The 'beautiful' Peak District walk with a 'secret valley' tourists sometimes miss

This 'hidden gem' is within easy reach of Castleton and boasts amazing scenery

Though the warmer weather looks to be in retreat as we head into the Bank Holiday weekend, many will be looking to make the most of the extra day off and heading out into the great outdoors.

If you're planning on a drive or heading out this weekend, there are a number of locations within easy reach of Greater Manchester to enjoy the break. The Peak District National Park offers a number of walking opportunities for all levels of fitness.

From short, family friendly walks to more challenging all-day treks, the area boasts diverse and scenic routes for all to give a go.

Some of the most popular routes and stop-offs include the Peak District's highest peak Kinder Scout and its dramatic waterfall, or there's Chee Dale Gorge which encompasses a walk through a deep, narrow gorge with impressive rock formations.

One route that has just been named among the best valley walks to do this year is hike featuring a pretty village and incredible views from a scenic ancient valley that people sometimes miss.

Looking at AllTrails reviews and Google search data, the outdoor experts at GO Outdoors have revealed the top ten UK valleys to visit this summer. The team have also provided advice on what to wear, and how to prepare for a valley walk.

While Coire Gabhail, known as The Lost Valley, in Scotland tops the list, further down and closer to home, the Cave Dale Valley as part of the Castleton waking route receives a 4.4 out of 5 rating. The 5.5k, trail has received more than 400 reviews on the AllTrails' platform too.

This lovely trail gives you the opportunity to explore Castleton and takes you through the beautiful limestone valley of Cave Dale in the national park's Hope Valley.

Described as a moderate walk and estimated to take just under two hours to complete on average, the out-and-back trail near Castleton in Derbyshire is a popular route for hiking, mountain biking and running so you're sure to encounter other people on it.

The trail starts in the village of Castleton, where you can take a wander through the pretty streets and stop in one of the cafes or pubs for some food and drink.

Next you pass the Castleton War Memorial in the Market Place and continue through the streets past Peveril Castle, which dates back to the late 11th century.

Along Bar Gate, you will then need to follow the signs for the Cave Dale footpath, which leads you through a gate in the narrow gorge and continues through Cave Dale, a dry limestone valley formed by glacial meltwater which is sometimes known as 'The Secret Valley'.

It's lined with rocky slopes either side and small caves; and at certain points you can see the ruins of the castle before heading across grassland and back to Castleton to one of its pubs for a post-walk pint.

The trail is open year-round, but you will need to be very careful in wet weather or icy conditions, as the terrain can get slippery, particularly at Cave Dale.

Dogs are also welcome, but there may be encounters with livestock on the way, so leads are necessary.

Castleton village does not have a train station but does have a frequent bus service. However, the most convenient way to reach Castleton is by car.

If coming via public transport, you can get the train to Hope, where trains stop between Sheffield and Manchester. From Hope you can catch a bus which is short journey to Castleton.

There are other long routes that you can be taken that incorporate Mam Tor and the Great Ridge too including a moderately challenging 9.3km route which takes around four hours to complete.

Speaking out the valley trails across the UK that made the list, Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, added: “When visiting valleys, it is best to wear comfortable and supportive footwear as there is often uneven terrain.

"On more difficult hikes, such as Coire Gabhail, it may be a good idea to take supportive equipment such as walking poles . This will help you stay steady on your feet and make the experience of tougher hikes more enjoyable.

“It is always important to check how you feel throughout any walk. If you feel out of breath, or that a walk is too hard, turn back.”