Walking in Derbyshire

Derbyshire, is a stunning area of 2631 sq km with a population of around 930000 people, a county of contrasting scenery which attracted many tourists to stay in our many derbyshire cottages, even before the creation of the Peak National Park. The history of the region is still much in evidence and routes established by the area's inhabitants in travelling from their farms, churches, mines and markets, remain as a network of footpaths and lanes, offering much enjoyment to today's walkers.

Derbyshire today is perhaps best known for the Peak District National Park, the first to be designated in Britain, in 1951, in recognition of its outstanding and largely unspoilt scenery. It covers 555 square miles of the north of the county, taking in the limestone plateau and dales of the White Peak, and the brooding gritstone moors and edges of the Dark Peak. Over 22 million day visits are made to the Peak District National Park every year, making it the second-most visited National Park in the world. To truly enjoy a peak district holiday you must take a day out and explore this park in as much depth as you can, when you have visited once you are bound to want to return.

The natural beauty of Dovedale and the Manifold Valley alone draw some 2 million visitors with queues forming at the famous stepping stones near the southern end of Dovedale at the busiest times. However avoiding bank holidays and sunny weekends, it is still possible to enjoy a ramble even here in relative peace.

Other areas are less well known and with a planned route, a map, and a pair of walking boots are just as exciting to explore and often far more rewarding.

Wherever you go, please follow the Country Code

Guard against all risk of fire
Fasten all gates
Keep dogs under proper control
Keep to paths across farmland
Avoid damage to fences, bridges and walls
Leave no litter
Safeguard water supplies
Protect wildlife, plants and trees
Go carefully on country roads
Respect the life of the countryside

Enjoy walking on your peak district holiday!