Exploring the Peak District National Park

Trails in the Peak District National Park.

Trails in the Peak District National Park.  – This is the second piece on exploring the Peak District National Park, which you can do conveniently during a Paddock House Farm Holiday. The Paddock House Farm is an integral part of the Park, preserving the looks of old style farm houses (all the cottages are converted farm structures) and located off the Alstonefield village inside the Park. The self-catering cottages can provide you a home experience among some of the most beautiful parts of the Park.

A Great Place to Visit

The Park is a beloved place for visitors not only from urban centres far from it but also for those living in the towns and cities that lie around it. It is a great place to forget about the dull routines and tense pressures of urban life and engage in whatever you like to do. You can do a lot of different kinds of things – walking, hiking, cycling, biking, horse riding, and pony trekking to mention just a few examples.

You can also see things that you might never get the chance to see in your urban jungle (what an inappropriate name for concrete structures). You can see farming at first hand, farm animals, stone walls and such things that provide glimpses into country life. Or you can go on a guided tour to one of the castles of lords and ladies, or wander around the huge gardens (or mazes) maintained carefully at these places.

Then there are the hills and rocks, valleys and rivers, limestone country and moorland and absolutely stunning views of very different kinds.

Trails in the Peak District National Park.

Walking Trails

You can go on many different kinds of walks in the Park.

There are guided tours with themes, such as a food and drink walks, heritage walks and ghost walks, for example.  There is the Monsal walk along an abandoned railway tunnel (now well-lit and resurfaced for walkers, cyclists and riders).  Park rangers are available to conduct the guided tours.

The trails can traverse wooded country, limestone dales, high moorland or unused railway lines. Special arrangements are in place for physically challenged and other persons with special needs. You can get wheelchairs and advice on the best trails at the visitor centres. There are even film shows that explain how people with physical difficulties can enjoy the Parks features.

For experienced walkers there are trails that are tens of miles long, and even a trans-European trail hundreds of miles long starting from Turkey and passes through the Park.

Walking is not a simple matter just starting off any trail. The Park is hundreds of square miles in extent and many of the trails are difficult to navigate. Walkers should either seek the help of a guide or carry a large scale walking map and compass (and be able to read and understand them).

Clothing is another issue that needs attention. Even if it is warm and dry when you start off, there is no guarantee that the weather will not change when you are some distance into the walk. The Park authorities recommend waterproof wear, including waterproof shoes.

It is best to seek the advice of park rangers and go fully prepared for each trail.

Trails in the Peak District National Park.

• Ash Derbyshire Holiday Cottage 3 bedroom sleeps 6 + 2
• Beech Derbyshire Holiday Cottage 3 bedroom sleeps 6 + 4
• Oak Derbyshire Holiday Cottage 3 bedroom sleeps 5
• Hazel Holiday Cottage 2 bedroom sleeps 4 + 2
• Elm Derbyshire Holiday Cottage sleeps 2 + 2
• Cherry Derbyshire Holiday Cottage sleeps 2

Tissington Hall