England's first national park spans 555 square miles of varied landscapes. Hike Kinder Scout, explore Castleton's caverns, cycle the Tissington Trail, or visit Bakewell for its famous pudding.
The Peak District, England's first national park, covers 555 square miles of varied landscapes. In the Dark Peak, you'll find gritstone edges and wild moorlands, while the White Peak features limestone dales and rolling hills. You can hike to the summit of Kinder Scout, explore the caverns of Castleton, or cycle along the Tissington Trail. Visit the village of Bakewell to taste its famous pudding, or tour the grand Chatsworth House estate.
Landscapes of Peak District
The Peak District consists of two distinct areas: the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The northern Dark Peak has moorlands and gritstone edges, including Kinder Scout, the park's highest point at 2,087 feet. The southern White Peak contains limestone dales, hills, and dry stone walls. These varied landscapes are home to numerous plant and animal species, including rare ones like the mountain hare and ring ouzel.
Hiking and Walking in Peak District
With over 1,800 miles of footpaths and bridleways, the Peak District offers numerous walking options. The Pennine Way, a 268-mile trail extending to Scotland, begins in the village of Edale. For a shorter walk, try the Mam Tor and Great Ridge trail, which offers views of the surrounding countryside. The Dovedale Valley, with its stepping stones and limestone pillars, attracts many visitors. The park also has several accessible trails, such as the Monsal Trail, which follows a former railway line and passes through several tunnels.
Cycling Routes in Peak District
Cycling allows you to cover more ground in the Peak District. The park has over 35 miles of traffic-free trails suitable for various skill levels. The Tissington Trail, a 13-mile route from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay, follows an old railway line through the countryside. For mountain biking, the Dark Peak area has challenging terrain and technical trails. You can rent bikes at several locations throughout the park, including Ashbourne, Parsley Hay, and the Upper Derwent Valley.
Villages and Towns in Peak District
The Peak District contains many small villages and towns, each with its own distinct features. Bakewell, the only town entirely within the park boundaries, is known for its pudding (not to be confused with the Bakewell tart). Castleton, situated at the foot of Mam Tor, has show caves and the semi-precious stone Blue John. Eyam, known as the "plague village," has a history related to its self-imposed quarantine during the 17th-century plague outbreak. These villages often host traditional events like well dressing, where wells are decorated with designs made from flower petals.
Local Food and Drink in Peak District
The Peak District has many local food specialties. In addition to the Bakewell Pudding, you can try Derbyshire oatcakes, a savory pancake often served with cheese and bacon. The village of Hartington produces cheese, including Stilton. Many local pubs serve ales from small breweries in the area. For a different experience, visit one of the farm shops or farmers' markets to try locally produced meats, cheeses, and preserves.
