Visiting the Peak District, a stunning destination for everyone

The Peak District spans an area of over 500 square miles lying mainly in Derbyshire

but also stretching into the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, South and West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The Peak District was Britain's first national park, designated in 1951 and is the fourth largest National Park in the UK.

It is a hugely popular national park due to its location with an estimated 20 million people living within a one hour drive. Being on the doorstep of Greater Manchester and Sheffield, this isn't a huge surprise.

The region is divided into sections known as The Dark Peak, The White Peak, The Staffordshire Moorlands and the Derbyshire Dales. The highest point in the Peak District is Crowden Head on Kinder Scout at a height of 2070 feet above sea level. Kinder Scout is located in The Dark Peak area and can be accessed from Edale which is also the start of the Pennine Way. Most of the region is over 1000 metres above sea level but unlike the craggy Lake District and Snowdonia hills, the Peak District hills are more undulating being soft and rounded.

The appeal of a self catering holiday is growing. A self catering holiday can give a greater freedom and more space for families and allow multiple couples or friends to go away together, splitting costs and creating a good value holiday. Cottages in the Peak District can be found in many villages as well as off the beaten track should a totally "get away from it all" holiday be required. Peak District cottages can be found in an abundance of styles from unique character properties to spacious, luxury holiday cottages fitted with all the latest gadgets and conveniences.

Walking is the main activity here, both in the Dark Peak and in the hills to the north. The Pennine Way starting from Edale, winds its way up the Pennine chain. The White Peak covers the limestone dales towards the market town of Bakewell. In addition to walking, climbing 'nursery slopes' surround the Hope Valley can also be experienced. All the equipment and tuition required can be found Cycle Hire, Horse riding & Treking can be arranged locally, as can Day Fishing in Ladybower Reservoir (seasonal ).

When staying in a Peak District cottage, there is never a shortage of activities. Of course going for a walk up one of the many peaks and experiencing the views is a must but there are hundreds of other attractions. Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set in 1,000 acres of parkland: a magnificent house and gardens, model farmyard, adventure playground, shops & restaurant. Haddon Hall, a romantic fortified medieval manor, home of the Rutland family, with delightful terraced gardens and restaurant. Eyam Hall preserves the domestic scene of the 17th century, where the Wright family have come and gone for 300 years. Hardwick Hall was created by one of the great characters of the Elizabethan era, Bess of Hardwick. The original tapestries & needlework are displayed. The National Trust now administer Hardwick Hall and many others in this area Calke Abbey, Kedlestone, Sudbury, Gawsworth and the moorland estates of Longshaw & The High Peak.

Visiting the Peak District, a stunning destination for everyone

By: Jenny Andrew

POST COMMENT

Toy Story Halloween Costumes-Green Army Men Unique Stunning Look Intelligent Home Robot Stunning Debut 09 Hi Stunning Holiday Villas in Portugal Create Stunning Pictures Of Children Proven Tips to Grow Stunning Orchid Flowers Proven Tips To Grow Stunning Orchid Flowers Keep Stunning Food plan - The Real Food plan Resolution The Stunning Real Estate Of Laguna Beach John Smedley's Stunning Range Of Designer Ladies Knitwear Apple Iphones Are The Smart Phones With Stunning Features Goldilocks An The Three Bears- Stunning Halloween Costumes Medieval Irish Costumes- Unique Stunning Looks This Halloween Couples Halloween Costumes- Be The Stunning Cleopatra And Mark Anthony