Trail-blazing ways to discover the National Park Miniature wildlife marvels to look out for Year round delights not to be missed
We love our National Park –the UK’s first ever – and we know you will too. Just a few simple things on your visit can help you and everyone else have a great time. We call it being #PeakDistrictProud
Where do you want to go? Think ahead – particularly where you will park the car if you’re not travelling by public transport (see page 3). Many of the most popular places can get very busy and some parking allocations fill up by mid-morning or even earlier. Having a location in mind and setting off early can avoid queues, waiting to park or driving around to find alternative spots. New National Park EV charging points are available at two
BBQs or open fires are not allowed in the vast majority of the National Park, so it’s easiest to leave it at home.
Don’t be a rubbish visitor –one of the biggest ways you can help is to take home what you bring. We could support an extra National Park ranger with the money it costs us to collect litter and empty bins each year. Some remote areas and car parks may not have bins at all.
Leave the BBQ behind – open fires are not permitted anywhere in the open countryside in the Peak District, and fines for their use may apply in some areas. Many supermarkets have now stopped selling disposable BBQs for this reason. If staying at a designated campsite, please confirm with the owner before lighting up.
Check before you pitch – ‘wild camping’ always requires the permission of the landowner and there is no general provision for wild camping in the open countryside in this National Park. Don’t assume your chosen location is suitable unless you’ve already secured permission. The best choice is to stay in a designated campsite (see page 3).
Whatever the weather – Peak District weather can often change quickly and be very different from where you’ve travelled from, so packing for every option whether rain or shine will keep you safe and comfortable.
A friendly face to start your day – our Visitor Centre teams (see centrefold map) are on hand to help your day go smoothly; from maps, guides and helpful tips on the best routes, to refreshments or picking up those last-minute items you’ve forgotten!
Take the lead – keeping dogs under close control on a lead whenever you can helps keep you and your pet safe, and protects farm animals and wildlife. Taking this approach all year round is the best option of all.
Get in the zone – parking your car in a designated bay (not on verges or across entrance gates) ensures emergency and farm vehicles can get through on narrow roads and traffic can flow smoothly.
Always
Respect your route – be sure to follow trail markers and signs as you come across them and leave farm and access gates as you find them – either open or closed.
our annual permit can mean weekly parking for less than £1 in more than 40 locations.
There are a number of ways to enjoy the Peak District by train and bus:
Northern Railway’s Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester gives direct access to spectacular Peak District scenery, with stations at Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale (allowing you to explore places such as Padley Gorge, Jacobs Ladder, the start of the Pennine Way).
The bustling heart of the Peak District in the market town of Bakewell can be explored via the Derwent Valley Line from Nottingham to Matlock. From Matlock bus services provide onward travel to Bakewell and Chatsworth, along with lots of other local villages.
The Manchester to Glossop line puts you at the foot of the Dark Peak moorlands with the grandeur of Bleaklow and Kinder Scout nearby; from Padfield station you can set off on the Longdendale Trail in the north of the National Park.
To the west the Manchester to Buxton line links to local buses taking you to villages and dales in the White Peak, or on to the varied scenery of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
To the north is the Manchester to Huddersfield line, stopping on the way at Greenfield and Marsden for access to Dove Stone and the Wessenden Moors.
Regular bus services from Ashbourne, Buxton, Chesterfield, Derby, Glossop, Leek and Sheffield provide access into the National Park –for more information on bus routes and timetables go to www.derbysbus.info.
Thanks to our partnership with BMW UK, there are now two pairs of double 7kw EV PodPoints (capable of charging up to four vehicles) at both our Millers Dale Station car park and Parsley Hay Bike Hire and car park.
An additional double EV charge point is available for guests of Fieldhead Campsite next to the Edale Visitor Centre/Moorland Centre. Guests can also recharge at our North Lees Campsite.
Full details, locations and tariffs are available at: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/ev
Pitch perfect…
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is the place to find the right campsite for you, or why not check out more on our own North Lees campsite on pages 10 - 11. Scan here for campsite and other accommodation listings in the area.
