A call out to all adrenaline junkies is heard as abseiling rapidly becomes one of the most popular extreme sports in the world! Thrill seekers, extreme weekenders and the like are rapidly discovering why abseiling is a perfect excuse to test one’s collective sanity.

Abseiling, the practice of scaling a vertical surface is an element in climbing, one of the 18 land adventure / extreme sports. On its own abseiling is regarded more dangerous than climbing itself. Enthusiasts and hobbyists alike have developed a fixation for this land sport for what it has to offer.

So why do people find abseiling to be the best adventure sport ever?

1. Tremendous Heights - A component of climbing, abseiling completely shows you how high you have gone through a totally different method. Using familiar climbing equipment, you then take your nerve racking first step over a vertical edge that utterly brings you to a whole new dimension. With the vertical surface fronting you, it’s just vast space that only a soaring animal would regularly view.

2. High Risk Element - A primary criteria in all adventure sports, abseiling fills you up with the euphoria of one of the greatest adrenaline surges as you scale down vertical terrain 60 to 500 feet high, with only a harness and rope to support your full weight.

3. High Level of Physical Exertion – It’s not just all about dangling off, clinging onto rope and waiting till your feet touch the ground. Abseiling requires a lot of physical and mental coordination. As you are suspended, much effort is needed to avoid uncontrollable spiralling, or body slamming on the vertical surface. Abseiling uses a lot of lower body strength, during the descent, you use your feet and legs as support and balance.

4. Highly Specialised Gear - An underlying determinant of an adventure support, highly specialised gear is utilised for the participant’s survival during an abseil. Ropes, descender, delay-devices, carabiners, climbing harness, climbing helmet, anchors, gloves, knee pads and elbow pads make up essential abseiling equipment.

5. Pushing your Limits – Abseiling is an absolute activity to rediscover thresholds and break human physical and mental boundaries. Want absolute madness? Diversify and do a Aussie Style Rappel!

6. Less Beaten Track - The possibilities are endless! Not limited to mountain terrain, scores of abseil venues are abundant, complemented by spectacular vistas. Being such an accommodating sport, abseiling can have a venue as accustomed to a mountain or canyon or as typical as an old bridge, the tallest skyscraper or even colossal waterfalls. Every abseiling experience is entirely different from another, which makes each abseil something to look forward to.

7. Fear Factor – Adventure sports are perceived as being designed to impress people with the ability to do things that aren’t normally or should not even be done. This understanding is set to be derived from one main source of all human limitation – Fear. Abseiling has the capital “F” all over it. All the more reason to expect the ultimate adrenalin surge.

Abseiling is a fun and exciting extreme sport. As with any adventure sport; the euphoric high of an achievement is addictive. Abseiling is an activity that tolerates this craving. Abseil 100 feet higher or a venue wilder. The options are endless, all of which are high-wired and adrenaline packed! So why not give abseiling a go!

Castleton area, Peak District

Most people love to travel, there are so many great travel destinations on offer it’s just hard to know where to start. Many people love to try different ideas and travel to different places – here are some ideas for interesting travel destinations:

Borneo

Borneo is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, especially with the more adventurous. People come here for the dense jungle, the incredible wildlife and nature (which includes many endangered species) the stunning mountains and the sustainable tourism – which includes many eco-retreats. Although one of the biggest draws by far is the very cute orangutans. Sepilok sanctuary can be visited and orphaned orangutans seen first hand.

Peak District National Park

This is another great destination for adventurous types and lovers of the outdoors. The National Park is full of wild rugged scenery including heathland moors and craggy limestone rocks. There is plenty to do here but the number one attraction is the walking and hiking. Other activities include cycling, rock climbing, caving and paragliding. If you are a little more subdued or have a family there are many castles, caves and family attractions to explore as well as pretty towns and villages.

Jerusalem

The capital of Israel the city is located in the Judean Mounatins between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern edge of the Dead Sea. There are two parts the old ancient part of the city and the sprawling modern part of the capital. It’s a holy city to the the three major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam many people choose to come here for a spiritual pilgrimage. Although there are also many other reasons to visit Jerusalem including the incredible ancient architecture and rich history. Finding some great Jerusalem vacation rentals to stay shouldn’t be any problem.

