Trails & Inspiration
The North Face ‘Discover Your Trail’ komoot Collection
As part of The North Face 'Discover Your Trail' campaign, we asked 7 different hikers across the country to share with us their personal stories and favourite hiking routes: featuring the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Hastings Country Park and Cornwall.
Take a look at this Collection and find some inspiration for your next adventure!
WHEAL VIRGIN & THE POLDICE VALLEY (4.3 miles)
Starting from Twelveheads village, the coast to coast trail leads you off down the Bissoe Valley before turning left through an old tunnel from the days of a booming mining industry. Through the tunnel you reach a landscape that belongs in a science fiction film. Huge pools stained rusty red stretch out, separated by mammoth walls of crumbling rock.
Wind around the pools and climb up into the ruins of Wheal Virgin and beyond until you reach the pines. This hike has a hit of everything and will leave you breathless, speechless and wondering why you’ve never been here before.
Pictured: The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Futurelight Mid Hiking Boots
Hike and images by Will Harper-Penrose
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DERWENT AND LADYBOWER 10K CIRCUIT (6.4 miles)
This 10k circular hike in the Upper Derwent Valley, taking in the stunning locations along Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Edge is in fact only a 15-20 minute drive from Sheffield, and perfect for a sunny Sunday walk or a post work sunset as the days get longer.
Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Edge are two popular locations for a lot of hikers coming to the Peak District. The paths are well-trodden but can sometimes still be a little boggy as well as rocky in sections.
Car Park access is good with parking on the A57 laybys, Fairholmes Car Park as well as Cutthroat Bridge, and a number of pubs nearby for post hike grub!
Pictured: The North Face Athletic Outdoor Insulated Hybrid Jacket
Hike and images by Marie Cheng
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GREAT GABLE VIA STYHEAD TARN (6.7 miles)
The most distinctive mountain in the lakes and the one that provides views worthy of its name, Great Gable provides everything you're looking for from a hike with incredible scenery in all directions.
You can understand why this is one of the most popular Wainwrights, as the ascent takes you across Stockley bridge and up to the beautiful Styhead Tarn.
Upon arrival, the summit offers you arguably the best vista in the Lake District, with views over Wastwater, Buttermere and Crummock water.
Pictured: The North Face Chimera 24L Backpack
Hike and images by Lucy Gourley
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HELVELLYN – SWIRRAL EDGE LOOP FROM GLENRIDDING (8.7 miles)
‘’Helvellyn Via Striding Edge’’ - it just sounds Epic doesn't it! I remember seeing images from some of my favourite photographers and being in awe of those Knife edge views, those sheer drops down hard and jagged rock faces and the scale of the mountains in the background. It was a place i just had to experience
To catch the best of the conditions we set off from a calm and quiet car park in the heart of Glenridding at around 4:30am. This allowed plenty of time to make our way the route before the crowds arrived, Hellvelyn being one the most climbed of all the Wainwrights.
Winding our way up towards Striding Edge with nothing but torchlight and a well-worn path guiding the way, the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains slowly started appearing. With the sun starting to burn the sky behind us we were treated to some wicked views of the landscape, a first glimpse of Helvellyn and its neighbouring Peaks provided amazing views and a great way to start the day.
The descent back down “Swirral Edge” was slow and required every inch of concentration as there was a lot of ice and loose rock, once through this section it was a long and steady descent back down toward Glenridding where I was happy to reach the camper and enjoy some food and a refreshing beverage.
Pictured: The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Futurelight Mid Hiking Boots
Hike and images by Ben Johnson
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MALHAM COVE, GORDALE SCAR & JANET’S FOSS (5.8 miles)
If you search for popular walks in the Yorkshire Dales, or indeed the UK, then Malham will undoubtedly appear at the top of the list. And for good reason, because this small village is arguably the jewel in the crown of Yorkshire's biggest National Park. Best-known for its stunning limestone scenery, this rural area offers a plethora of visual treats, including Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss and Malham Tarn.
Starting and finishing in the centre of Malham, you will not be left disappointed. Just don’t forget to pack your camera, as the stunning 260ft cliffs of the Cove are also home to peregrine falcons and little owls, and above here you will find one of the finest examples of a limestone pavement in the UK, which famously featured in the Harry Potter film 'The Deathly Hallows'.
At the end of the walk, for a post-hike treat, stop for a pint at The Lister Arms in Malham, a quintessential pub in the centre of the village which serves a wide range of local hand pulled ales. Here in Yorkshire, it's how we like to celebrate a perfect day on the trails!
Pictured: The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Futurelight Mid Hiking Boots
Hike and images by Ben Mounsey
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HASTINGS COUNTRY PARK (2.9 miles)
This route in Hastings Country Park is by the seaside and roughly a 2-hour journey from London. It’s a relatively easy hike and if you haven’t any time constraints, then you can enjoy at your own leisure to take in the views and capture some beautiful photographs.
Plenty of steps, going both up and down, some brambles, woodland, streams, ocean access wood bridges, and some open windy plains. The terrain is very uneven so ensure your shoes have ankle support. The steps can be steep & uneven too. So, take your time along this path and enjoy it.
This hike is incredible for those to enjoy being around nature and taking in all the beauty of the seaside. You begin in the hustle and bustle of the old town beside the fisherman huts, surrounded by eateries and art. Take the hidden path up to a small vantage point to overlook the Hastings fisherman’s quarters and enjoy the view and rest on the little bench (or take the funicular up if you want to cheat). Once you reach the country park there are a couple of routes to choose from – but first enjoy a 360 of Hastings with coastal views, and spot the valley, on clear days you can see the coast to Brighton.
It’s a prime location to find something to eat from fish and chips, calamari, and scampi – all fresh off the boats of local fishermen. The trek is a short walk into the old town, with ample restaurants, cafes, a Tudor pub, and ice-cream shops (we recommend Di-Palos as a treat afterwards).
Pictured: The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Futurelight Mid Hiking Boots
Hike and images by Zahra Rose
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ASHFORD ON THE WATER TO MONSAL HEAD LOOP (6.7 miles)
Although this loop from Ashford in the Water to Monsal Head seems short, it includes every kind of terrain you can think of. There are incredible views, rivers, a waterfall, small villages and plenty of countryside – with a challenging ascent as you head into the final few miles. As you approach Monsal Head, there’s a beautiful viewpoint where you can relax and grab some refreshments, that's if you make it in good time! As you leave the viewpoint, you can even take a stroll in the incredible tunnel if you’re feeling adventurous.
Overall, this was a great hike and one which felt even more enjoyable because I was wearing the right clothing and shoes. Although we were blessed with the sun, I was prepared if the weather took a turn for the worse. On another note, I was fasting on the day, and everything felt light – which made the walk feel even easier.
If you're heading to the Peak District for a walk with friends or family, then check out this hike! I can guarantee you'll take some amazing photos of the route and have a wonderful day in the great outdoors.
Pictured: The North Face Athletic Outdoor Insulated Jacket
Hike and images by Zeyn Lambat
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