Always on hand
See our centrefold map for Visitor Centres, cycle hire and EV charging or scan here for more.
#PeakDistrictProud
For a safe and enjoyable visit, you can also find information on how to be #PeakDistrictProud in five additional languages including: Polish, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Panjabi and Kurmanji by scanning here:
With 202 square miles of open access land and 1,600 miles of public rights of way, there are many ways to discover the Peak District. Which will you choose?
Why not let our friendly visitor centre staff help you plan your adventure? From pushchair and wheelchair-friendly routes, to two wheels or four hooves, there’s something for everyone!
High Peak Trail (also the Pennine Bridleway)
10.5 miles Dowlow via Parsley Hay to Daisy Bank, Longcliffe.
Park at Hurdlow (SK17 9QJ), Parsley Hay (SK17 0DG) with bike hire, Friden (SK17 0DY) or Minninglow (DE4 2PN). The Trail continues 7 miles beyond the National Park to Middleton Top (DE4 4LS) and Cromford (DE4 5HN).
Monsal Trail
(the one with all the tunnels) 8.5 miles Bakewell to Blackwell Mill.
Level access and parking at Bakewell Station (DE45 1GE), Hassop Station (DE45 1NW), Millers Dale and EV charging (SK17 8SN), Wyedale (SK17 9TA) 15 minutes’ walk to the Trail.
Monsal Trail steep footpath access only from Monsal Head (DE45 1NL).
Thornhill Trail (the short one)
2 miles Bamford to Yorkshire Bridge. Park at Bamford recreation ground (S33 0DA).
Tissington Trail (the one with the old signal box and facilities for horses)
13 miles Mapleton Lane at Ashbourne to Parsley Hay.
Park at Parsley Hay (SK17 0DG) with bike hire and EV charging, Hartington Station (SK17 0AZ) horse box parking, shelter and picnic area, Alsop Station (DE6 1QP), Tissington Station (DE6 1RA), Thorpe Station (DE6 2AT), Mapleton Lane (DE6 2AA) with bike hire, Ashbourne (DE6 1FD).
Similar trails include Manifold Track 8 miles (SK17 0EZ) with bike hire; Longdendale Trail 6.5 miles (SK13 1DW) and Sett Valley Trail at Hayfield 2.5 miles (SK22 2ES).
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/trails
Find great walking guides, maps and local information in our visitor centres. Here are a few suggestions – and there are more to browse. Find out more about walking in the Peak district at:
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/walking
Walks Around Guides by National Park Rangers £2.80
Get to know the National Park with popular routes starting in villages: Bakewell, Derwent Dams, Dovedale, Edale, Eyam, Hayfield, Langsett, Millers Dale.
Family Walks leaflets £1
Ten leaflets to collect, easy routes and points of interest: Bakewell, Castleton, Crowden, Damflask, Edale, Goyt Valley, Padley, Dambusters (Upper Derwent Valley), Packhorses (Manifold Valley), Railway and River walk (Millers Dale). Or download for free: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/family
Miles Without Stiles – Easy Access Routes in the Peak District £5.95
Twenty easy access routes graded for different abilities. Every penny from sales goes to our Access Fund to improve access for all www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/mws
Your donations enable us to provide new access points, new concession paths, restore paths and improve signs. £40 repairs one metre of path. £110 pays for a fingerpost. £250 pays for a new wicket gate www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/accessfund
Plan your journey by bus or trainand enjoy great views through the window, too!
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/transport
Dogs love walks in the National Park, but please remember it’s home to ground-nesting birds, reptiles, small mammals and farm animals. Please help by keeping your dog on a lead and close to you.
From the millstone to the moorland edge and viewpoint over the valley below.
Start: Surprise View Car Park via the A6187 Hathersage to Sheffield Road.