Singapore

This is a beautiful island in South East Asia and easily one of the cleanest and most wealthy. It makes a lovely travel destination because although modernized it is still steeped in Asian culture and has many interesting colonial buildings to explore. If you’re thinking of a trip don’t miss the Orchard Road (the main shopping thoroughfare) and of course bars where they sell the Singapore Sling and locally produced Tiffin Cake.

Castleton

Rock Climbing is a sport that involves climbing precipices and scaling rock faces. Often pursued as a hobby, rock climbing includes the use of specialized equipment and techniques.

Rock Climbing can be conducted using a variety of different variations and styles. Among the most popular styles, enthusiasts and athletes use traditional Rock Climbing and Sport Climbing. Given below is an overview of the variety of styles that can be used in Rock climbing.

Traditional Climbing

Traditional Climbing is a conventional method of climbing rocks. An old style of free climbing, Traditional Climbing involves climbing on routes without artificial tools and external support, to aid the climbers in their ascent. To engage in this method, the athlete need to improve on his technique, as the climber’s body and some pieces of Passive Protection like Nuts and Hexes are used.

With such low levels of protection and minimal usage of tools, traditional climbing is slow-paced and more strategical. This has made this form of free Climbing, become popular as “Adventure Climbing” in Australia.

Features of Traditional Climbing

Traditional climbing offers it climbers, freedom of technique and customization of rock climbing routes. This freedom is more extended, with the availability of protection and hi-tech equipment.

This is the only style of climbing that emphasizes on technique and proper usage of safety equipment and protection. The style teaches the climber, distribution and positioning of tools with maximum efficiency.

Traditional climbing improves a climber’s capability of making quick strategical judgments. It also insists on teamwork, as it is carried out in groups, usually with a leader and be-layer (the one who retrieves the tools after the climb).

Sport Climbing

Sport climbing is the only form of rock climbing that includes investments and sponsorships. A professional sport, this form of rock climbing includes predetermined routes that have permanent bolts and anchors attached on the rock wall.

In sport climbing, a rope is used to assist the athlete. The rope is attached to each athlete’s climbing harness with the belayer handling the loose end. Generally, the distance between each bolt is eight feet but can be decreased to improve speed. At the peak of each route, an anchor is placed to accommodate a variety of equipment.

The element of danger in Sports Climbing is greatly reduced as the sport highlights the gymnastic and athletic aspects of Rock Climbing. Though Sport Climbing does not include strategy, it does require overall development of stamina, strength, and flexibility.

Mountaineering

Popularly known as Alpinism, Mountaineering is a form of climbing that involves climbing mountain slopes and trekking trails. It requires athletes to scale higher altitudes, which may last for days and even months.

There are three basic forms of Climbing based on the condition of tracks:

• Rock Climbing, or rock-craft that is popular among amateur Climbers.
• Rock craft includes climbing rocky slopes and avalanches.
• Snow and Ice Climbing, experts prefer snow-craft, which is also known as, Snow and Ice Climbing and it involves a more dangerous Climb as it includes routes with glaciers.
• Mixed Climbing is a combination of rocky and icy routes. It is an extremely hazardous form of Rock Climbing that requires training and experience.

Article Source: http://kriskoonar.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/styles-of-rock-climbing-233917.html

About the Author

Rock Climbing Wall Manufacture Extreme Engineering holds several patents and is the original inventor of the Rock Climbing Wall. To view our online catalog please visit http://www.extremeengineering.com.

Alton Towers Theme Park

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Who says that theme parks are just for kids? Alton Towers is a fantastic day out for thrill-seekers of all ages, and visitors over 1.4 metres tall will be spoilt for choice with the amazing selection of rollercoasters at the park.

Why not try them all and decide for yourself which nerve-jangler gets your adrenaline pumping the most? With an Alton Towers promo code from shopping deals website 5hop5.ie you can visit the park for less.

