brilliant ridge walk with some amazing views of the Peak District. The eerie Doxey Pool on top of the ridge is said to be home to an evil mermaid – much like the relatively nearby Blake Mere Pool.
Stanage Edge – A wonderful gritstone cliff stretching for 3.5 miles and providing some great views of the Peak District. This spot is so picturesque that a scene from the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was filmed there!
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