Calm outdoor decision making Walking

Decision‑making walks in the Peak District

PeaksCompass also supports new and developing walk leaders with practical, scenario‑based approaches to risk, group management, and decision‑making walks on the hill.

P.E.A.K.S gives a calm structure to think through the essentials — Personal state, Environment, Accompaniment, Knowledge of the route, and Safety & kit.

The PEAKS Framework

getting boots ready

P– Personal State

How am I feeling? — physically, mentally, and in terms of focus — before I set off.

view of the weather

E – Environment

What the weather is doing now? What it might do later, and how the conditions shape the day.

small family walking

A – Accompaniment

Who I’m with? How they’re doing, and the pace or support that they might need.

looking at a map

K – Knowledge

What I understand about the terrain, distance, timing, and how I judge how the route fits the day.

safety equipment

S – Safety & Kit

What hazards or changes I need to prepare for, and whether my kit supports the choices ahead.

Featured Episodes – What’s new

New November 26 – I have been meaning to complete this for ages, but here is my first iteration of a Handy Walkers Pocket Decision Guide. The printable A5 double-sided card designed to help walkers in decisions before and during a walk. Peaks Compass Tools – PeaksCompass

Free Peaks Decision Guide side 1

October 26 – Climb the sharp, distinctive summit of Shutlingsloe, locally loved as the Cheshire Matterhorn before the drop to Wildboarclough and on to discussing river crossing at the magical pools of Three Shires Head. (Click to watch)

October 26 – One of the Peak District’s most iconic ridgelines: Mam Tor, the “Shivering Mountain”. Climb steadily to the summit, taking in Lose Hill, Back Tor and the exposed ridge that leads towards Hollins Cross.. Click to watch

Mam Tor

October 26 – New article (E)Trees – Rowan is a navigation clue, a tool wood, a wildlife marker, and a boundary tree. It’s not a “survival tree” in the dramatic sense, but it’s one of the most practically helpful trees in upland Britain — quietly guiding travellers, feeding wildlife, and offering small but meaningful resources to anyone who knows how to read it. https://www.peakscompass.co.uk/e-trees-rowan/

Rowan Tree

August 26 – New article (S) Hill jackets are your first line of defence on the hills — keeping you dry and protected when the weather turns. This page gives you a quick, reliable guide to choosing the right layer for safe and confident days out. https://www.peakscompass.co.uk/s-waterproof-jacket-layer/

hill jkt snap

Mountain Weather

Peak District mountain weather on Met Office

Weather data provided by the Met Office and Windy.com . Used under their Terms & Conditions.

Peaks Compass Route Time Estimator

Estimate how long a route section may take using distance, ascent and walking pace.

Navigate smarter. Walk with confidence.

Enter your route details above.

Based on a simplified version of Naismith’s Rule. Always allow extra time for weather, rough ground, navigation and rest stops.

About PeaksCompass

PeaksCompass uses scenario‑led walking to support thoughtful, confident decision‑making outdoors. Each video episode explores how small choices shape a safe, enjoyable day on the hills.

PeaksCompass™ is an independent walking project based in the Peak District.

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