Distance: 300m one-way
Postcode: S32 1DA
OS grid ref: SK 2514 8006
Head through the gate at the surfaced end of the car park and up the path. Pass through the next gate and take the sweeping path to the viewpoint.
Surprise View is one of the Peak District’s three dark sky sites. These easily accessible sites are well known for their panoramic views during the day time, while astronomy interpretation panels help you to explore the night skies.
Paths for all Other paths Road Gate Woodland Viewpoint
In addition to Surprise View, dark sky sites can also be found at Minninglow, off the A5102 at Pikehall (DE4 2PN) and Parsley Hay, off the A515 near Hartington (SK17 0DG). Bring a torch! www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/dns
You can pick up the Miles Without Stiles - Easy Access routes booklet at our visitor centres or download for
Want to explore more of the Peak District but not sure where to start? Then our National Park Ranger led guided walks could be the answer! They’re a fun and safe way for you to explore more of the National Park as well as learning all about the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Many of the walks are suitable for families with children who enjoy a challenge. Kids aged 17 and below go free with paying adults. Book online via the Events page at: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
Looking for ways to boost your wellbeing? Feel the benefits of getting closer to nature by getting active in the National Park.
Whether you opt for a gentle stroll, hire a bike or Tramper, or bring your horse, our green places can help calm stressed-out minds and bodies, so breathe the fresh air and boost your health.
Gillian Scotford (AccessibleUK) on one of the National Park trampers
The friendly staff at our bike hire centres are happy to share their knowledge with you on how to make the most of your visit.
Hartington Station is a short ride from the Parsley Hay Bike Hire centre where seasonal refreshments and toilets are also available, along with similar seasonal offerings at the renovated Hartington signal box at the car park itself.
If you need a little extra help to explore the Peak District then take a trip on one of our Trampers. These all-terrain mobility vehicles are safe and easy to use – perfect for our accessible Miles without Stiles routes and trekking our traffic-free trails.
Using a Tramper is ideal if you have limited mobility or additional mobility needs, are recovering from health issues, or want to explore further but may not manage a longer walk or cycle ride.
You operate Trampers with a twist-grip hand control (set to left or right hand use); no action is required with your feet. Our team provides a full demonstration before you set off and are happy to advise on suitable routes.
Plan your adventure at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/trampers
You can hire Trampers for one or two hours, or a whole day.
We provide Tramper hire at four of our locations:
Ashbourne (two available) 01335 343156
Castleton (one available) 01629 816572
Derwent (two available) 01433 651261
Parsley Hay (three available) 01298 84493
Our Peak District Trampers have been supported by Defra’s Access for All fund.
Discover more of the Peak District with your horse from two locations that offer access to some of the National Park’s most memorable landscapes:
If you are an experienced rider and want a long distance trek seek out the Pennine Bridleway, a 330km (205 mile) National Trail
Hartington Station (SK17 0AZ) on the Tissington Trail, and Torside car park (SK13 1JF) on the Longdendale Trail, provide horsebox parking and tethering facilities.
The Tissington Trail in the southern half of the Peak District gives panoramic views of the White Peak’s plateau – a landscape of fields, scattered farms and miles of limestone walls. The Longdendale Trail (part of the Trans Pennine Trail) is in the northern upland half of the National Park, it overlooks a series of reservoirs and runs between imposing Dark Peak hills.
These trails are multi-user routes shared with walkers, cyclists, Tramper and wheelchair users.
Hartington Station is a popular choice with riders and organised groups bringing their own horses to enjoy on the trail. You will find designated horsebox parking, shelter, mounting block and tacking up areas. There is direct access onto the trail without using local roads. We ask riders to ensure any facilities used are mucked-out before you leave.
Hartington Station car park has toilets, and at busy times there is a kiosk at Hartington signal box serving seasonal refreshments. It is a 2-mile ride north along the Tissington Trail to Parsley Hay bike hire centre where refreshments and toilets are also available. Alternatively, the ride south to Tissington Station car park (with toilets) is 8 miles.
