7 ways to experience the pick of the Peak District

James March

James March

A romantic collection of yawning valleys, stone villages and historic homes, the Peak District was England's first National Park when it opened in 1951 and its 555 square miles remain an alluring draw.

Walking the ridge from Mam Tor
Walking the ridge from Mam Tor © Patrick Down - Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0

From the wind-blasted hills of the Hope Valley down to charming chocolate-box towns like Bakewell and Buxton, the region delights with a vast array of activities and adventure.

And with reliable train and bus services, the Peak District* is surprisingly accessible by public transit. Here are a few reasons to explore a region as cinematic as it is historic:

Where to stay: search hundreds of great value accommodation options in the Peak District with Sykes Cottages*, which has something for every budget from log cabins and luxurious stays to pet-friendly abodes.

Hike some stunning landscapes

The Hope Valley's rising hills form a magnificent hiking canvas and most adventures begin from the tiny village of Edale, where several of the best walks begin.

The climb to the 510-metre-high summit of Mam Tor is arguably the most accessible walk, and the only sounds piercing the calming silence on the 7 km-hike are the staccato yelps of sheep dotting green slopes and an occasional "hi" to fellow walkers.

The blustery summit is circled by buzzards and kestrels while the serpentine Edale Road meanders into the distance. The view south into Derbyshire is equally spectacular, with an ethereal haze often hanging over the faded silhouette of the old Hope Valley Cement Works.

This walk is moderately challenging, though to tackle the Peak District's highest point you'll need to take on the more difficult Kinder Scout Loop.

Put on your climbing (& gliding) boots

With its ragged gritstone edges, the craggy escarpment of Stanage Edge is a glorious windswept shelf from which to enjoy some of the Peak District's more extreme pursuits. You'll probably spot a few hang gliders hanging in the air like feathers on approach.

The gusts at 450 metres above sea level provide a perfect runway into the sky and anyone who suits up for the experience will be rewarded with some wonderfully bucolic views.

Climbing the sheer face of Stanage Edge
Climbing the sheer face of Stanage Edge © James - Adobe Stock Image

Further along Stanage Edge, the vertical rock faces are ideal for a little physical contortion with a satisfying finish.

More of a mental challenge than a physical one, rock climbing sessions can be booked with Pure Outdoors and they'll strap you in and help you look for the next crevice to grab onto. It's almost therapeutic, and the sweeping vistas over the Burbage Valley are fabulous.

Meander through some lavish homes

With such handsome scenery on their doorstep, it's no surprise some of the country's wealthiest people once chose to build their opulent homes in the Peak District.

Chatsworth House is a sumptuous 17th-century mansion near Bakewell that's famous for its appearance in various screen adaptations of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.

Mighty-fine Chatsworth House
Mighty-fine Chatsworth House © Gareth Williams - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Nearby Haddon Hall is a grand manor house with origins dating back to the 11th century, and its fine 16th-century Long Gallery is a marvel, while there's also a medieval chapel on site.

Notable for its exceptionally large windows, Hardwick Hall* is an Elizabethan masterpiece and an early example of an English interpretation of European Renaissance architecture.

See the bizarre & beautiful in Buxton

Historic Buxton has long been attractive thanks to its status as a spa town and the quality of the nearby mineral water, but it's also home to some pretty distinctive architecture.

There are some buildings which photographs simply don't do justice, and the Devonshire Dome is one of them. Once the largest unsupported dome of its type in the world, it was built in 1789 and the almost dizzying echo effect of speaking beneath its cavernous hood is one of the Peak District's most surprisingly visceral experiences.

The curving façade of the Crescent Spa Hotel is perhaps Buxton's most recognisable image, while the elegant 1903 Opera House wouldn't have looked out of place in Belle Époque-era Paris.

Ride back in time

Good transport has always been essential for those desiring to see the region's grand landscapes, and that deep history is celebrated in an interesting fashion here.

Ride delightful vintage trams at Critch Tramway Village along its meticulously recreated period street, featuring a restored pub, ornate tearooms and a traditional sweet shop.

All aboard Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
All aboard Ecclesbourne Valley Railway © Peter Appleby - Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0

On a larger scale, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway's nine-mile route is the longest heritage railway in the Peak District and uses a mixture of steam and diesel locomotives.

Situated in Ambergate, the Great British Car Journey displays a curated collection of forgotten classic British cars, such as the Morris Marina and Hillman Avenger.

Cycle by some iconic scenes

Many railway lines didn't survive the cost-cutting closures of the 1960s, but a few were later converted into public paths and the Monsal Trail is one of the finest examples. A meandering eight-mile delight, it's perfect for cycling taking in dense forest, historic lime kilns and soaring Victorian viaducts.

Led by tour company Glory Days, the Pudding and Ale Tour is one of the Peak's most evocative cycling trails and flanks the edges of Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Reservoir.

Cycling the old railway line of Monsal Trail
Cycling the old railway line of Monsal Trail © Ian Haskins - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The widescreen views across Ladybower are majestic, though it's Derwent Reservoir's history that really impresses, as it was here that pilots of the 617 Squadron practised the low-level flights needed for Operation Chastise, commonly known as the "Dambusters" raids in WWII.

And best of all, the tour ends at the rustic Yorkshire Bridge pub where a cold beer and fluffy Yorkshire puddings await.

Indulge in Bakewell

Famous for its namesake puddings and tarts, the chocolate-box town of Bakewell has been attracting those with a sweet tooth for many years.

And underneath the rustic 17th-century timber roof of The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is where you'll find the finest examples of the town's delicate puddings (that were allegedly created by accident following a misunderstanding at a local inn).

But outside of sweet things, Bakewell's mellow stone buildings and tranquil riverside setting make it a dreamy spot to pass a few hours.

And if you're around early in the week, Bakewell Monday Market has been running since 1330 and boasts around 80 stalls selling clothes, shoes, freshly baked bread, flowers, wool and hot food.

Climate in the Peak District

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in the Peak District.

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James March

James March

Posted on Thursday 14th March 2024 in: Adventure Nature UK

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