WALKING IN THE PEAK

Whether you are a long distance rambler, a hilltop hiker, a Sunday stroller, a fanciful footslogger or an enthusiastic pedestrian preferring to explore urban or village life, walking in the Peak District is for you. Walking in the Peak District offers a diverse and delightful mixture of countryside from which to choose. You may prefer to trek across exposed moorland where walkers now have more freedom to roam, thanks to the recently introduced Access rights. Alternatively there are easier paths to pursue, especially around the White Peak where walkers can descend into the Derbyshire Dales and follow riverside paths, woodland tracks or simply cross fields and stiles over an undulating landscape with glorious far-reaching views. The Peak District is carefully managed by the National Park Authority and local Councils, with the emphasis on providing a safe and enjoyable environment whilst successfully retaining a balance between visitors and the conservation and preservation of its countryside, flora, fauna and wildlife. The majority of paths, tracks and rights of way are clearly way-marked and have accessible stiles or gates which are well maintained and regularly monitored. Erosion of popular paths is controlled by introducing hard-wearing protection such as the thousands of Yorkshire slabs which have been painstakingly laid over several moors and popular paths in the Dark Peak area. Not only do these protect the landscape, but they also make walking across bleak and hazardous moorland much safer and more accessible. The Peak District and Derbyshire are criss-crossed by recognised routes and paths for ramblers such as The Limestone Way, The Midshires Way, The Pennine Bridleway, The Derwent Valley Heritage Way and the southernmost stretch of the famous but indomitable Pennine Way. Then there are the disused railway lines running through the heart of the White Peak countryside which have been utilised and transformed into the Tissington Trail, the Monsal Trail and High Peak Trail. Derbyshire may not have a coastline, but we make up for it with massive reservoirs set in scenically beautiful countryside, where you can find many waterside paths and tracks that are easy to follow and some which are pushchair and wheelchair friendly. A visit to Carsington Water in the south of the region can provide a whole day of entertainment, especially if you decide to walk the 8-mile lap around the Water’s edge. Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs can be found in the Dark Peak, set amidst wooded valleys beneath heather clad moors dotted with the occasional boulder and outcrop of gritstone rocks that have strange sounding names like The Salt Cellar or Cakes of Bread. A Walk in the Peak District here is a far different prospect. Peak District towns and villages are steeped in history and character, with some offering walk guides for visitors to wander around at will and to explore, investigate or just appreciate the wonderful architecture, curiosities and to hopefully gain an insight into Derbyshire past and present. Local Councils and the Peak Park Authority are actively encouraging more people to venture outdoors to appreciate the social and wellbeing benefits. There are now regular ‘guided health walks’ from leisure centres at various locations about the county and organised hikes and rambles which are free of charge and lead by rangers or qualified leaders. There are also several independent guided walk providers in the Peak District, offering a variety of guided walks from a simple stroll around some of Derbyshire’s treasures; a luxurious ‘picnic walk’ in the heart of the countryside to a carefully arranged and prepared walking holiday or a team bonding exercise for informal groups. By clicking on the entries below you can wander around our website to prepare for your Walk in the Peak District. We have provided some general ’what you need to know’ information that should help you to have a happy and enjoyable walk. There is also a selection of walks for you to download and follow, which have been compiled by competent and experienced writers. However, if you do not feel confident enough to venture out alone, or would simply like to be guided around the beauty spots by an informative and friendly guide, then click on our Guided Walk section for further details. Whatever you choose, enjoy your walk!

Walking In The Peaks