From Torside, the Longdendale Trail offers a similar off-road trail. Another former railway line, the route was part of the first Manchester to Sheffield line; it is now part of the Trans-Pennine Trail from Liverpool to Hull. Torside car park has toilets.
With both easy and more challenging trails, the Peak District is a great place to explore by bike.
At our bike hire centres, you can choose from a range of bikes – including accessible options. Some also offer repair and service facilities. Please check availability ahead of your visit.
Hire a bike from us at:
1 Ashbourne, Mappleton Lane, DE6 2AA (southern end of the Tissington Trail)
Tel: 01335 343156
ashbourne.cyclehire@ peakdistrict.gov.uk
2 Parsley Hay, near Hartington, SK17 ODG (good for the High Peak and Tissington Trails)
Tel: 01298 84493
parsleyhay.cyclehire@ peakdistrict.gov.uk
3 Derwent, Fairholmes, Bamford, S33 0AQ
Tel: 01433 651261
derwent.cyclehire@ peakdistrict.gov.uk
4 Manifold Valley, Hulme End, Hartington, SK17 0EZ
Tel: 01298 687399
manifold.cyclehire@ peakdistrict.gov.uk
Although the Peak District’s largest and charismatic wild creatures may steal the limelight, there’s another world of small pleasures to discover in the National Park – if you know what to look for…
With show-stopping species like red deer, mountain hares and birds of prey all to be found in the Peak District, it’s easy to overlook our many bees, butterflies and other tiny winged wonders. However, these small gems are out there; from the tops of the uplands to tranquil woodlands and buzzing wildflower meadows.
Helpfully, like all the best wildlife, our dragonflies are usually named by their most distinctive behaviour. The ‘darters’ do exactly that; always restless and only occasionally
The black darter (females of which are actually a golden colour) are more of an upland specialist, and can be found in the damp bogs and pools of the Dark Peak for those venturing on a walk to
Sticking by the waterside, the aptly-named ‘skimmers’ and ‘chasers’ can occsionally fool the casual wildlife watcher, but the tell-tale wide body of the broad-bodied chaser is a helpful hint contrasting with the much slimmer black-tailed skimmer. Another regular summer sight is the four-spotted chaser – each pair of wings carrying four distinct spots – and a real treat with their accompanying fiery orange and
Surprisingly, the ‘hawkers’ can often be seen some distance from the pools, ponds or slow rivers required for the most important parts of dragonfly life.
These are substantial and inquisitive insects with wings up to 10cm (4in) across, and frequently seen in much larger open spaces, gardens and along hedgerows, or even in towns and villages. Among these wild wanderers is the brown hawker; its shimmering chocolatebrown body tinted with blue and complimented by golden wings – a far cry from its rather dull moniker. The hawkers are a group that gives generously, if not confusingly, with migrant, southern and common hawkers also taking to the skies each summer but all looking remarkably similar. Taking the prize in this group is the emperor dragonfly, similar in wingspan to the brown hawker at over 10 cm, but typically found close to water.
Finally, the wonderfully-named golden ringed dragonfly is a real Peak District treat for those venturing a little off the beaten track into our heather uplands.
Opened in 2022, our stunning, four-person self-catering cottage at Cattis Side nestles into a hillside a stone’s throw from Stanage Edge. Expect summer redstarts, warblers and flycatchers in the garden and beyond, with spring bluebell woods and more to discover just five minutes from the doorstep.
Bakewell,
1 Beautiful views – from Monsal Head, Shutlingsloe, or the Roaches (pictured above).
2 Distinctive wildlife and habitats – walk the heather moorlands or limestone dales.
3 Tranquil places in easy reach – Tideswell Dale, Damflask reservoir or Warslow Moors.
4 Heritage landscapes – walk, bike or ride along the High Peak, Tissington and Monsal Trails.
5 Characterful places and strong traditions – visit our villages, Edale and Eyam.
6 Inspiring spaces - explore the Eastern Moors, Macclesfield Forest, or Longdendale.
7 Local produce – shop, eat and drink, stay over. Bakewell Farmers’ Market every month
Go underground
Castleton caverns
Visit a museum
Bakewell, Castleton, Eyam Discover local heritage Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Lyme Hall, Eyam Hall (selected dates)
Listen to Voices from the Peak – a series of six free audios by Mark Gwynne
Jones: words, music and sound recordings combine to reveal stories that connect us to the National Park’s people, places and heritage. Look out for the award-winning live show.