Here’s a super-speedy guide to the fab five at Alton Towers:

Nemesis

The original, and the one that many Alton Towers fans consider to be the best, Nemesis was built way back in 1994. Located in the Forbidden Valley, Nemesis was Europe’s first ever inverted rollercoaster, which means that your legs dangle beneath you as you ride. With twists, turns and loops this big metal beast of a coaster will have you wanting to ride again and again.

Area: Forbidden Valley
Speed: 50 mph
G-force: 4
Cost: £10 million

Air

Experience the feeling of flying through the air, amongst the clouds, on Air in Forbidden Valley. Riders glide face down with the wind in their faces, enjoying a feeling of weightlessness and freedom that is unparalleled. Air is also one of the words most expensive rollercoaster, costing a whopping £12 million to build.

Area: Forbidden Valley
Speed: 46 mph
G-Force: 3.5
Cost: £12 million.

Rita

The ultimate G-force experience, Rita catapults riders from 0 to 100km/ph is a mere 2.5 seconds. She’s the all time Queen of Speed so ride on Rita and you’ll feel the full force of acceleration.

Area: Dark Forest
Speed: 62.1 mph
G-Force: 4.7
Cost: £8 million

Oblivion

Anyone without a head for heights will face their ultimate fears on Oblivion, quite literally. Riders are dangled face first over an intense 180 foot drop, spending a few terrifying seconds in limbo before free falling.

Area: The X Sector
Speed: 68 mph
G-Force: 4.5
Cost: £12 million

Thirteen

New coaster on the park Thirteen is a thriller in more ways than one. An original ghost train and rollercoaster hybrid, Thirteen has been dubbed a ‘psychoaster’ as it creates a new level of psychological fear.

Dark, mysterious and full of surprises, if you haven’t been to Alton Towers since Thirteen opened then go and experience this new frightfully good contender for best coaster on the park.

Area: The Dark Forest
Speed: 41 mph
G-Force: 3
Cost: £15 million

Arm yourself with an Alton Towers discount code and head off to the park to work your way around all of the fab five rollercoasters this summer. Deciding which is your ultimate favourite is sure to be a difficult job, but if nothing else you’ll have fun while testing them out.

Those of you who aren’t fans of ‘the big ones’ shouldn’t despair. Alton Towers has plenty of middle-weight rides for you to enjoy, so you won’t be left riding the carousel with the five year olds.

The Runaway Mine Train is the perfect example of a ride that has just the right amount of tummy tickling. However, don’t be fooled by Sonic Spinball’s cute appearance. That ride is a demon in a little blue hedgehog’s clothing, and is not to be underestimated.

If you don’t mind getting wet, the Flume and the Rapids are both exciting water rides that won’t leave your tummy for dust. Whereas those with a slightly more daring disposition may want to give Rip Saw a go.

Hex and Duel provide the spooks, so those who love a good ghost train won’t be disappointed. If you like your spooks and surprises a little tamer then give the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride a whirl – no one will judge you for not having a child to hold your hand (or should that be the other way round?).

Rides aside, there’s plenty more to enjoy during a trip to Alton Towers. The new Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life is a fun aquarium full of amazing underwater creatures, including giant spider crabs and sharks.

A few hours playing Extraordinary Golf or a meander through the extensive Alton Towers gardens make great ways to enjoy a break from the rides. Relax, catch your breath and prepare to tackle your Nemesis (or Rita, or Oblivion…)

Visit Alton Towers for less with a discount code from 5hop5.ie and decide which of the fab five rollercoasters should take the title of ultimate Alton Towers thriller this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Article is written by Roxanne Wells at www.5hop5.ie providing Alton Towers Promo Codes. Visit http://www.5hop5.ie for more information on www.5hop5.ie Products & Services. Copyright information This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety, including live links & this copyright statement must be included. Visit www.5hop5.ie before you shop.

Cycling in the Peak District

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The Peak District is one of the UK’s most popular national parks, situated between Sheffield and Manchester. It offers stunning scenery and many hidden treasures which are great to discover by bicycle. In this article I’ll write a little about the top 6 trails for cycling.

