With its vast expanses of green fields, majestic mountains and delightful quaint villages, the Peak District has always been a favourite of walking fans and hill climbers.
The Peak District National Park, established in 1951, was Britain’s first national park, giving it an extra special place in the nation’s heart.
Luscious landscapes
Nestled on the border between the northern highlands of Britain and the southern lowland counties, the Peak District boasts some of the most luscious green landscapes to be found anywhere in the country.
With these huge green spaces as far as the eye can see, walking in the Peak District is a particularly popular pastime for many people young and old.
The beauty of the Peak District is that it has walking routes to cater to everybody’s tastes and abilities.
A favourite Peak District walk is through Deepdale.
One of the treasures of the Peak District, it takes visitors through some wonderful limestone dales and provides a real escape from the outside world.
Another must see are the monuments of Baslow Edge and Gardoms Edge, which offer some of the most stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a great sight for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
Natural wonders
Along with walking boots and other gear, visitors must bring a camera with them to capture images of the jaw-dropping scenery they will encounter.
The Dark Peak is a barren and rugged landscape where the appearance changes dramatically with the weather and light conditions and offers powerful beauty.
Within the national park walkers will find The Roaches, the v-shaped gritstone protrusions which jut out of the landscape and add to the area’s dramatic splendour.
The hills and dales are only two of the attractions of the Peak District.
What it has over many other popular walking destinations is the stunning examples of natural beauty which lie underground.
A network of caves and caverns run below its luscious green expanses, with Speedwell Cavern offering a truly amazing experience.
Visitors travel on a boat through the various tunnels of this former lead mine where they will find some stunning sights.
Another feather in the Peak District’s cap is Blue John Cavern.
Blue John Stone is only found amongst the rocks of Treak Cliff Hill in Castleton.
This highly-prized stone is simply wonderful to behold, making this a popular site with walking fans all year round.
Back at sea level, the Heights of Abraham are also a must see, offering wonderful views and great sites to enjoy a picnic.
Vibrant villages
Blue John Cavern is located in the village of Castleton and walking enthusiasts must take the opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of the Peak District.
On three sides this wonderful little village is surrounded by steep hills, with the Mam Tor the most famous of these.
While the natural splendour is a good enough reason to visit, there are various other attractions which people must see.
Ruins of an ancient hilltop fortress and the rebuilt castle originally erected by William Peverill are just two of the famous sites which should be included in any itinerary.
Nestled in a valley bordered by the River Derwent is the stone-built village of Cromford.
Steeped in industrial history, the village is most famous for its association with Sir Richard Arkwright, a leading entrepreneur of the Industrial Revolution.
Particular sites of interest include the canal system, the Cromford and High Peak Railway and Derwent Valley Heritage Trail.
The picturesque market town of Ashbourne is also worth seeing, with lovely cottages, historic buildings and wonderful surrounding countryside making it a pleasant place to spend some time.
Food and drink
While exploring the villages and walking routes in the Peak District, visitors will more than likely build up an appetite, but luckily, the Peak District is rich in the number of pubs and restaurants offering the finest quality food.
The Ladybower Inn in Bamford is one of the most famous pubs.
With a menu boasting warm crab, scallion and goats cheese tart, fresh battered haddock and creamy wild mushroom and rabbit pies, this really is a popular haunt with Peak District walking enthusiasts.
Those enjoying a walk in Ashbourne should drop in to the Dog and Partridge.
Its comfortable surroundings are a great place to enjoy a Greek salad, a selection of Italian meats or a prawn and melon salad.
Walkers enjoying some time in Birch Vale on the High Peak can settle down in the ambient surroundings of the Sycamore Inn and sample delights such as wild mushroom risotto, belly pork and black pudding salad and venison sausages.
Rest and relaxation
With many hotels, guest houses and camp sites, there is no shortage of places to stay.
The best way to explore the terrain is on foot, so many visitors pitch up tents at the camp sites and spend the night with nature.
While this option may be the most exciting, visitors must ensure they have brought all the correct gear with them so they can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep before lacing up their walking boots and heading out into the wilderness once again.