Walks and wheels, top trails to explore Wildlife encounters beneath your feet
Unmissable moments throughout the year
ARE YOU READY TO... PEAK DISTRICT
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
PLAN AHEAD
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 midmorning 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. National Park EV charging points are available at some of our most popular locations (see centrefold map), along with others across the area – check out ZapMap online for more.
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 of 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
Plan ahead to get the most out of your walk
DON’T GET FIRED UP!
BBQs or open fires are not allowed in the vast majority of the National Park, so it’s easiest to leave it at home.
IF YOU’VE ALREADY ARRIVED
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.
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.
Photo: VPDD
HOW TO GET THERE
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 and gives direct access to spectacular Peak District scenery, with stations at Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale.
The central market town of Bakewell can be explored via the Derwent Valley Line (rail) from Nottingham to Matlock. Matlock bus services provide onward travel to Bakewell, Chatsworth House and surrounding villages.
The Manchester to Glossop line (rail) 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 at the north of the National Park.
To the west the Manchester to Buxton line (rail) links to local buses taking you to villages and dales in the White Peak, or on to the Staffordshire Moorlands. The no.62 bus service runs from Buxton to Castleton 7 days a week and also shuttles between Castleton and the Hope Valley villages of Edale (Pennine Way) with rail links and Hope.
To the north is the Manchester to Huddersfield line, stopping on the way at Greenfield and Marsden for access to Dovestone (RSPB) and the Wessenden Moors.
The ‘Peak Sightseer’ open-top bus operates two seasonal routes including stops at Castleton, Chatsworth House and for the Monsal Trail. Check online for the latest service times.
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.
PARKING CARE
Many Peak District roads can be very narrow and winding. Illegal or disruptive parking such as across double-yellow lines, over entranceways, on verges or ‘double-parking’ on a highway can restrict important access. This can include the emergency services, farmers accessing their land and other agencies.
The police and highways authority regularly patrol Peak District routes and can issue fines for parking offences. Our website has a list of all official car parks in the area, including over 40 managed by the National Park Authority.
Our annual permit can mean weekly parking for less than £1 in more than 40 locations. www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/parking
PITCH PERFECT AND CONSIDERATE CAMPERVANS
There are over 70 official campsites in the Peak District, offering thousands of pitches throughout the year – don’t risk unauthorised ‘wild camping’, where you may be asked to pack-up and leave the area by the landowner. Popular official sites include our very own North Lees Campsite, in the shadow on Stanage Edge. Campervans should always dispose of blue waste at designated stations and roadside parking bays should not be used for extended durations; please choose an official, registered campervan pitch.
#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:
Photo: Dan Wildey
Dogs in the Peaks
Photo: Tom Marshall
Edale train station
WHERE SHALL WE GO?
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?
TRY A TRAIL
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
BOOKS AND MAPS
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.
Photo: Monsal Trail (VPPD)
Photo: VPPD
Photo: Tom Marshall
Tissington Trail
Monsal Trail
Monsal 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
RANGER-LED WALKS
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 the National Park and learn 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
GREENER TRAVEL
Plan your journey by bus or trainand enjoy great views through the window, too! www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/transport
To Errwood Reservoir
GOYT VALLEY
A former railway line with stunning views across the moors and woodlands of the Goyt Valley.
Path for All Other paths Road Gate Stream Viewpoint
Start: Car Park at Goyt’s Lane, via the A5004 north-west of Buxton.
Distance: 1.8km one-way
Postcode: SK17 6GJ
OS grid ref: SK 0232 7515
Pass to the left of the field gate from the car park opposite.
Continue above the lake, along the track and embankment to reach the blocked tunnel at the end.
From late summer, look across the valley to enjoy the rich purple and pink hues of heather coming into bloom.
Watch and listen out for the many birds making the moorland their home. This includes ground nesting birds, such as the curlew, meadow pipits, skylarks, and red grouse, as well as birds of prey.
You can pick up the Miles Without Stiles - Easy Access routes booklet at our visitor centres or download for FREE at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/mws
DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS
Dogs love walks in the National Park, but please remember it’s home to ground-nesting birds, reptiles, small mammals and farm animals. Please keep your dog on a lead and close to you.
