The Location

The area covered by our group includes the Peak District National Park and some surrounding areas to the south and west, and contains some of the finest scenery in the whole of England.

Here, close to the hustle and bustle of the modern world, some easier-paced ways of life continue. This is a place to come and relax and soak up the atmosphere amid the magnificent scenery of the area.

The History

Many different people have placed their mark upon this landscape - Neolithic farmers left stone circles and barrows, Iron Age people left hill forts, the Romans came and built baths at the warm springs in Buxton, Saxons cut down much of the forest cover and built villages, Vikings came and mined lead and settled the dales, Normans came and built castles .......

The Villages

As a result the area is a treasure trove of lovely villages - with beautiful Norman or mediaeval churches, ancient lead mines, fine old houses and traditional pubs.

The Landscape

The landscape of the Peak District divides naturally into two regions - the gritstone and shale hills of the northern area, known locally as the 'Dark Peak', and the limestone valleys (or 'dales') of the southern area, known locally as the 'White Peak'. Each region has its different features and charms.

The Dark Peak

The Dark Peak has some wild moorland areas, with gentle sheltered valleys. This is a great area for walking or cycling, or more extreme sports like hang-gliding. There are some superb places to visit, such as the Derwent Dams.

The White Peak

The White Peak has rocky limestone dales, with rolling hills and wide panoramas imbetween. This has some of the most dramatic scenery England has to offer, which has inspired poets and authors for centuries. Dovedale and the nearby Manifold valley offer excellent walking, cycling, fishing and a place to come and wonder at the sheer magnificence of nature.