Here are my top 6 trails for the perfect day of pedalling through some of the Peak District’s best landscapes…

Manifold Track (White Peak)

Enjoy the natural beauty of woodland and Thor’s Cave along the Manifold Valley with 6 miles of track from Waterhouses and 3 miles from Hulme End. The middle section of the route has become the quiet country road to Wetton Mill including Swainsley Tunnel. You can get on the Manifold Track at either end: Hulme End or Waterhouses as well as in the middle from Wetton Mill.

High Peak Trail (White Peak)

Watch out for the murals at Friden brickworks and the old engine house at Middleton Top on the High Peak Trail. This former Cromford and High Peak railway line runs for 17½ miles from High Peak Junction, near Cromford to Dowlow 6 miles south of Buxton. This was a very early railway built between 1825-30. You can get on the High Peak Trail at Hurdlow, Parsley Hay, Friden, Minninglow, Middleton Top, Black Rocks and High Peak Junction.

Tissington Trail (White Peak)

Cycle and discover the rural delights of wildflowers and birdsong along 13 miles of Tissington Trail, once the Ashbourne – Buxton railway line which opened all those years ago in 1899. You can get on the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay, Hartington Station where you can visit the old signal box, Alsop, Tissington, Thorpe, Mapleton Lane and at Ashbourne (through a 600m tunnel). You can hire a bike from Parsley Hay Ashbourne.

Monsal Trail (White Peak)

The Monsal Trail follows the former Midland Railway Line through the Peak District and a 4 mile section of it can be cycled. From the car park at Bakewell Station you can cycle south for 1 mile to Coombs Road viaduct or north for 3 miles to the closed Headstone tunnel, near Great Longstone. You can also get on the trail at the former station at Hassop. The Monsal Trail continues as a footpath although there are plans to extend the cycle route through to Buxton, reopening four closed tunnels, in 2011.

Longdendale Trail (Dark Peak)

This is a former Manchster to Sheffield railway line converted to a safe, traffic-free trail for everyone, owned and managed by United Utilities. It runs for nearly 7 miles from Hadfield (accessible by train) to the Woodhead Tunnels, before crossing the A628 and climbing a steep moorland track towards the Yorkshire border at Salter’s Brook. You can get onto the Longdendale Trail at Platt Street, Hadfield; Torside Car Park and Woodhead Station. The Longdendale Trail is part of the national coast-to-coast route, the Trans Pennine Trail, which runs from Liverpool to Hull.

Upper Derwent Valley (Dark Peak)

Cycle at the side of the Derwent, Howden and Ladybower reservoirs flanked by beautiful woodland with moorland views. Visit the West Tower of the Derwent Dam for the memorial and museum for the Dambusters 617 squadron. The museum is open most Sundays and Bank Holidays. There is a choice of routes including on quiet roads and off-road, both easy going and more challenging.

Cycle hire

Don’t have a bike? No problem! The National Park Authority runs centres to hire bicycles from at Ashbourne, Derwent and Parsley Hay. Call in to any cycle hire centre and meet experienced, friendly staff who will fit you with a bike and give you all the advice you need to pedal away.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Riley

Bradwell area, Peak District

Maybe it is the beautiful limestone dales with rivers of the clearest water running through them, or the bleak and barren moorlands in the north of the area, beautiful still, but in a different sort of wild way, or could it be the friendly and welcoming people, the stately homes in and around the area, wooded valleys, beautiful countryside attracting walkers and cyclists, gritstone edges popular with climbers and hang gliders. Whatever the particular attraction is, millions of visitors flood to the Peak District every year.

Lying at the Southern end of the Pennines mountain range and covering an area of 555 square miles (1,440 km2), mostly in Derbyshire, but also covering areas of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire, the Peak District was the first area of Britain to be named a National Park in 1951.