PATHS AND TRAILS FUND
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. Search ‘Paths & Trails Fund’
The Peak Park Conservation Volunteers (PPCV) help care for Peak District landscape; from gates and stiles, to paths, trails and dry-stone walls
‘Peak Sightseer’ bus, Winnats Pass
Goyt Valley
HIT THE TRAILS
Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of a ride or walk on one of our traffic-free trails
Find your escape from life’s busyness on the High Peak, Tissington or Monsal Trails (see centrefold map). Feel the benefits of being closer to nature. Whether you hire a bike or tramper from our bike hire centres at Ashbourne, Parsley Hay and Derwent, or opt for a stroll, our easy access trails offer great ways to make the most of your time in the National Park.
WHEELIE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
We have bikes, trikes, e-bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandems, trampers… come along and try them for size and comfort. Our trained staff will be happy to advise you. We are open from February to the end of November.
There really is something for every member of the family, from kids bikes to adults’, from low stepthroughs to standard frames, power assisted to pedal-power only, sit-in wheelchairs bikes to twist-grip trampers, from seats for two on tandems to three-wheeler trikes. Why not try something different for a change?
WHY E?- WHY NOT?!
Have you tried an e-bike? The battery assisted power is so good you might wonder why all bikes aren’t built this way! You will still pedal and get a gentle workout but the e-power removes the effort on the inclines. E-bikes mean that you can travel further and arrive fresher. They are easy to ride and ideal for people who aren’t as fit as they’d like to be or out of practice.
HIRE A TRAMPER
Need help getting around? Take the strain out of your visit with a tramper. These all-terrain mobility vehicles are safe and easy to use –perfect for accessible Miles without Stiles routes, for heading out on our traffic-free trails, or visiting villages in the National Park.
Trampers work with a twist-grip hand control; no action is required with your feet.
You will be given a demonstration before you set off and our team advises on routes. Plan your adventure at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/trampers
Hire trampers for one or two hours, or a whole day at: Ashbourne (two available) 01335 343156
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.
Photo: Parsley Hay (Tom Marshall)
Photo: VPDD
Photo:
Tom Marshall
Tissington Trail
SERVICE & REPAIRS
HORSING AROUND
Our top two trails for accessing the National Park with your horse are the Tissington Trail and Longdendale Trail. Both provide toilets, horsebox parking and tethering facilities. The trails are shared with walkers, cyclists, Tramper and wheelchair users.
Hartington Station (SK17 0AZ) has designated horsebox parking, shelter, tacking up areas, mounting block, and direct access to the Tissington Trail without using roads. At busy times there is a kiosk at Hartington signal box serving seasonal refreshments. It is a 2-mile ride north along the trail to Parsley Hay bike hire centre where refreshments and toilets are also available. Or, the ride south to Tissington Station car park (with toilets) is 8 miles.
From Torside (SK13 1JF) 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 TransPennine Trail from Liverpool to Hull.
A NEW CHANGING PLACE AT PARSLEY HAY THIS SPRING
We’re delighted to have installed a Changing Place toilet facility at Parsley Hay (SK17 0DG), in addition to the one at Millers Dale Station (SK17 8SN), making it possible for people with extra needs to plan a visit to the National Park.
Changing Places are so much more than accessible loos, the facility includes 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: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/cpt
Got a puncture? Need a spare part? Give us a call and bring your bike in for a free quote for service and repairs from our qualified, experienced mechanics.
BIKE & TRAMPERS
The Peak District is a great place to explore by bike or Tramper with miles of easy to access trails and more challenging routes.
Choose from our range of quality bikes, including accessible options, at our bike hire centres:
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
Photo:VPDD
Photo: Dan Wildey
Accessible equipment hire at Parsley Hay
Tissington Trail
Upper Derwent Valley
Parsley Hay
Explore your National Park
CYCLE HIRE HU B UPPER DERWENT VISITOR
CYCLE
OFF THE SCALE
Secretive but still possible to see on your Peak District visit, who are the reptiles making a home beneath our feet?
We can all probably relate to reptiles in some way. A long stretch after a welcome slumber and the revitalising warmth of the sun to set us up for the start of the day. And whilst many of us may then reach for a strong coffee, for reptiles that time to bask in the moment really is the difference between life and death.
Spending the coldest months in a grassy or fern-laden heap, a heather-clad nook or even a garden compost heap, the gradually lengthening days of early spring are when the Peak District’s reptiles take their first tentative slithers out into the open.
Such hideaways are usually located close to southfacing slopes or hillsides, ideally with a little open ground or even pathways, providing a chance to stretch out and make the most of the life-giving rays.
As cold-blooded creatures, reptiles quite literally need the sun to kick-start their metabolism and raise their body temperature ready to move, eat and raise a family.
Most well-known amongst the UK’s reptiles that are found in the Peak District is the adder – our only venomous snake. However, despite their notoriety these diamond-backed vipers are in fact remarkably shy and usually make it their business to avoid contact with
THIS YEAR IS THE YEARCHINESE OF SNAKE!THE
They can though still be spotted on dry heath slopes and bare or surfaced upland trails in spring, either as a curled-up scaly ball retaining that gentle heat from the skies above, or in less common circumstances navigating across or alongside a path (see below, right). Enjoyed with care from a few metres away and with any accompanying four-legged friends kept on a short lead, adders can be a real wildlife gem to encounter.
Somewhat smaller at just a few inches long and unluckily for them, on the adder’s culinarily list, the common or viviparous lizard equally likes to seek out a warm, sandy spot, bare log or trailside location.
The most likely of our reptiles to see, common lizards also buck the typical reptile trend by giving birth to live young, instead of the usual egg-laying process of most snakes and lizards. Being much smaller than their nemesis the adder, common lizards are able to warm-up relatively quickly, allowing them to move with quite some speed on hot days.
All photos courtesy of Tim
unless shown
Grass snake
Common lizard
Our largest snake but offering no venom, grass snakes are also the most colourful with vibrant camouflage green and custardyellow bellies, criss-crossed with striking black stripes – in contrast to the tell-tale diamond shapes and dark spine of the adder.
Grass snakes are also very capable swimmers; happily winding their way across upland pools and slowflowing lakes where frogs, toads and other amphibians are more likely to be on the menu.
They are also the largest of the Peak District’s native reptiles with individuals growing to between three and five feet (1 – 1.5 metres) in length.
HOW TO STAY SAFE AROUND REPTILES
The European viper or adder will usually only react to pets or humans if intentionally or accidentally disturbed. The safest thing you can do is always keep your dog on a short lead and under close control on paths and trails, especially as this restricts straying into areas of vegetation where reptiles may be basking.
CONSERVATION FOR REPTILES
Dedicated local and regional volunteers undertake annual surveys of the Peak District’s reptiles and amphibians, including establishing their presence or loss from key locations. Conservation and restoration works such as repairing and establishing ‘dew ponds’ and other wetland habitat improvements under programmes like Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) can help these species continue to thrive.
TOP 3 TO SEE
Adder: 2-3ft, (0.5 -1m) long. Dark green or rust-orange with distinctive diamondshaped marking and dark centre spine. Secretive.
Common lizard: 4-6in (10-15cm) long. Variety of grey, browns or light green markings. Can be frequently seen basking or dashing across trails and paths.
Grass snake: 3-5ft (1-1.5m) long. Dark camouflage/khaki green above with pale yellow below and black stripes. Seen basking or swimming – non-venomous.
On the doorstep of wildlife encounters at Stanage North Lees Estate, the Eastern Moors and Longshaw Estate, you’ll find the National Park’s very own Cattis Side Cottage and North Lees Campsite.
Nestled in their own quiet wooded valley not far from Hathersage, choose a touch of calm self-catering and dog-friendly luxury with the cottage that sleeps up to four, or get close to nature under canvas at the campsite.
For the perfect ‘glamping’ alternative, choose from several powered and heated pods hidden among the trees at North Lees, including a fully accessible pod.
Search ‘Cattis Side Cottage’ and ‘North Lees Campsite’
Male adder
Adder on the move
Grass snake
Photo: Rod Kirkpatrick
Photo: Tom Marshall
GET INSPIRED
The Peak District’s inspired people for hundreds of years, find out why at our visitor centres in Bakewell and Castleton
JANE AUSTEN AT 250!
We’re celebrating 250 years since the birth of Georgian novelist Jane Austen, 1775-1817, so how was the famous writer inspired by the Peak District? Whether a visitor or not, she had access to books about the Peak District and its historic houses as inspiration for her fictional settings.
It’s believed Bakewell inspired Lambton – the town in her most popular novel Pride & Prejudice, published in 1813. Some say Chatsworth House inspired Pemberley (Mr Darcy’s home) and it was used as this location in the 2005 film adaptation.
Haddon Hall’s banqueting hall also appeared in the film masquerading as Lambton Inn. A prominent rock at Stanage Edge, featured in an iconic scene with Elizabeth Bennett (played by Keira Knightley, pictured above).
Longnor provided the street scene for Lambton in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Lyme Park & Hall featured as the exterior of Pemberley and the backdrop to the scene in which Mr Darcy (played by Colin Firth) emerges dripping wet after a lake swim.
JANE AUSTEN 250 EVENTS IN THE PEAKS
17 May: Ilam Park: Literary Legends of the White Peak guided walk.
13 to 15 June: Chatsworth: afternoon tea; embroidery class; open-air Pride & Prejudice film.
16 & 17 August: Opera adaptation of Sense & Sensibility at Chatsworth.
27 September: Regency Ball at The Crescent, Buxton.
12 December: Pride & Prejudice Ball at Chatsworth.
IT’S RAINING!
Go indoors at Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Lyme Hall.
Go underground at the Castleton caverns (pictured below).
Photo: Alamy
Photo: VPDD
Portrait of Jane Austen c. 1810
WHAT’S ON IN THE PEAK DISTRICT
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
Farmers are busy with lambs being born through to summer. Dogs on leads please.
MARCH
Winster Pancake Race is on Shrove Tuesday (4 March). Make your own pancakes at home with ingredients you can buy from Peak District farms and shops.
APRIL
Happy birthday Peak District National Park (17 April), 74 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 (26-27 April).
MAY
Taste the Peak District at Tideswell food festival (3 May). Experience the thrill of Chatsworth International Horse Trials (16-18 May), the heritage of Garland Day (29 May) in Castleton, and the colourful tradition of Tissington well dressing (29 May-4 June).
JUNE
Visit the Trails and limestone dales to enjoy wildflowers: yellow cowslips and early purple orchids. Enjoy colourful welldressings in Tideswell, Youlgrave and more (check online for dates). Get in step for Bakewell’s International Day of Dance (28 June).
JULY
Discover more village welldressings: Bakewell (raft race 3 July, carnival day 5 July) provides family fun and a procession through the streets. Rural show Bakewell Country Festival takes place (13 July). Stoney Middleton welldressings (26 July-3 August).
AUGUST
First Saturday, hen racing in Bonsall. Agricultural shows: Manifold Show (9 August tbc), includes heavy horses and rare breed classes, Hope Show (25 August), rural life, competitions and vintage vehicles. Welldressing weeks at Taddington and Eyam. Longshaw sheepdog trials (29-31 August) – the oldest continuous trials event in the UK.
SEPTEMBER
Visit Chatsworth country fair (30 August - 1 September) with family entertainment, country pursuits and rural crafts.
OCTOBER
As the nights draw in, enjoy Dark Skies sites. Look out for Halloween activities too. Why not try an autumn walk with National Park Rangers, book online.
NOVEMBER
Pre-Christmas makers’ markets offer a festive feast at Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, and at Bakewell (15-16 November).
DECEMBER
Winter lights at Castleton and carol singing in caves bring festive cheer. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall decorated for Christmas are a delight. Enjoy Christmas tree festivals in churches, including Bakewell and Castleton. Bakewell Christmas Sparkle event (early December tbc).
Photo: Tom Marshall
Photo:
North Lees Campsite
Stanage Edge
Derwent reservoir
PARK IN, LACE-UP AND STEP OUT
Please help us to take care of our National Park by parking responsibly – while enjoying some of our most special places
There are almost 2,000 car parking spaces across 44 Peak District National Park Authority car parks, helping you to park safely and avoid damaging landscape and habitats.
By using our car parks, you’re helping to keep roads safer and clear for farm vehicles and emergency services. Plus, all of the money collected in parking charges goes back into helping us look after the National Park and providing visitor facilities. Here are a few of our favourites… but you can discover more on our website.
HOLLIN BANK (S32 1BR)
75 spaces; Pay & Display (cash & card) WC
HOOKS CARR (S32 1BR)
50 spaces; Pay & Display (card only)
Experience the rugged beauty of Stanage Edge – popular with walkers, climbers and birdwatchers.
Literature lovers can celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth by visiting the gritstone edge featured in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley.
This area can get busy, so best to visit early or later in the day. Late afternoon/evening visitors may be rewarded with sunset views.
TIDESWELL DALE (SK17 8QH)
60 spaces, 3 disabled; Pay & Display, (card only) WC
Explore a network of dales and wander at the relaxing pace of the River Wye and its tributary, Tideswell Brook. The river once powered two cotton mills, Litton Mill and Cressbrook Mill, but now offers a peaceful escape from busy lives.
Look out for a wealth of wildflowers including bloody cranesbill, a dramatic wild geranium, appearing in June below Raven Tor.
MAPLETON (DE6 2AA)
50 spaces; Pay & Display (cash and card) WC
Discover the flat, traffic-free Tissington Trail from its southern end by foot or bike – our Ashbourne bike hire centre is right here!
The picturesque, traditional Derbyshire village of Tissington is close by, while a short trip through the tunnel brings you to Ashbourne town centre, with its range of pubs, cafés and shops.
HULME END
(SK17 0EZ)
75 spaces; Pay & Display (card only)
Explore the 8-mile Manifold Track – also known as the Manifold Way - a gentle introduction to the Staffordshire Peak District, running through a tranquil limestone dale from Hulme End to Waterhouses, through the lush Manifold and Hamps Valleys.
Manifold Way
Tideswell Dale
Birdwatching from Hooks Carr car park
Photo: Hollin Bank (Phil Sproson)
Photo: Dan Wildey
Photo: Mark Naftalin
Photo: VPDD
MAKE MORE DISCOVERIES
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
FINDING YOUR WAY...
Castleton is a charming village to explore – but getting around can often be a challenge for some people. Now visitors have extra help, thanks to the 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.
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 cycle hire centres.
Castleton visitor centre has level access and accessible toilets –both outside the centre and inside Blueberry Café. 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.
You can find out more about the Accessible Castleton and the facilities available at: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/castleton
A LITTLE TIME...
A BIG DIFFERENCE
Did you know that hundreds of people take the chance to volunteer and help us care for the Peak District every year?
Whether you’d love to share your national park passion with others, delve into protecting our heritage, learn some of the skills that it takes to maintain the landscapes around you or make a positive difference to your health and wellbeing, it’s easy to get involved.
Volunteering opportunities can vary from regular, outdoor task groups, to working with National Park staff in a range of different departments, through to providing a friendly welcome for visitors or helping to lead walks and events.
We also have a ‘Green Leaders’ programme (pictured above), providing dedicated roles for those 18-25 years old, to help boost your career and confidence. It doesn’t matter about your age, background or even your usual job as long as you’re ready to get stuck in!
All of our volunteer positions have a dedicated member of staff on hand to support and guide you through the role. You’ll also be covered by the same health and safety requirements of our paid members of staff.
With over 8,000 hours’ of volunteer time making a difference to the Peak District every single year, why not
Volunteers tree planting at Stanage-North Lees estate
Castleton visitor centre
Photo: Tom Marshall
