As the first official national park in Britain, the creation of the Peak District in 1951 finally provided local people with the chance to get out and freely enjoy and explore their countryside. Beforehand, open moorland was private property and closed to all. Also, the first long-distance footpath in the UK was the Pennine Way, which opened in 1965. The national park still remains one of the best places for a British staycation, with millions of visitors every year.
Stretching across 4 counties and 555 square miles, It’s very hard to choose the best places to see. Really, every corner of the peak district has something beautiful to offer. Quaint villages, majestic caves and cliffs, castles, mills, villages, picturesque little streams in the dales, and so much more.
Here are 10 places that stick in my mind the most.
1. Robin Hood’s Stride
This partly undiscovered dot on the peak district map is one of my all-time favourites. It is basically a tor, or large piece of rock protruding from the ground. The rocks provide the perfect place to climb atop ledges and weave your way through mini caves. It is a short walk from the village of Birchover, which has a great campsite and pub! It’s also very close to an open moor area called Stanton moor – which is home a bronze age stone circle called the Nine Ladies.
2. Monsal Head
If you’re looking for an easy walk with a view, the Monsal trail is the place for you. The pathway stretches along a disused railway line, so is very flat and popular with cyclists. Monsal Head is a viewpoint along the way that overlooks Monsal dale, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and a Special Area of Conservation. Monsal Head also has a pub, toilets, a place to park and usually an ice cream van to welcome you back.
3. Mam Tor
Take a few hours of your day to walk up to mam tor, or make a day trip of it and stop by the world-famous Blue John Cavern next door. They offer guided tours of natural underground caves, and you can learn about the traditional method of mining. There is also a shop and a cafe. The blue john caves are the only place in the world where the semi-precious mineral, Blue John stone, can be found.
4. Bakewell
Bakewell is a tourist hot spot, and a great place to stop by for lunch or a browse of the shops. Bakewell is also well known for it’s traditional Bakewell puddings – so you mustn’t leave without trying one!
5. Froggatt and Curbar Edge
A relatively easy walk along the edges will reward you with stunning views of the peak district. The rock formations are frequently often used by rock climbers, too, if that’s your sort of thing.
6. Youlgreave
A lesser-known but firm favourite of mine is the small village of Youlgreave. It’s a good location to pass through as you explore Lathkill dale on foot, or you can even stay overnight at a youth hostel. Also, below the village, there is a designated swimming area in the river! Which is lots of fun but very cold!
7. Bamford
Bamford offers lots of photo opportunities being situated next to the iconic Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs. It’s also close by to Bamford Edge and Mam Tor and offers lots of options for walking routes. Parking by Ladybower is a little difficult, however, as the only location is along the roadside. Derwent reservoir has a car park and information centre. Here, you can learn all about the historic village of Derwent that used to stand where the reservoir now is.
8. Dovedale
Famous for its stepping stones, the River Dove flows through Dovedale and offers beautiful countryside walks. Walking along the riverside is flat and easy for families, and has lots of great wildlife and woodlands to explore. Dovedale also has steep limestone ravines, and you can hike up an impressive limestone hill called Thorpe Cloud for panoramic views of the peak district. There is a car park nearby and refreshments too.
Also, side note: Cheedale has stepping stones too which are just as fun.
9. Thor’s cave
Thor’s cave is an impressive natural cavern in the south of the White Peak area in Staffordshire. It can be reached by an easy stepped path from the Manifold Way, the cave is a popular tourist spot, with views over the Manifold Valley. The second entrance is known as the “West Window”, below which is a second cave, Thor’s Fissure Cavern.
10. Kinder Scout
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District at 2,087ft above sea level. Consequently, it rewards you with great panoramic views. There are lots of moorlands to discover and even a waterfall called Kinder Downfall. However, walking here is some of the most difficult in the Peak District. And when the weather is bad it can become even harder to navigate – so make sure you take a map and compass and a friend for safety!
Kinder Scout is also one of the most significant areas in the National Park as the site of the 1932 Mass Trespass. This was when ramblers from nearby cities peacefully protested on what was then private land, contributing to the change in legislation allowing people to freely walk on access land. The Mass Trespass was a key event in the campaign for open access to moorland in Britain which eventually led to the formation of Britain’s National Parks; the Peak District was the first National Park, founded on 17th April 1951. – ‘Experience’ website.
(Bonus place). Cromford and Matlock bath
Technically Cromford and Matlock Bath aren’t in the geographical range of the peak district. However, being so close to the border and having so much to offer – I couldn’t leave them out!
Cromford is a lovely village with a world-famous heritage. It is the birthplace of modern industrial factory systems, where water-powered mills were first invented by Sir Richard Arkwright during the industrial revolution. Cromford is now home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cromford Mills.
A short walk down the road takes you to Matlock Bath. This is like a sea-side town that has been transported inland. There are arcades, fish and chips, a river, there are caves to explore and you can take a cable car up to the Heights of Abraham visitors attraction. You can take a walk up to High Tor for an impressive view of the valley, or if you’re feeling brave enough, inch your way along Giddy Edge – a 300ft high pathway that has been labelled as Britain’s scariest footpath. Certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Finally, a short drive behind Matlock and Cromford brings you to a place called Lumsdale. Lumsdale has a beautiful nature reserve with old ruins to explore, lakes and an impressive set of waterfalls.
I’m a big advocate for the Peak District, having spent many a day and adventure there as a child and adult too. And when I’m away from home, it’s the place that I miss the most.
