Please read all info + T&Cs before booking
Ready for your next outdoor adventure?
Join us for a full day exploring one of the Peak District's most iconic long-distance routes. The Edale Skyline (or Kinder Skyline) is a spectacular circular walk taking in sweeping ridges, open moorland, and dramatic gritstone edges, with incredible views across the Hope Valley and beyond.
Led by experienced and qualified Mountain Leader Jonathan Hyde, this Queer Mountain Day is designed for people who already enjoy walking and are ready to take on a bigger challenge in a friendly, supportive LGBTQ+ group.
Whether you're hoping to build confidence on longer days in the hills, train for something like the Yorkshire Three Peaks, spend more time outdoors or simply meet other queer people who love nature, this is a brilliant opportunity to experience one of the UK's classic walks with expert guidance throughout.
Jonathan is known for his calm, encouraging leadership style and believes the best days in the hills are about much more than reaching the finish. Expect plenty of conversation, opportunities to learn about the landscape and wildlife, and the chance to spend the day with like-minded people who enjoy being outdoors.
Hope is around an hour from Manchester and Sheffield, making this an easy-to-reach day trip for much of the North of England.
Queer Mountain Days: Unlike our free community hikes, Queer Mountain Days are professionally led adventures. Your ticket includes expert leadership, a carefully planned route, a small group experience and all the preparation, safety planning and local knowledge that goes into delivering a brilliant day in the hills. They include:
🏔️ A full day led by a qualified Mountain Leader.
🧭 Expert guidance, local knowledge and mountain safety throughout the day.
👥 A small group experience (maximum 8 participants).
🌈 A welcoming LGBTQ+ space to challenge yourself, build confidence and meet other outdoorsy queer people.
💚 A carefully planned route, with all the preparation and organisation taken care of.
Route Info
Area: Hope Valley & Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park
Planned Route: Hope → Edale Skyline → Kinder Scout → Wool Packs → Kinder Low → return to Hope
Distance, Ascent & Duration: Approximately 20 miles (32km), 1,100m of ascent and 8-10 hours including breaks, group pacing and time to enjoy the landscape.
Meeting Time: 8:00am
Meeting Point: Hope Car Park (SS336SB)
Parking: Plenty of parking is available at the meeting point.
Public Transport: Because of the early start and expected finish (around 6pm), this event is best suited to those travelling by car. Unfortunately Sunday morning train services are unlikely to arrive in time for the start. You may be able to
Toilets: Public toilets are available at the car park before we set off. There are no facilities during the walk.
Mobile Signal: Reception is generally available for parts of the day but can be unreliable across Kinder Scout.
Is this QMD for me?
This day is likely to be a great fit if you:
Enjoy walking and have completed a few longer hill walks before.
Feel reasonably fit and are happy spending a full day outdoors carrying a day pack.
Want to challenge yourself in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Have been looking for more adventurous LGBTQ+ outdoor experiences.
Would like to meet other queer people who enjoy hiking and nature.
Are thinking about tackling bigger challenges in future, such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
You don't need to be an expert hillwalker or navigator. Your Mountain Leader will guide the group throughout the day. However, you should already have some experience of walking on uneven, hilly terrain and feel comfortable being active for 8-10 hours.
What To Expect
This is a big day, but it's designed to be enjoyable rather than intimidating.
The pace will be steady, with regular breaks to eat, chat and take in the surroundings. Jonathan particularly enjoys helping people grow in confidence outdoors, and creating the kind of group where strangers often become friends by the end of the day.
One of the joys of the Kinder Skyline is its incredible variety. Throughout the day we'll pass through peaceful farmland, climb onto expansive moorland, explore fascinating gritstone rock formations and enjoy some of the finest panoramic views in the Peak District.
Even if visibility isn't perfect, Kinder has a wonderful feeling of openness and wildness that's surprisingly close to our northern cities.
Terrain
The route includes a mixture of farmland, well-made footpaths, rocky trails, open moorland, boggy sections and stone-pitched paths. Some climbs are long and steady rather than steep, and underfoot conditions can become muddy or wet depending on recent weather.
There are no scrambling sections or significant drops, so a head for heights is not required.
Experience and fitness required
This is a more challenging hike than the usual Queer Out Here day trip.
Some previous hillwalking experience is recommended. You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer, but you should already feel confident about walking on uneven terrain for 8 while carrying a backpack.
The route covers approximately 20 miles with 1,100m of ascent, so a good level of walking fitness, determination and enthusiasm for a full day outdoors are important. It will be a challenge, but there will be a great deal of satisfaction at the end.
Participants must disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries or accessibility requirements to Queer Out Here before the event. We welcome conversations about access and individual needs and will work with participants and Mountain Leaders to determine whether a particular QMD is likely to be a good fit. Due to the nature of outdoor environments, some routes have inherent accessibility limitations.
Essential Kit List
Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Multiple warm layers
Hat and gloves
30-35 litre backpack
Food and snacks for a full day's walking
At least 2 litres of water
Any personal medication
Small personal first aid kit
Recommended Kit
Walking poles
Spare warm layer
Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen (weather dependent
Paper map and compass if you'd like to practise navigation
Weather Considerations
Mountain weather can change quickly and you should always be prepared for cold and wet to set in - this is the UK! There are opportunities to adapt or shorten the day if unexpected weather or other circumstances make this necessary.
Please ensure you have read the rest of the Ts&Cs below :)
Event led by Jon Hyde (He/Him)
QMD Terms & Conditions
QMDs are hosted by Queer Out Here and led by independent qualified Mountain Leaders. Your leader is responsible for route planning, safety decisions and the overall delivery of the day, while QOH manages bookings, communications and participant support..
By booking a QMD (Queer Mountain Day), participants agree to the following:
Booking & Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Your place is only confirmed once payment has been received.
QMDs require a minimum number of participants to run.
Participant Cancellation
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the event will receive a refund minus any booking/processing fees.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the event are non-refundable unless the place can be filled from a waiting list.
Participants are welcome to find a replacement, subject to approval by QOH and the event leader.
Event Cancellation
If a QMD does not reach minimum numbers, participants will be offered a full refund or transfer to another event.
In the unlikely event that a QMD must be cancelled by QOH or the Mountain Leader, participants will be offered a refund or transfer.
QOH cannot reimburse travel, accommodation or any other costs incurred by participants.
Weather & Route Changes
Mountain weather can change rapidly and conditions may require changes to the planned route, timings or objectives.
Poor weather alone will not automatically result in cancellation.
The Mountain Leader may alter the route or plan at any time in the interests of safety, weather conditions or group wellbeing.
Participant Responsibility
Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the required fitness, experience and equipment for the event they are booking.
Participants must disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries or accessibility requirements before the event.
Participants are responsible for carrying any medication they may need during the day.
Equipment
Participants must bring the essential kit listed on the event page.
The Mountain Leader reserves the right to refuse participation where equipment is considered unsuitable for the conditions or terrain.
No refund will be provided in these circumstances.
Safety
The Mountain Leader's decisions regarding safety, route choice, pace and participation are final.
Participants are expected to follow safety instructions throughout the event.
Community Expectations
QMDs are inclusive, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
Participants are expected to treat one another with respect and follow the Queer Out Here Code of Conduct.
Discriminatory, abusive or unsafe behaviour may result in removal from the event without refund.
Photography
Photos may occasionally be taken during QMDs for promotional purposes.
Participants will always be given the opportunity to opt out.
Liability
Participation in mountain activities involves inherent risks.
While every effort is made to manage risk appropriately, participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own personal belongings