For more details, search online for ‘Voices from the Peak’.
Opening this spring will be a brand new Changing Place (similar facility pictured) at Millers Dale Station on the Monsal Trail (SK17 8SN).
Changing Places offer much more than standard accessible toilets. The facilities can include a powered height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a movable tracking ceiling hoist system (bring your own sling), and plenty of space to change someone comfortably. You will need your RADAR key.
For more facilities like this to help plan your visit www.accessiblederbyshire. org/changing-places
Enjoy family-friendly activities all year. Check online for event dates or ask at a visitor centre for more ideas.
JANUARY
Burn off excess winter calories with a walk, run, cycle or ride on the High Peak and Tissington Trails. Visit the Goods Shed and café at Millers Dale Station and enjoy easy access to the Monsal Trail.
FEBRUARY
Winster Pancake Race is on Shrove Tuesday. Make your own pancakes at home with ingredients you can buy from Peak District farms and shops.
MARCH
Spring equinox: look for birds building nests in trees and on the ground. Farmers are busy with lambs being born. Dogs on leads please.
APRIL
Happy birthday Peak District National Park (17 April), 73 years young. Celebrate with a Ranger-led guided walk – there are different routes, interests and dates on offer all year, book online. Savour the flavours at Bakewell Food Festival (27-28 April).
MAY
Experience the thrill of Chatsworth International Horse Trials (17-19 May), the colourful tradition of Tissington well dressing (9-15 May), and the heritage of Garland Day (29 May) in Castleton.
JUNE
Visit the Trails and limestone dales to enjoy yellow cowslips and early purple orchids. Enjoy colourful welldressings in Tideswell, Youlgrave, Bakewell. Get in step for Bakewell’s International Day of Dance (29 June).
JULY
Discover more village welldressings. Bakewell raft race (4 July) and Carnival day (6 July) – family fun and a procession through the streets. Rural show Bakewell Country Festival takes place (14 July). Stoney Middleton welldressings in late July.
AUGUST
First Saturday hen racing in Bonsall. Manifold Show (10 August), includes heavy horses and rare breed classes, Hope Show (26 August), farming, rural life, competitions and vintage vehicles. Welldressing weeks at Taddington and Eyam.
SEPTEMBER
Watch Longshaw sheepdog trials (29-31 August) – the oldest continuous trials event in the UK. Visit Chatsworth country fair (30 August-1 September) with family entertainment and country pursuits.
As the nights draw in, enjoy Dark Skies sites. Crafters will love the Wool Gathering at Bakewell (19-20 October). Look out for Halloween activities too.
NOVEMBER
Walk with National Park Rangers to the aircraft wrecks on Kinder around Remembrance Day, book online. Pre-Christmas makers’ markets at Chatsworth (9 November-1 December), at Haddon Hall (selected dates in Nov/Dec), and Bakewell (30 November tbc).
Winter lights at Castleton and carol singing in caves bring festive cheer. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall decorated for Christmas. Enjoy Christmas tree festivals in churches, including Bakewell and Castleton. Bakewell Christmas Sparkle event (8 December).
The Peak District is a welcoming place for everyone. As you begin your journey of discovery, here’s a taster of the diversity of things to do and places to go –all with stories to tell.
DE4 2PR
You can step back in history along the High Peak Trail and visit Minninglow’s tree-fringed chambered cairn, a burial site dating from the Neolithic and Bronze age.
