The Peak District was Britain’s first National Park. Its high moorland, craggy gritstone edges and leafy dales provide a variety of dramatic scenery to enjoy with opportunities for walkers, rock-climbers, riders and hang-gliders to test their skills or acquire new ones.
For quieter enjoyment in Derbyshire visit an historic house, such as the unspoiled medieval gem Haddon Hall or the treasure house of palatial Chatsworth. Further south,
Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey and Sudbury Hall are equally appealing.
The city of Derby’s products range from delicate Crown Derby China to Rolls Royce aero engines and both are on show in local museums.
Buxton, where Dark and White Peaks meet, sprang to fame as a spa and is the highest town in England. Local museums feature collections of rocks, fossils and ornaments made of Blue John Stone where the strange rock formations are illuminated. Spacious chambers and connecting passages are believed to run two miles into the hills.
North of Ashbourne is the village of Tissington, where the custom of well-dressing has been in evidence since 1350. This old pagan custom of giving thanks for water persists in a number of other Peak District villages.
Matlock has the Heights of Abraham, ascended unto in a cable car, Gulliver’s Kingdom and The American World of Adventures.
The southern end of the 250-mile Pennine Way starts in Edale, near Ladybower Reservoir. Also nearby is Kinder Scout, at 2088 ft the highest part of the Peak District National Park. At its western edge is Kinder Downfall, a spectacular 100-ft waterfall. |
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