Founded in 1951, The Peak District National Park is the first of Britain's 15 national parks, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. It reaches into five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and is home to some of the finest walking country in the whole of England. Here we present the most beautiful places you can uncover in this unique corner of England.
The glorious Peak District National Park.
1. Monsal Head and Monsal Dale
Monsal Head and Monsal Dale are certainly one of the most photographed spots in the Peak District, and it’s easy to see why. Monsal Dale is the perfect walking location. Visitors can meander past the river or have a picnic as they take in the glorious Derbyshire countryside that surrounds them. Monsal Head, which sits directly above Monsal Dale, is one of the most famous viewpoints in the country, providing magnificent views down Monsal Dale and up to the Wye valley.
2. Eyam Village
Eyam is quirkily deemed as Derbyshire’s ‘Plague Village’, since the village lost 260 people to the plague in the 1660s. Since the plague’s bicentenary in 1866, the village of Eyam has celebrated ‘Plague Sunday’, on the last Sunday of August. Today visitors enjoy meandering around Eyam’s quaint streets, and exploring its traditional church and charming cottages. Eyam Hall, is an unspoilt 17 century manor house that is now open to the public, and a great attraction.
3. Hope Valley
Hope Valley is one of the most celebrated corners of the Peak District National Park. The area boasts a number of celebrated Peak District walks, including Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, and the winding Winnats Pass road. Other gems you can find in the Hope Valley include the picture-perfect villages of Castleton and Edale. Standing tall on a hill above Castleton, the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle are one of the most important historical sites in the region, and are well worth a visit.
Early mornings at Mam Tor, Peak District.
4. The Roaches
The Roaches provide one of the most jaw-dropping views in the Peak District. They consist of a prominent rocky ridge above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir. The summit is 505 metres above sea level, and whether you’re a serious hiker, or prefer a more gentle stroll, The Roaches offer something for everyone. The area has been managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust since 2013. Late summer is a wonderful time of year to walk The Roaches ridgeline as it turns purple with beautiful, flowering heather.
5. Surprise View, Peak District
Surprise View is an incredible viewpoint that sits high above the village of Hathersage, approximately 10 miles south-west of Sheffield. A wonderful spot for photography, it boasts a panoramic views of the Peak District. Interestingly, Surprise View is recognised as a wonderful place to stargaze, as there is very little light pollution. The nearby village of Hathersage has historical associations to Robin Hood, as he is reportedly buried in the village churchyard.
Peak District walks offer something for everyone.