The Peak District can effectively be split into two distinctly different areas; the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The Dark Peak domintes the northern part of the district with gritstone outcrops and edges, often bordering high altitude bleak peat moorlands; mostly used for rearing hardy sheep, and inhabited by a number of game birds such as grouse. The White Peak is predominately in the southern part of the district whose name derives from the light colour of the limestone hills and dales, and criss-crossed by a maze of limestone dry stone walling; this is pasture land and is favoured by cattle rearers.

Millions of visitors come to the area every year to make use of the many outdoor activities available in the Peak District or to visit the numerous tourist attractions such as Chatsworth House, the caverns at Castleton (unique to Blue John – a type of fluorite/fluorspar – mining in the UK), charming Olde England towns and villages, or to see the many traditional festivals associated with the area; well-dressing (originally a Derbyshire tradition), Shrovetide football (at Asbourne), or the scarecrow festivals at Wirksworth and Tansley (an idea being picked up by other towns and villages in or near to the area, Pleasley being a prime example).

Accessibility to the area is excellent with about 20 million people living within a hour’s drive, an excellent public transport system serves the area. With massive towns and cities around the border, namely; Sheffield, Manchester, Derby, Huddersfield, and Stoke-on-Trent whose residents enjoy all that the peak District has to offer from just a stone’s throw away. It is no surprise that tourism is perhaps the biggest revenue providing about 25% of the total income of residents living in the area – Dove Dale in the south of the district alone welcomes on average 2 million visitors each year. Natural mineral water outlets at Buxton and Ashbourne are exploited to supply retailers throughout the UK, and the mineral mining and manufacturing industries also provide much of the revenue.

I was fortunate to be born in Derbyshire, have lived close to or in the area all my life and have spent many great times enjoying the delights of the Peak District so I know first hand what is there. I urge anyone who has never visited the Peak District to do so and see what is on offer, they will certainly not be disappointed. If however you have already discovered the Peak District then you must return to discover more about this delightful area of the UK.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_D_Etheridge

Chesterfield Cathedral, Peak District

The second largest town in Derbyshire, Chesterfield had its beginning as a market town. Even now, the markets still thrive. Here, you can take a trip back in history and enjoy a truly quaint town in the country. Chesterfield has been inhabited since as far back as the Iron Age.

One of the best known features of Chesterfield is the crooked spire of the Church of St Mary and All Saints. This parish church dates from the 13th century and, as the largest church in Derbyshire, is often mistakenly thought to be a cathedral. There are many theories as to how the spire became crooked but the culprit likely lies in the 32 tons of lead tiles that are covering it.

You will want to visit the market on either Monday, Friday or Saturday, the days on which it runs. Here you will find over 200 stalls for your shopping pleasure. You can stop by on Thursday to see the flea market and the 100 stalls it holds. There has been a market here since 1165 at the very least. You can find the Shambles close by which is a collection of medieval streets dating from the 12th century. There are tearooms, shops and even one of the oles pubs in Britain, The Royal Oak.

There are many trails nearby that you can walk over when you have had enough of the town and want to get out in nature. Other outdoor activities in Derbyshire abound, including rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and caving. In Chesterfield itself, there are the Linacre reservoirs which are surrounded by a woodland where you can walk and cycle.

There is also the Queen’s park which has a lake for boating, gardens, and an area for children to play. You will also find an athletic centre here where you can swim, play squash, badminton or tennis, as well as other sports.

When it comes to gastronomy, there are many choices. If you want fine dining, it is there. For something more exotic, you can choose Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian or Mexican. Whatever your individual tastes or budget, there is something for you here. Local specialties include Bakewell pudding, Ashbourne gingerbread, Hartington stilton and Derbyshire oatcakes.

There are many options for lodging also. They run from self-catering to lovely bed and breakfasts and hotels in between. If you prefer, you can find a place to camp or caravan.

You cannot go wrong with Chesterfield – Derbyshire for a weekend or even more time away. Lose yourself in the gorgeous English countryside of the Peak District as soon as possible.

