Peak District

Reach the heather-covered peaks of adventure in England’s wild and wonderful countryside

Stretching across five counties, the Peak District is a vast and beautiful landscape of contrasts. There’s the Derbyshire Dales with its historic villages, castles and canals. The rolling hills of Staffordshire. Cheshire’s dramatic woodland scenery. And the ruggedly handsome cities of Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Follow ancient gritstone edges that mark out the sweeping moorlands in the Dark Peak. While the White Peak is awash with lush valleys and verges bursting with cow parsley and yellow hawthorn – not forgetting the centuries-old pubs where walkers can leave muddy boots by the fire.

Things to do

LANDMARKS
Jane Austen fans can picture their favourite Pride and Prejudice moments at Chatsworth House, the inspiration for Pemberley. Set within gardens and lakes landscaped by Capability Brown, and renowned for its fine art collection and lavish state rooms, the Cavendish family has owned this estate for over 500 years. 15 miles away, above the village of Castleton, are the imposing 11th ruins of Peveril Castle. Nearby you’ll find another geological treasure – the Speedwell Cavern – where a boat ride passes through narrow tunnels carved out by lead-miners 200 years ago.

HISTORY
For a glimpse into Neolithic life 4,500 years ago, walk up to Monyash where 50 white limestone slabs form the Arbor Low stone circle – often described as the Stonehenge of the North. Picture a day in the life of Derbyshire colliers in the Peak District Mining Museum, complete with recreated underground passages, original equipment and interactive exhibits. And visit Cromford Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1771, it tells the story of the invention of the first water-powered cotton spinning mill that inspired the modern factory system.      . 

ACTIVITIES
Walk or cycle the tranquil Monsal Trail in the Wye Valley, through a deep limestone gorge that runs along the path of the disused, but well-lit, Midland Railway tunnel. Paddle along calm canals or navigate the rapids of the River Derwent by canoe. But don’t miss the Treak Cliff Cavern with its rich veins of Blue John Stone sparkling in the rock, and some of the finest stalactites and minerals in the Peak District. Abseilers can take a thrilling jump off the 24-metre-high Millers Dale Bridge. And if long distances don’t faze you, the 9 Edges Walk (or run) is a stunning 23-mile route around the nine different gritstone edges. 

Top Tip from SLH

For a taste of the real thing, visit The Old Original Bakewell Pudding shop on Rutland Square. Invented in the mid-19th century by a local cook, her delicious ‘jam tart that went wrong’ is now best enjoyed warm with lashings of custard or cream