The word peak comes from the old English word ‘peac’ which means hill and there are an abundance of them for your enjoyment. The Peak District itself features two diverse locations – the White Peak (characterised by limestone rock, dry stone walls, river valleys and dales) and the Dark Peak (wild beauty, with dominating tors, heather moorland, gritstone rock and shale). The Peak District was made into Britains’s first National Park in 1951 and it is now protected for all to cherish. Get out there and go for a walk…

The Peak District is a walkers wonderland and contains routes for just about all abilities. Mam Tor, ‘The Shivering Mountain’ is on most people’s schedule. It lies to the western side of Castleton village. The shale hill dominates the valley and it is an impressive sight. The Great Ridge allows stunning views over both the Hope Valley and Edale Valley but it’s a difficult climb. Mam Tor is also home to a bronze age hill fort which can still be seen.

Close to Mam Tor you will find Kinder Scout – an impressive 600m high, and the limestone gorge known as Winnats Pass. Kinder Scout features a steep ascent and plenty of viewpoints for the countryside down below.

The Nag’s Head pub in Edale is the start for the Pennine Way that runs all the way to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. It is the longest walking path in Britain at about 270 miles and it was officially opened in April 1965. The Peak District section takes in Kinder Scout, an ascent of Jacob’s Ladder, Mill Hill, Devils Dike, Bleaklow Head and Black Hill before descending to Marsden.

For an easy stroll you have the Monsal Trail and the Manifold Valley Trail. These follow the path of old railway lines through the heart of the countryside. Or there’s the Limestone Way, a rural footpath that’s 50 miles long.

The highest major path across the Derwent Valley is the Cut Gate Bridalway. It is also among the oldest rights of way in the Peak District.
If you appreciate moor and valley, try the Derwent edge and Hagg Side circuit that takes in the upper part of Ladybower, starting off and finishing at the car park on the eastern side of the resevoir.

For a quicker walk try the Goyt Valley circuit which includes reservoirs, gritstone edges and fabulous moorland.

Whatever route you decide on I’m totally sure you’ll get pleasure from your walk as well as the wonderful landscapes you will find.

If you are interested in a UK holiday this year and want to check out the south of England at some point too, take a look at some Dorset cottages and Cornwall cottages and head south for a few days for sea, sand and sun.