Source: http://www.authorpalace.com

Derby

Derbyshire is a county that lies in the East Midlands of England, just below Yorkshire. It is one the loveliest of the eastern counties of England. A bed and breakfast or self catering stay is one of the best ways to see the attractions and sights of this lovely area. Many bed and breakfast and self catering properties are available in all regions of the county which also contains most of Peak District National Park. The County town is the city of Derby which is now a unitary authority area, so technically separate from the county but it remains part of the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. The County has a population of just over 996,000 and covers 2,625 square kilometres.

Geography Most of the Peak District National Park is in Derbyshire and the northern part also overlaps with the Pennines. It shares borders with Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Cheshire.

History Derbyshire has been settled by people for a very long time and there are neolithic burial mounds all over the area. The romans were attracted to the area because of the mineral lead that they found in abundance. They settled throughout the county with forts built near Brough in the Hope Valley and near Glossop. Later they settled around Buxton, famed for its warm springs, and set up a fort near. During Saxn times the county formed part of the Kingdom of Mercian and several kings of Mercia are buried in the Repton area. The Danes conquered the region and formed an independent earldom centred on Derby which gave the earldon its name. The West Saxon King Edward, son of Alfred the Great, retook the area from the Danes. Under the Normans much of the county was subject to the forest laws. The fast flowing streams created water power in the seventeenth century and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

Industry Coal mining was a very important part of the Derbyshire economy until the 1990s but mining has now mostly ceased and much of the industrial pollution and scarring has been eradicated although limestone quarrying still scars some areas. The region is now largely based on mixed agriculture, some heavy industrial engineering and tourism. The landscape varies from arable farming in the flat lands to the south of Derby, to the hill farming of the high moorlands of the southern Pennines, north of Derby city. Derbyshire is rich in natural resources like lead, iron, coal, and Limestone which is quarried to provide the industries of the surrounding towns with lime for building and steel making and cement manufacture.

Tourism Derbyshire offers many attractions including the spectacular Peak District and many interesting towns and villages such as Bakewell, Buxton, and Derby. There are many castle and fine buildings such as Chatsworth House, the beautiful Dove Dale, and Matlock Bath. In the north of the county, Howden, Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs now provide an area used for leisure pursuits like walking and cycling as part of the Peak District National Park.The National Trust has many properties and a lot of land.

Accommodation is not a problem and there are a large number of Peak District Bed and Breakfast and self catering properties right across the county, although you should book well in advance if you intend to arrive in one of the more popular destinations such as Derby, in the busy season. These properties range in size from a single room in a house to a 10 to 12 bed establishment in a town centre. Prices also reflect the popularity of the location and can be quite high. In Britain, bed and breakfast and self catering places can be found in every location and they are a lot more personal and friendly than other forms of accommodation.

Tony Lucas has spent many years in the travel and tourism market, has travelled in many parts of the world. He has lectured and worked freelance for many of the major Hotel corporations. He writes extensively on all matters to do with Britain and tourism in the British Isles. More information on http://www.stayinbritain.co.uk

Campfire

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As the media frequently tells us, holidays are a sure-fire way to reduce stress as well as allow physical and mental recuperation from the rigours of everyday life. Accordingly, more and more employers are realising that a well-rested and recuperated workforce is more productive and are offering their staff the opportunity to go on business conferences, courses and team-building schemes across the United Kingdom, especially in the Peak District.

The Peak District marks the geographic centre of Britain between Derby, Sheffield, Manchester and Stoke, meaning that for millions of people, it is only a ninety minute drive away. Although its peaks are smaller than those of the Lake District and Snowdonia, the landscape and picturesque villages are of equal beauty. The Peak District’s smaller scale is by no means a disadvantage as it means that key areas of natural beauty and interest are typically only a short walk from accommodation sites, such as the Peak District Spa and the many bed and breakfasts.

Team building exercises in the Peak District can be almost tailor-made to the individual requirements of customers as the terrain and spectacular scenery of the area allow the organisers to offer almost any outdoor adventure sport from caving to hand-gliding. Also, the fact that refreshments and meals can be provided on site and that there is a wide range of accommodation to meet any budget means that any firm is able to embark on team building expeditions in Derbyshire and the Peak District.

