Between Manchester and Sheffield.
Full of contrasts, from the Dark Peak's high exposed moorlands and dramatic
gritstone edges to the White Peak’s gentler plateaus, limestone dales and
rivers.
The South West Peak has rock outcrops and rolling moorlands.
When was it formed?
April 17, 1951
Size
Peak District National Park has 38,000 residents in 555 square miles (1437
km²).
View Larger Map
Insider guide
By Carol Parsons
(see below)
Role at the park: Recreation Strategy officer (and keen cyclist)
Best view
There’s so many thanks to the hilly landscape You get unforgettable views from
skyline ridge walks at Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill; the
Hollingsclough
Village Fell race goes over Chrome Hill but you have to keep an eye on
the ground so as not to fall! Views from the hilltops around the Upper
Derwent Valley are superb and there are amazing rock formations to discover
too like The Salt Cellar. If I fancy a drink with a view the Barrel Inn at
Bretton is the highest pub in Derbyshire with panoramic views, not
forgetting iconic Monsal Head too.
Favourite part of the park
I have cycled extensively in Europe but I still think the Peak District
National Park is one of the best cycling destinations I’ve come across. If
you like traditional stone built villages, interesting history, wildlife and
superb scenery then our traffic-free trails and network of quiet country
lanes are fantastic. Some of the best routes can be enjoyed in a half day
ride – check out
‘9
journeys of discovery by bike’ to download the routes. We’re
spoilt for choice with great, cycle friendly cafes so we’ve created a board
dedicated to them on
Pinterest.
Natural world highlights
There’s so much diversity due to the park's different landscapes.
The Dark Peak’s beautiful moorlands and blanket bogs of sphagnum moss, the
scene of
Europe’s
largest conservation project are internationally important for wonderful
species of birds, such as lapwing, curlew and snipe. They are also home to
distinctive mammals like the rarely seen mountain hares whose fur turns
white in winter and I’ve been lucky enough to see running across Bleaklow.
The Dark Peak landscape has a starring role in the BBC’s drama The Village.
S
phagnum moss
And, in spring and summer the White Peak blooms with bright colours of native
wildflowers such as cowslips, ox eye daisy, common spotted and greater
butterfly orchids, meadowsweet and field scabious.
If you only see one thing, make sure you see…
Chatsworth House and Gardens. It’s ‘Britain’s best loved stately home’, home
of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, described in guidebooks as the
‘Palace of the Peak’ and features in several period drama films including
‘Pride and Prejudice’. It overlooks the River Derwent in a parkland
landscape by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, cupped by Peak District hills and
moors. Formal gardens (including an arboretum, maze, flowerbeds and kitchen
garden) combine with lawns, sculptures and water features to complete the
setting. Inside, the house is equally awe-inspiring, full of treasures such
as painted ceilings, fine furniture, old master paintings and priceless
china. I never tire of it as there’s always something different to see.
Favourite time of year
The longer days of May and June. The trees look so fresh and green and the
cowslips and early purple orchids in the limestone dales and at the sides of
the trails are amazing.
Favourite fact about the park
Over the summer months Peak District villages hold
welldressing
celebrations – weeklong festivities include the ancient tradition of
producing special outdoor pictures made of flower petals and other natural
materials pressed onto clay. Many of the villages hold fell races during
their ‘Wakes Week’ and in June there can be at least one a week, which is a
brilliant way to unwind after a busy day at the office!
Best leisurely walks
A great short walk is up to Arbor Low stone circle and back. You can even stay
at Abor Low Farm B&B which featured in the BBC’s ‘Three in a bed’
programme – and won.
Best for hardcore trekkers
For experienced walkers I recommend a hike of about 18 miles from Edale. Or if
that’s not far enough there’s the Three Rivers Challenge walk – a 57 mile
circular route from Flash Bar near Buxton, taking in the valleys of the
rivers Dane, Dove and Churnet. The route includes part of the Staffordshire
Way and Limestone Way. I did it as a backpacking trip from home and it was
great.
Best for families
Our 65 miles (105km) of traffic-free trails are ideal for family walks or
cycle rides: High Peak Trail, Tissington Trail, Manifold Track, Monsal Trail
and tunnels. Hire bikes from one of the National Park’s own cycle hire
centres for a family day out and you will be contributing to the upkeep of
this special landscape.
Read
more here
Other activities
The Peak District is probably the most cycle accessible national park anywhere
and is world famous for climbing, caving, paragliding and hang gliding. Fell
running is very popular too! There’s a wide range of active outdoor and
gentler pursuits on offer.
Read
more here.
Can you stay there?
There is accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Stay B&B on a
working farm, rent a cottage or book into a luxury hotel, you will find a
friendly welcome, relaxation, gorgeous local food and drink in fabulous
surroundings. Benefit from the fresh air by camping at one of the scenic
campsites around the National Park or stop in an excellent youth hostel.
Any other hints/ tips/ things you would like to add
The York to Sheffield stage of the 2014 Tour de France will come through 18.5
miles of the Dark Peak, including the challenging Holme Moss climb and the
Woodhead Pass, so book your accommodation and join the fun.
You don’t have to be super fit to enjoy a bike ride in the Peak District
National Park. If you use an electric bike there is a network of hire and
charging points.
See
more here.
And for refuelling yourself, visit village stores and farm shops to discover
local micro-brewery beers, Peakland cheese, Bakewell puddings, Wakes cakes
and loads more.
A bridge in Bakewell
More information
Peak District
National Park
Edited at Telegraph.co.uk by Jolyon
Attwooll
Read
more of our National Parks insider guides
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/10089399/National-Park-focus-the-Peak-District.html?fb
Thu 4 Dec: Farmers' Market at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec: Christmas Weekend Wonderland at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Sat 13 - Sun 14 Dec: Antiques & Collectors Fair at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Decorations this year are themed on 
From christmas gifts, to fairy lights and an outdoor ice rink there's something for everyone
Panto season is upon us once more, 
