Explore the Heart of the Peak District
Explore the Peak District from The Cupola, with walking trails, cycling routes, climbing crags, caving adventures and more all within easy reach of Stoney Middleton.
Discover things to do in the Peak District from The Cupola in Stoney Middleton.
Walk through limestone dales and historic villages, cycle quiet country lanes and classic trails, climb renowned limestone crags and gritstone edges, or explore the caverns and underground landscapes of the Hope Valley.
Whether you prefer a gentle day outdoors or a more challenging adventure, The Cupola offers a welcoming base for discovering the scenery, heritage and character of Derbyshire.
After exploring, return for a relaxed meal from our Peak District restaurant menus, stay in one of our Peak District holiday apartments, or discover our latest guided Peak District experiences.
For countryside guidance, access information and updates, visit the Peak District National Park.
Explore on Foot
Walking
Stoney Middleton places you within easy reach of some of the finest walking in the Peak District. From The Cupola, follow limestone dales and historic village paths around Stoney Middleton and Eyam, or head onto Curbar and Froggatt Edge for sweeping views across the Derwent Valley. Nearby Chatsworth House offers parkland, woodland and riverside routes, while Bakewell and Monsal Dale combine market-town character with dramatic limestone scenery and miles of rewarding trails.
For longer days, Hathersage provides a gateway to the eastern moors and gritstone edges, while Castleton opens onto the rugged landscapes of the Hope Valley, Cave Dale and surrounding hills. Whether you prefer a gentle village walk, a family-friendly route or a challenging day over the tops, The Cupola makes a comfortable base. Set out after breakfast, return for dinner, then rest in one of our apartments before tomorrow’s adventure.
Cycle the Peaks
Cycling
Stoney Middleton is an excellent base for cycling through the Peak District, with routes ranging from relaxed traffic-free trails to demanding road climbs and rugged bridleways. Ride towards Bakewell and join the Monsal Trail for tunnels, viaducts and limestone dale scenery, or follow quieter lanes through Eyam, Foolow, Baslow and the Chatsworth estate. Curbar and Froggatt offer rewarding climbs and far-reaching views across the Derwent Valley.
Further afield, the Hope Valley connects Hathersage, Castleton and Edale, with classic challenges around Mam Tor and Winnats Pass for confident road riders. Gravel and mountain-bike routes lead onto open moorland, wooded tracks and remote countryside. Whether you prefer an easy family ride or a full day in the saddle, begin at The Cupola, return for a well-earned meal and relax in one of our apartments before choosing tomorrow’s route.
Climb the Peak District
Climbing
Stoney Middleton puts climbers within easy reach of some of the Peak District’s most varied rock. The limestone crags of Stoney Middleton Dale are close at hand, with Horseshoe Quarry providing an extensive climbing venue nearby. Curbar and Froggatt Edge bring classic gritstone routes and sweeping views across the Derwent Valley, making The Cupola a convenient base for days on both limestone and gritstone.
Further afield, Stanage Edge, Burbage and Millstone form a celebrated climbing landscape above Hathersage. New to outdoor climbing, developing your skills or looking for local insight? Join one of our guided climbing experiences. Fuel up before heading out, return for a well-earned meal and relax in one of our apartments before choosing your next crag.
Beneath the Peaks
Caving
Stoney Middleton lies above a remarkable limestone landscape shaped by water, minerals and centuries of mining. Beneath Stoney Middleton Dale, Carlswark Cavern forms an extensive system known to experienced cavers, while the surrounding cliffs, rock shelters and old workings hint at Derbyshire’s hidden underground heritage. Wild cave exploration requires specialist knowledge, equipment and appropriate access, so it should always be undertaken with an experienced guide.
For an accessible introduction to caving in the Peak District, head through the Hope Valley to Castleton and its four celebrated show caverns. Walk beneath the vast natural entrance of Peak Cavern, travel by boat through the former lead mine at Speedwell Cavern, or discover rare Blue John stone and beautiful formations at Treak Cliff and Blue John caverns. Return to The Cupola for a well-earned meal and a comfortable night before choosing tomorrow’s adventure.
Further afield, the Hope Valley connects Hathersage, Castleton and Edale, with classic challenges around Mam Tor and Winnats Pass for confident road riders. Gravel and mountain-bike routes lead onto open moorland, wooded tracks and remote countryside. Whether you prefer an easy family ride or a full day in the saddle, begin at The Cupola, return for a well-earned meal and relax in one of our apartments before choosing tomorrow’s route.