These team building Peak District exercises can meet the needs of the reserved and adventurous alike as the on-site woodland accommodation means that those who want to learn survival skills, such as fire lighting, but are reluctant to stay in the wilderness overnight have the option of retreating to a luxurious suite whereas the more adventurous ones have the choice of building and sleeping in their own shelter in the woods for a night.

About the Author

Natalie Eastaugh is the Internet Marketing Specialist for JDRWebsites.co.uk
If you wish to find out more on team building Peak District as well as information about Peak District Spa, go to http://www.peakdistrictspa.co.uk

Bakewell, Haddon Hall

Top 5 places to visit in the Peak District: The Peak District holds the proud distinction of being Britain’s first National Park, and once you see the rolling hills and craggy dales of Derbyshire you’ll soon realise why. Situated right at the heart of England this is perhaps one of the most accessible areas, and it offers the broadest selection of landscapes and attractions.

This is a region of contrasts, with wild moorland, classic walking country which encompasses every kind of activity, from a gentle stroll to the lofty challenge of the Peaks themselves. The leafy lanes and quiet villages are ideal for that feeling of getting away from it all. With towns such as Buxton, with its wonderful architecture and cultural life, along with picturesque Bakewell and the attractions of Matlock, you’ll be spoiled for choice with places to stay and things to see and do.

From cosy farmhouses and welcoming guest houses to international hotels, you’ll find all the hospitality and comfort you need for a really memorable break. There’s plenty to see, such as breathtaking caverns where the precious Blue John stone is mined, the night-time spectacle of the Matlock Illuminations and a trip back in time at the Crich Tramway Village.

The Peak District contains all the best elements of Britain, and as a destination for that memorable break, it’s unbeatable.

Here’s my top 5 places to visit in the Peak District:

1. Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s most celebrated and best loved historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from world famous works of art and spectacular fountains to elegant shops and more than a hundred miles of free walks. The home of the Devonshire family is set in the heart of England, in Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park, surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes in the country. Built to be seen and enjoyed, Chatsworth has a long tradition of welcoming visitors from around the world, who have always been drawn by its unique and welcoming atmosphere. Today, visitors of all ages come to enjoy Chatsworth’s fascinating mixture of tradition and innovation, learning and entertainment.

2. Castleton Caverns

Castleton has four underground show caves, the main two being Blue John Cavern and Peak Cavern, alongside Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff being the most impressive. Peak Cavern lies beneath Peveril Castle whilst Treak Cliff and Blue John both contain veins of the rare mineral Blue John, that is only found in this area of Britain, and was discovered by miners who explored the caves originally looking for lead. Castleton is one of the most beautiful villages in the Peak District. It has an array of natural and historical features both above and below ground, and is surrounded by superb walking country. Whatever the weather Castleton has something to offer everyone.

3. Derwent Valley Reservoirs

In this beautiful part of the Peak District National Park there are three linked reservoirs – Ladybower, Upper Derwent and Howden – that offer an aura of wildness and beauty. This is a popular venue for cyclists, with routes for both mountain bikers and other cyclists, for walkers and horse riders. Its a great place for a picnic.

4. Cromford

Cromford is an historic village, part of which is designated as a World Heritage Site, surrounded by some glorious scenery in the Derbyshire Dales. It is forever associated with Sir Richard Arkwright as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Arkwright built the world’s first water powered cotton mills here and pioneered the factory system. The village is full of history and interest. From the Cromford canal system to the Cromford and High Peak Railway to Nature Reserves and the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail. All this and within walking distance of Matlock Bath.

5. Mam Tor

Mam Tor, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Peak”, rises on the west side of Castleton. Layers of gritstone and shale are exposed and there are constant landslips down the side of the hill. These have forced the closure of the road which used to run across its side. Legend has it that although the surface constantly crumbles and slides downwards, the shadow of the hill never grows any smaller. Mam Tor is also the Peak District’s highest and most impressive Bronze Age hillfort.

There are so many attractions to see in the Peak District, so much so, that your stay will never be long enough.

About the Author

Chris Sabian Website: www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian has lived and worked in the Peak District all his life. He is a travel writer.