The Peak District

A leisurely riverside stroll or gentle ramble along flat footpaths, walking offers stunning views of this natural wonderland and some of Derbyshire county’s prettiest stone-built villages. There are so many documented trails, each with unique textures, vistas and degrees of challenge. 

Explore the home of the Industrial Revolution and discover Derbyshire’s rich history on this 6 or 8 mile walk. Passing through Arkwright’s Mill, the village of Cromford and along the nearby canal, you’ll get a great taste for what Cromford has to offer. Starting off at the Cromford Wharf car park, cross the road and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arkwright’s Mill at Cromford- the site of the world’s first ever water-powered cotton spinning mill. 

This 7-mile circular walk takes in Birchen Edge, Chatsworth and Dobb Edge- all of which are gems of the Peak District. Chatsworth and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside are home to some of the most stunning views in the area, whichever direction you look. There are three places that you could start this walk, either Birchen Edge Car Park (by the Robin Hood Inn), Chatsworth Car Park or Baslow Village car park. 

This 6- or 8-mile village walk links Bakewell, famous for its namesake tart, with Edensor before leading on to the grand vistas of Chatsworth House, which sits proud and gracious in the valley.

This is a superb 46-mile marked route across the White Peak area of the National Park that can be done in easy stretches. 

There’s plenty of choice to keep the hearty hiker coming back for more challenges. Jagged ridges rising steeply at more than 500 metres and the Pennine Way National Trail, which climbs through the highest rugged point of the Peak District at 636 metres above sea level, are two of the hiking highlights for brave ramblers. 

A prominent rocky ridge and local gritstone escarpment through Ramshaw Rocks and Hen Cloud is popular with hikers, rock climbers and runners. On clear days views high up here spread as far as Wales and neighbouring counties to the north.

This 7 ½ mile walking route takes you through the quaint and picturesque village Hartington and through the wonderful Derbyshire countryside to the archaeological site of Pilsbury castle. The Derbyshire village of Hartington is full of charming 18th century houses, an idyllic pond but most importantly, it is home to one of the best local cheese shops in the county (if not the world). 

Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, a 517-metre hill near Castleton, is one of the most famous trails in the High Peak area of the national park. 

This 9-mile cliff-edge walk gives a bird’s eye view of the Peak District’s most famous landscapes: Derwent and Hope Valleys, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout, with its gritstone boulders, a hard, coarse-grained, dark sandstone particular to the area.

As with walking, there are cycling choices to suit all tastes: family-friendly routes through traffic-free trails and challenging mountain biking across rugged ground. With miles upon miles of cycling, the Peak District is famous for having the most bike-friendly area in England. It’s easy to rent bikes at: Derwent Cycle Hire in Bamford, Monsal Trail Cycle Hire at Hassop Station and Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire.

The area is full of relatively-level cycling along disused railway lines such as Tissington Trail, Manifold Track, High Peak Trail, Longdendale Trail, the Five Pits Trail and Monsal Trail.

Challenging routes for a high-octane workout to the north include terrain in Edale, Hope Valley, Jacob’s Ladder, Eyam, Ashover and Stanage Edge. Less demanding routes are found in the Goyt Valley close to Buxton or on the Derwent Reservoir Circuit. Mountain Biking Routes.

This is famous as the track that once connected the capital London with the country’s second city of Manchester in the north. It runs through some well-lit tunnels and across the magnificent Mondal Viaduct, giving cyclists an outstanding view. 

Excellent rock climbing and bouldering is popular at Stanage Edge, as well as caving in many caverns throughout The Peak District. Pool's Cavern- take a journey beneath the earth with expert guides, explore the vast limestone caverns see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Stroll though beautiful woodland trails to a panoramic Peak District hilltop viewpoint.

The steep hills, deep valleys and reservoirs, as well as the River Derwent that runs through the county of Derbyshire, offer all sorts of water sports: kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and speed boat rides.

These natural water basins are located at Tittesworth, which is surrounded by majestic rocks in the Staffordshire Moorlands, at The Roaches and at Staunton Harold on the edge of the National Forest in the south of the county. Water sports, in the greatest number, happen at Carsington Water, where there are also shops, a restaurant, cycle and nature trails with bird hides.

Matlock Bath, a popular town on the banks of the river in the heart of a steep-sided valley, is spectacular for white-water kayaking, including a slalom course. 

• Tennis: Buxton Tennis club, for members and paid courts, Ashwood Park: free. 
• Squash: Fairfield Centre 
• Badminton: Fairfield Centre, Buxton Community School. 

• Ashwood Park: tennis court, basketball, football cage 
• Pavilion Gardens: outdoor gym, basketball, football half-cage 
• Cote Heath Park: goal posts, skate park, basketball, football cage 
• Temple Fields: goal posts, pitch, running track, cricket square 

• Go-Karting: Swain’s Centre 
• Buxton Racing: Hi-Edge Raceway 
• Skate Boarding: Buxton Skate Park 
• BMX: in the woods at Temple Fields