Everyone loves a good challenge, well, I think they do! A challenge is a very personal thing, what’s challenging to one person may not be for someone else, which is the great thing about setting yourself a challenge.
That’s why I’ve come up with 7 Peak District Challenges for you to take on in 2023 or beyond! There’s a mix of challenging day hikes to some challenges that might take longer or even all year long.
I’ve also included two bonus challenges that you might like to incorporate into your Peak District walks at the end of the post.
Here’s to a fantastic 2023 whatever adventures you get up to 
Who’s planning to set themselves a challenge for 2023? Let us know where you’re going in the comments
7 Awesome Peak District Challenges
Here some brilliant Peak District challenges, they aren’t in any particular order so have a scroll and see what you fancy doing, maybe as a solo challenge, something for the family to do together or maybe one to drag your friends along on too!
88 Peak District Trig Challenge
Our Peak District trig challenge has been going for a couple of years now. It includes every trig point within the National Park boundary, mapped by Ben when he completed the challenge in 2019.
We’ve now had over 20 people complete the challenge and loads more taking part – check out our Peak District challenge completers here.
You can find the full list of 88 trigs here where you can also sign up to receive our Trig point map and checklist so you can tick them off!
If you’re not sure where to start your challenge then check out our 10 trigs for beginners here.
And when you’ve completed the challenge you can now order a Trig certificate too!
Edale Skyline Hike
You might have heard of this challenge before, it’s a huge walk that takes you around all the surrounding hills of Edale village, hence the name the Edale Skyline. At 20 miles/32 km it’s not one for beginners but with some training walks and determination you can tick off this epic challenge!
We’d recommend trying it in the warmer months, firstly the weather is generally nicer but you’ll also have more daylight hours to complete it.
We have two options on the website – you can check out our Edale Skyline walk where we have saved all the route details to self-guide yourself round the round.
Or option two is to join our Guided Walk, lead by Peak District Walks hiker Becky. Here you can enjoy the route without worrying about navigating and a bunch of like-minded people to tick off this epic hike.
Book your Edale Skyline Guided walk here.
A-Z Peak District Challenge
Here’s a fun challenge that anyone can do. Our A-Z Challenge is one you can complete with the family, maybe get those mini adventurers to fall in love with the Peak District with this challenge.
It’s a nice and simple one, simply visit a place in the Peak District for each letter of the alphabet.
Check out our A-Z of the Peak District here for ideas.
Peak District Ethels
The Ethel Challenge is another one of those for the whole year and maybe beyond! The challenge was created by the Peak District and South Yorkshire Countryside Charity, in 2021, perfect for all you peak baggers out there! The ‘Ethels’ are named after Ethel Haythornthwaite.
There are 95 to tick off and if you fancy combining challenges then it also includes 35 of the Peak District trigs too so you’re close to halfway to completing this challenge too!
Here’s the list of 95 Peak District Ethels.
And you can find all our walks that includes Ethels right here – Walks with Ethels.
9 Edges Challenge
Another brilliant challenge you can complete as a day hike is the 9 Edge Challenge. As you’ve guessed this route takes you on a linear hike across 9 of the Peak District Edges on a 23-mile hike.
It’s handy to get a friend to do this hike with you so you can park a car at each end of the hike.
Read the full route here – 9 Edges Walk
Learn how to read a map + use a compass
Here’s different challenge for 2023 and one that could come in handy when you’re out on your adventures in the Peak District.
Learn how to use a map and compass, or maybe improve your skills.
There are plenty of books and online resources out there but we can offer you a personal approach.
Peak District walks offer Guided Walks with an introduction to Map reading. Here you can enjoy a beautiful walk with like-minded people but also learn some map skills too. And in 2023, we are going to be offering some more intermediate guided walks where you can start using a compass, taking bearings and learning how to use.
You can find our Guided walks with map reading here. More dates coming soon.
Hike a long distance trail
Here’s a challenge for those of you that fancy a challenge that’s longer than a day hike!
There are numerous long-distance trails in the Peak District, some that start and finish in the Peak District, and others that continue beyond the Peak District boundaries. Here are a few of the ones that include some Peak District trails.
- Limestone Way
- Pennine Way
- Derwent Valley Heritage Way
- Gritstone Trail
- Peak District Boundary walk
Other Challenges
RED January UK
Here’s a challenge I’ve personally done each January and it’s certainly helped me out during one of the toughest months of the year.
The challenge has been running a few years and the idea is do do something active EVERY day in January. You can run, hike, swim, do yoga or whatever works for you. And it can be a mix of things so you can hike on 1st January, run on 2nd January and swim on 3rd January. You get the idea!
For anyone who struggles with the dark, cold night of January this is a wonderful challenge to set yourself.
Country Walking 1000 miles
Here’s another fun challenge that you can use your Peak District walks to add up those miles.
The challenge is to walk 1000 miles in 2023. It’s a challenge you can do every year, and even get your own medal.
Read more or sign up here at Country Walking – Walk 1000 miles
Do you have any other challenges you’re looking to complete? Ask me in the comments below.
Ordnance Survey Walk Maps
For all our Peak District walks, there are two maps that cover them OL1 – Peak District (Dark Peak Area) and OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)
Shop online at Ordnance Survey
And don’t forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition compass, it’s more expensive but a valuable piece of kit!
For online maps, you can get via OS Online App or Viewranger App.
Check prices here for the one month or yearly option with OS Online App.
Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here
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Need more help planning your Peak District trip?
Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for inspiration.
More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources.
Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak District and find the best walks direct from your accommodation.
Find out what maps you will need for your trip here.
Top tips - Read our useful guides on hiking tips here.
Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here).
Visit our hiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit).
Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :).
Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Read more here.
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