A walkers paradise and more – the Peak District and Pennine Way
The Peak District was the first National Park created in Britain, as long ago as 1951, and continues to attract millions of visitors a year.
Geographically, the Peak District looks like it has been squeezed between the large urban areas of Sheffield, Manchester and Derby, but as soon as you enter this south edge of the Pennines you feel about as remote and A far away from the rest of civilisation as it is possible to be.
It has to be said that the scenery throughout the Peak District is dramatic, beautiful and contrasting. The Dark Peak provides moorland tops that are granite tough, often surrounded by mist and damp that can make it feel on occasions more than a little foreboding. However,, don’t lewt that put you off, as it remains a huge favourite with walkers who cross the Peaks on the Pennine Way every year.
This rugged terrain contrasts completely with what you find on the White Peak, which as the name would suggest are a little friendlier with limestone hills, wooded valleys and the glorious dales to explore.
If you are heading to the Peak District, Hotels in Sheffield, Manchester and Derby all provide a useful base to explore this area and you will also find many guest houses and B&B’s on your travels.
The Pennine Way, that crosses the Peak District, is over 250 miles long stretching from Kinder Scout in the Peak District to Scotland via the Yorkshire Dales, Teesdale’s, Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.
Although the Pennine Way is too far for most of us on our holidays – unless you have 2-3 weeks to spare – you can still enjoy it by simply walking sections of it and the stretch through the Peak District is as good and varied as you will find.