Countryside

Peak District National Park

The Peak District marks the meeting of the soft southern landscape, with its light-coloured limestone, and the harsh grey gritstone lands to the north. The park lies close to the industrial sprawl of Manchester and Sheffield, and for this reason it can be crowded at times. Yet for all its proximity to civilisation, the Peak District carries about it an air of timeless peace and tranquility, with mile after mile of drystone walling sectioning the countryside into the familiar British chequerboard pattern.

The River Dove splits the park near Tissington, famed for its ancient well-dressing celebrations. Better known perhaps, is the River Wye, which flows across the park, creating lovely views and good walking, particularly on the moors near Chee Dale, and Miller's Dale. Near Bakewell is Haddon Hall, one of Britain's most famous country houses.

Drystone walls in the Peak District

What to see:
Arbor Low: Neolithic stone circle, one of the finest in all England.
Dovedale: the valley of the River Dove, Park near Ilam or Thorpe, and enjoy lovely walks - but beware crowds in the midday
Edale: the start of the Pennine Way
Blue John Cavern, near Castleton: home of the rare gem stone which bears its name.
Walking trails at Monsal (Bakewell Station), Ashborne, Mam Tor.
Haddon Hall: (Bakewell), There are Tudor and Jacobean underpinnings to this country house, former seat of the Dukes of Rutland.

Ordnance Survey maps covering the Peak District:
Explorer OS maps (1: 25000) - best for walking
Dark Peak - White Peak

Landranger OS maps (1: 50000)
LR110 Sheffield/Huddersfield - LR119 Buxton Matlock Dovedale

Resources:
Peak District National Park.com - Peak District Tourist Guide. Accommodation, events, activities, food and drink, walking, history and info...

Contact
Peak District National Park
Aldern House, Baslow Road
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1AE
Tel: (01629) 816354
Web: www.peakdistrict.org/