Alport Height Peak District
Grassy hilltop offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Peak District, marked by a prominent gritstone pillar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize visibility for stunning views
Alport Height Peak District
Best Time
Maximize visibility for stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Grassy hilltop offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Peak District, marked by a prominent gritstone pillar.
"The views are literally endless! On a good day, you can see for miles."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Main car park closed. Use lay-by parking; expect road walking. Be aware of potential motocross noise.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be uneven and muddy. Good hiking boots are essential for exploring the area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Peak District Vistas
Breathtaking 360-degree views stretching over 20 miles on clear days. Witness the illuminated hilltops at sunset.
The Gritstone Pillar
A 20-foot tall gritstone pillar marks the summit, a classic landmark for hikers and photographers.
High Tor and Giddy Edge
Explore dramatic cliff edges and challenging, yet rewarding, hiking routes with incredible scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access Challenges
Embrace the Views, Respect the Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Main car park closed. Use lay-by parking; expect road walking. Be aware of potential motocross noise.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be uneven and muddy. Good hiking boots are essential for exploring the area.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the views.
✨ Respect the Environment
Leave no trace. Pack out all litter to help preserve this beautiful spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Main car park closed. Use lay-by parking; expect road walking. Be aware of potential motocross noise.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be uneven and muddy. Good hiking boots are essential for exploring the area.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the views.
✨ Respect the Environment
Leave no trace. Pack out all litter to help preserve this beautiful spot.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, expansive views from Alport Height, often describing them as 'endless' and 'spectacular,' especially at sunset. However, the experience is significantly marred by the closure of the main car park, leading to limited parking, difficult access, and potential disruption from nearby activities. The lack of facilities and the need for extensive road walking are also noted drawbacks.
"Amazing views from this site. There is a car park, although I guess the original car park was slightly lower and has been blocked off. Walking up to here will involve quite a lot of road walking as there don't seem to be many paths but the lanes are reasonably quiet"
Cheryl Thompson
"This is a magnificent place to visit. At the top of the hill is breathtaking views across the county. According to the information dial. You can see in excess of 20 miles on a clear day. There is no car park, as the National Trust closed them about 3 years due to apparent antisocial behaviour in the evenings and nights. Due to the lack of light pollution it would be an amazing place to visit to see the night sky. Parking is limited to the makeshift lay-by at the entrance to the old car parks. It's about 70 meter walk to the top and there is no seating but plenty of flat ground to sit on."
Simon Deacon
"Great views all around.
The road into the car park is very bad now, with huge potholes, though."
Ian P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Alport Height involves significant road walking as the main car park is closed. Limited lay-by parking is available near the old car park entrance. The postcode for navigation is often cited, but be prepared for potentially rough road conditions leading to the parking area.
The National Trust has closed the official car park due to antisocial behavior. Parking is now limited to a makeshift lay-by at the entrance to the former car parks. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Yes, Alport Height is accessible on foot. Many visitors choose to hike from nearby towns like Matlock or Ambergate, incorporating it into longer Peak District walks.
The nearest train stations are likely to be in Matlock or Ambergate. From these stations, you would need to arrange onward transport or embark on a substantial hike to reach Alport Height.
Public transport directly to Alport Height is very limited due to its remote location and the closure of the car park. It's best to check local bus routes to Matlock or Ambergate and plan a walk from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Alport Height is a natural viewpoint and hilltop, not a ticketed attraction. Entry is free, though parking may have associated costs if using unofficial spots or nearby facilities.
Alport Height is accessible at all times as it is an open natural landscape. However, due to past issues with antisocial behavior, nighttime visits might be less advisable.
While Alport Height has historically been associated with the National Trust, recent reports suggest they may not actively manage it, leading to the closure of facilities. It's advisable to check their current status.
There are no facilities such as toilets, cafes, or gift shops at Alport Height itself. Visitors should come prepared with everything they need.
Yes, Alport Height is generally dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept under control, especially near cliff edges and wildlife. Always follow leash laws and clean up after your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view across the Peak District, visible for over 20 miles on a clear day. There's also a 20-foot gritstone pillar at the summit.
Absolutely! Alport Height is a popular destination for hikers, offering various routes and challenging terrain like Giddy Edge. The views make the effort worthwhile. 
Yes, due to its remote location and lack of light pollution, Alport Height is an excellent spot for stargazing and viewing the night sky.
The views are described as 'endless' and 'breathtaking,' offering vistas up to 67 miles towards Shropshire on exceptionally clear days. Sunset views are particularly spectacular.
While there are no designated picnic tables, the flat ground at the summit provides ample space for visitors to set up a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, especially sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Clear days provide the best visibility for capturing the expansive views.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the panoramic vistas. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures during sunset.
The summit with the gritstone pillar is a classic photo opportunity. The dramatic cliff edges of High Tor and Giddy Edge also offer unique photographic perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check current airspace restrictions and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the Peak District National Park.
Weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for wind and rain. The limited parking and potential for crowds during peak times can also be factors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider incorporating Alport Height into a broader family day out in the Peak District. Nearby attractions like Matlock Bath offer more amenities and activities if a full day of hiking isn't suitable. Ensure children are supervised, especially near any cliff edges, and encourage them to respect the natural environment by not littering.
🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Be prepared for variable weather conditions and ensure you have appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots and waterproofs. The lack of facilities means you'll need to carry all your provisions. The potential for limited parking should also be factored into your planning, perhaps by arriving very early or considering a hike from a more accessible starting point.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping panoramas and a tripod for stable shots in varying light conditions. Be mindful of the weather, as dramatic skies can add to the photographic appeal, but also require preparedness. The limited parking and potential for uneven terrain mean you'll need to carry your gear efficiently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Access and Parking
Beyond the parking scarcity, the approach roads can be in poor condition with large potholes, further complicating access. Many visitors now opt for a longer walk, incorporating Alport Height into a broader hiking route from nearby towns like Matlock or Ambergate. This approach not only bypasses the parking issues but also allows for a more immersive experience of the Peak District landscape.
It's crucial for visitors to be aware of these access limitations and to plan their trip accordingly. The lack of facilities, combined with parking difficulties, means that Alport Height is best suited for those who are prepared for a more rugged, self-sufficient outdoor adventure.
The Allure of the Panoramic Views
The summit is marked by a distinctive 20-foot gritstone pillar, a classic landmark that adds to the visual appeal of the hilltop. The experience is particularly magical during sunset, when the light illuminates the surrounding hilltops, creating a dazzling spectacle. The lack of light pollution also makes Alport Height an exceptional spot for stargazing, offering a clear view of the night sky.
While the views are the main attraction, it's important to remember that Alport Height is a natural, undeveloped site. Visitors should come prepared to appreciate the raw beauty of the landscape and to leave it as they found it, respecting the environment that makes these views possible.
Hiking and Exploring the Surrounding Area
Many visitors combine a trip to Alport Height with longer walks through the Peak District. Routes can be planned from nearby train stations like Ambergate or Matlock, allowing for a full day of exploration. The landscape offers a mix of open moorland, woodland, and challenging ascents, catering to different fitness levels.
When planning a hike, it's essential to wear appropriate footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain can be uneven and muddy. Checking the weather forecast is also crucial, as conditions in the Peak District can change rapidly. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essential supplies like water and snacks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit