The perfect escape for a weekend in the countryside.
The main town at the heart of the Peak District is the lively spa town of Buxton. A combination of quirky independent boutiques and high street brands make it the best spot in the area for a bit of retail therapy. Forget huge city shopping centres, Buxton’s Victorian arcades and pavilions make for a much more relaxing and unique experience. Just outside of the town is one of the highest Go Ape courses in the UK. With Tarzan swings and zip wires you can fly through the trees on this exhilarating high rope course. Once you’ve come back down to Earth, why not venture underground and journey back millions of years to explore the region’s limestone caves at Poole’s Cavern?
Perched on the banks of the river Wye is Bakewell, a town best known for the famous Bakewell pudding. Stroll around any of the streets of this quaint market town and you’ll find an abundance of bakeries selling this traditional treat. You can even attempt to make your own almond and jam filled pastry at the ‘pudding making experience’ thanks to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Just a short drive from Bakewell is the beautiful Chatsworth Estate. Explore the state rooms and art galleries or wander the 105 acres of gardens.
Head to Carsington Water for a day filled with water sports, fishing, walking and cycling. The nearby leisure centre offers taster sessions in a variety of activities such as stand-up paddle-boarding, sailing and windsurfing. If you’re looking to keep your feet on dry land, take a walk around stone island or, stroll around the reservoir on the 8 mile circular route. The reservoir’s clear waters make it the perfect environment for fly fishing and there are 18 fishing boats for hire for anyone keen on catching a rainbow trout.
The High Peaks Trail, beginning in Buxton and ending just outside Matlock, is one of the best-known walks in the area. The 17 and a half mile trail follows the former High Peak Railway line which is now open to hikers and bikers allowing you to properly discover the region. The path takes you to Minninglow Hill, home to mysterious Neolithic tombs and Bronze Age burial sites. For a slightly shorter route, try the Tissington Trail. Running for 13 miles between Buxton and Ashbourne, as it’s a great way to take in the best of what the region has to offer.
The Manifold track is a great introductory trail for those wanting to explore the Peak District by bike. Cycle the car free route along the Manifold Valley Light Railway for just over 8 miles. It’s an extremely flat route along the river Manifold from Hulme to Waterhouses passing Wetton Mill and Thor’s Cave. For a slightly more varied cycle route, try the Monsal Trail. The trail will take you from Blackwell Mill to Bakewell through a series of railway tunnels and woodland. Along the way, you’ll pass Monsal Viaduct, Cressbrook Mill, Litton Mill and the Lime Kilns for a quick glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