A restored lime kiln, set into a cutting in the hill is believed to have produced lime for the construction of the Cromford and High Peak railway and embankment (pictured), now part of the High Peak Trail.
S32 4TB
Once roamed by a notorious 18th century highwayman, this limestone dale near Stoney Middleton is rich in fossils deposited 330 million years ago in shallow, tropical seas when the Peak District was close to the Equator.
SK13 1JB
Discover a section of Longdendale’s long-distance Trans Pennine Trail (pictured right), enhanced for accessibility with viewing platform and ponds.
The route was part of the first railway line between Manchester and Sheffield. It is now part of the Trans-Pennine Trail from Liverpool to Hull which is itself part of a 2,000 mile route through Europe to Istanbul.
SK13 1HZ
Explore woodlands, rocky hills and rivers in this beautiful valley on the route of the Pennine Way. It’s perfect for picturesque picnics and there’s a great place for kids – and the young at heart - to play for hours in a stream (pictured below).
SK17 0DG
This prehistoric burial monument is set in a field adjacent to Arbor Low stone circle. First constructed as an oval barrow in the Neolithic period, an additional round barrow was superimposed on one end in the early Bronze Age.
SK17 0SU
Escape to another world as you walk down stone steps into this deep, moss-covered chasm, full of myths. Close to the Roaches and Staffordshire’s Back Forest, Lud’s Church was used in the 15th century as a secret place for worship. Legend has it that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hid here from the authorities!
Discover more Peak District heritage: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/heritage
Eyam Museum, Eyam S32 5QP (February to December)
www.eyam-museum.org.uk
Old House Museum, Bakewell DE45 1DD (March to November)
www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk
Castleton Museum, S33 8WP Castleton visitor centre (all year)
www.castletonhistorical.co.uk
For many years, Peak District Mosaic has helped people from ethnically and culturally diverse communities to explore, enjoy and understand our national park.
Now the charity is leading the way in a wider initiative, Championing National Parks for Everyone. It has secured £557,955 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to raise awareness of, and improve accessibility to, the Peak District, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
Peak District Mosaic is partnering with the three national park authorities to train community champions with the aim of supporting people to visit the parks independently and to consider jobs in the environmental sector.
The project will include outreach events, activity programmes, community champion training and further training in outdoor skills.
Find out more:
www.peakdistrictmosaic.org
Castleton is a charming village to explore – but getting around can be a challenge for some people. Now visitors have extra help, thanks to a new initiative –Accessible Castleton.
The Peak District National Park Authority has worked with AccessibleUK and local businesses to compile information, a visitor guide for Castleton Visitor Centre, a sensory story and itineraries and an accessible map (pictured).
Supported by funding through Defra’s Access for All programme, it is part of wider accessibility improvements throughout the National Park, including new routes and more equipment at
Other accessibility features include a hearing loop at the visitor centre information desk, high contrast markings for glass doors and windows, low lighting in some areas and large print on the café’s menus. Visitors with limited mobility can explore the village by hiring a Tramper – an all-terrain mobility vehicle – or by borrowing an
The Peak District National Park Foundation is the official charity for the Peak District. We’re here for everyone who loves this landscape and wants it to be a thriving place for people and nature.
With your support we will help restore threatened habitats, create homes for wildlife, protect our cultural heritage and inspire the next generation of nature champions.
The reality of climate change means that repairing our natural landscapes is more important and urgent than ever. Whether you’re a walker, cyclist, climber, or simply like to look at the view, you can help our National Park be a place that is conserved and enjoyed by everyone. Together we can do amazing things.
Production of the National Park Authority’s Welcome Guide is supported by outdoor specialists Regatta which has regional stores at:
Regatta Calver Unit, 1 Calver Sough, Calver, S32 3XH Regatta Peak Village, Rowsley, DE4 2JE Hawskhead Buxton, 53-55 & 57 Spring Gardens, Buxton, SK17 6BJ Regatta Fox Valley, Unit 9, Joseph Hayward House, Fox Valley Retail Park,