Peak District

The Peak District sits at the southern end of the Pennines and, whilst mainly lying within Derbyshire, reaches into Cheshire, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. It was the first designated National Park in 1951, and covers an area of 542 square miles. It has two distinct parts, the Dark and White Peak, so called because of the dark gritstone in the north, and the lighter limestone of the south, and both offer very different and varied types of activities, particularly on the gritstone edges for which this region is famous.

 Stanage, Curbar, Froggatt and Baslow are the best known edges, and are ideal for rock climbing, bouldering and scrambling. Covering almost 12 miles, they are also a haven for walkers, offering spectacular views. For those who prefer the higher hills, hikers can choose from at least twenty seven hills, moorland tops and outcrops, culminating in the vast high level plateau of Kinder Scout at 636 metres, famous as the site of the Mass Trespass of 1932 when ramblers protested about open country access rights. Camping, caving, pot holing, gorge walking, horse riding and kayaking opportunities abound, while cyclists can follow miles of old railway trails through the Monsal and Manifold Valleys. For those who favour a longer walk, the 268 mile Pennine Way starts in the pretty village of Edale, ending in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders.

The area is rich in prehistory with barrows, standing stones, ring ditches, bronze age burial sites and stone circles. The Blue John Cavern in Castleton is a world famous cave system, home to the mine workings of the beautiful dark blue/purple mineral, Blue John, which has been excavated there for centuries.

There are many lovely small towns such as Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock and Hathersage, and many picturesque villages and hamlets. The area has a strong cultural identity, with literary and music festivals offering a variety of arts and entertainment including theatre, jazz, film, exhibitions, poetry, comedy and children’s events. There are well dressing ceremonies; a tradition dating back to medieval times, and many beautiful stately homes such as the magnificent Chatsworth House, the staggeringly beautiful Haddon Hall dating from the 12th century, Calke Abbey, the Norman Peveril Castle and Hardwick Hall to name a few.

There are plenty of lovely hotels, self catering cottages or bed and breakfasts to choose from, as well as lots of traditional pubs brewing real ales, and cafes serving delicious cakes, making it the perfect place to explore.