Of course the main activity in the Peak District is walking and the compactness of the area means a lot can be covered in a short time. Even if you have never walked on the hills for leisure this is a good place to start. There
are many circular walks to suit every ability and age group. It is good for families with young children, as they love to walk and see the sheep. Lovely in springtime when there are lambs around.

For the more experienced walker there are the less travelled routes such as Kinder Plateau. The route the whole way around is a very long day’s walk but the varying views rival anywhere in Britain. A very popular walk is to go up Jacobs ladder onto Kinder edge, walk along the edge and back down into Edale. This walk takes you past some amazing stone shapes as good, if not better than any man made sculptures. These massive rocks were washed down from Scotland at the end of the ice age!

Edale, which is the start and end of many walks, is a typical Peak District village and in spite of its many visitors still retains its original character because there have not been any additional new houses. The newest building is an Information Centre, which is a really good place to start your break. There are also a couple of good pubs which welcome walkers, and match their food to a long day on the hills.

Of course walking isn’t the only activity in the Peak District holiday area. There are plenty of centres where you can join a pony trek and there are plenty of bridle paths for the individual horse rider, which can be hired from the numerous stables. It is also very popular with mountain bikers with many paths to share with walkers.

Many people visit the Peak District to hangglide or paraglide from Mam Tor (there are other places too) or there is the gliding club at Huchlow.

Some of the hotels organise sightseeing helicopter rides and one hotel will organise a day out in a classic car complete with picnic. If you really must, there are a few tracks for four-wheel drives but these are not too popular with those who have gone to get away from noise and traffic.

Although it may not strictly count as an activity there are the beautiful houses of Chatsworth and Hadden Hall to visit.

One activity we shouldn’t forget is shopping. There is a very attractive shopping area at Chatsworth, and the lovely town of Bakewell is well worth a trip to just saunter around, market day is good, and of course don’t forget to try Bakewell pudding!