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Helping people improve their mental wellbeing through walking, hiking and outdoor adventure in the Peak District and beyond

Mountains Not Molehills is a resource for finding great Peak District walks as well as building a healthier relationship with the walking and the outdoors in general. I believe the outdoors can be a powerful tool for better mental health. For some, that might mean taking on a big mountain walk, for others, it could be walking around a reservoir, hiking up to see a waterfall or even a gentle walk along a woodland path or canal. However you choose to explore, Mountains not molehills is here to encourage and inspire you.

CHOSEN BY EXPERIENCE
All walks completed and
researched by MNMH

SAFETY FIRST
Route notes, safety tips
and terrain info included

FOR EVERYONE
Filter walks for families,
dogs and fitness levels

RESPECT THE PEAK
Leave no trace and care
for our beautiful park

FIND YOUR NEXT WALK

Explore walks across the Peak District National Park. Filter by area, distance, difficulty and more. With 35+ routes and growing each week.

Explore the Peaks

LATEST ROUTE GUIDES

Chee Dale From Millers Dale | 5 Mile Circular
Baslow Edge + White Edge + Froggatt Edge + Curbur Edge | 8 Mile Circular
Dovestones Reservoir | 3 Mile Circular Route
Padley Gorge + Higger Tor + Bolehill Quarry | 8-Mile Circular

Hiking For A Healthier Mind

My philosophy is simple: hiking for a healthier mind — it’s a philosophy born out of my own experiences and how walking and hiking helped me find a way to break bad habits and find something I truly love doing. Walking each day can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. So as much as I love the mountains – and encourage people to enjoy them whenever they can – my main objective is to help promote a wide range of walks for all ranges of abilities.

How Hiking Supports Mental Wellbeing

Spending time outdoors can have a remarkable impact on mental health, including:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety
  • Lifting mood and boosting energy
  • Breaking negative thought patterns and easing rumination
  • Encouraging creative problem-solving
  • Improving sleep quality
  • Supporting focus and concentration, especially for those with ADHD
  • Enhancing cognitive ability and memory
  • Creating a sense of joy, achievement, and fulfillment

Discover Scenic Walks In The Peak District

The Peak District National Park is packed full of scenic walks that can help both keep you fit and support your mental wellbeing. Whether you choose to tackle one of the rugged expansive big hikes in the dark peaks or one of the wildlife-rich walks in the White Peaks — our area of the world will have you coming back time and time again.

Peak District Waterfall Walks

An image looking across Rhodeswood Reservoir with hills and trees in the background

Peak District Reservoir Walks

Big Peak District Walks

Mental Health Support

While hiking can play an important role in improving wellbeing, we know it’s not the whole answer. That’s why we also share details of mental health organisations and support networks. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and help is available