If you have never been to the Peak District, you are missing out on some of the most beautiful
and varied countryside that England has to offer. The M1 passes through a not particularly scenic
part of Derbyshire and people may be forgiven for thinking the county has nothing to offer, but if you
go westward for ten or twenty miles you will find yourself in wonderful surroundings.
The White Peak
This is the limestone based part of Derbyshire. A lot of it is gently rolling farm land (the 'tops'), with small fields separated by Derbyshire's characteristic drystone walls. Within this area are interspersed spectacular limestone Dales, such as Dovedale and Monsal Dale, with steeply sloping hillsides and small rivers meandering through them.
The White Peak also has several old railways which have been
converted to tracks for cyclists and walkers including the Tissington Trail , Manifold valley Trail, Monsal Trail and the High Peak Trail (which starts near Cromford, about two miles from our shop).
The Dark Peak
The Dark Peak shows Derbyshire's wild and rugged face. Based on gritstone, it is characterised by spectacular stone escarpments ('edges') and large expanses of unspoilt moorland. Very photogenic, it has been used many times for bike and car catalogue outdoor shots.
Despite the fact that there are no really
big 'peaks' (the highest point is barely 700 metres above sea level) there is some very challenging terrain for mountain
-bikers in the Dark Peak and care should be taken when planning a difficult route, particularly in winter.
The wildest area is probably within a five to ten mile radius of the Derwent Dams, but there is also a very pleasant family ride around the edge of the dams; which is only rough in parts and does not involve too much climbing.
Derbyshire Towns, Villages and Stately Homes
If you are stopping in Derbyshire for a while and want to do any sightseeing the county has some lovely little
villages and several small towns , with nice friendly pubs to quench your thirst. Many of the villages have
annual well-dressing festivals (a tradition unique to Derbyshire?) where the village wells are decorated with
pictures made from dried flowers; usually depicting biblical scenes.
If you are interested in stately homes we have two of the best examples in England within close range of Matlock.
About six miles up the A6, towards Bakewell, is Haddon Hall,a home of the Duke of Rutland.
It is a wonderfully dark and atmospheric old manor hall and has been used in numerous film and TV productions.
A couple of miles away from Haddon is Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire
and probably Britain's most spectacular stately home. It is set in beautiful surroundings, and, happily
for mountain-bikers, the Chatsworth estate seems reasonably bike friendly with several excellent bridleways passing
through it.
Tourist Information
We hope we have whetted your appetite for the Peak District. If you are thinking of coming for a holiday here are the local tourist information centre details:Crown Square, Matlock, DE4 3AT Phone: 01629 583388 Fax: 01629 584131 Open: March to October 9.30am. - 5.00pm. seven days a week and November to February 10am - 4pm. seven days a week |
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Cafes
Tom and Aidan have spent many happy hours researching eating places in the Peak and recommend trying the following:- Grindleford - Station Cafe (open 7 days a week every week!)
- Monyash - Blacksmiths
- Elton - Cafe (sundays only)
- Edale - Station Cafe
- Hope - Woodbine Cafe
- Hayfield - We don't know name!
- Matlock - Rex's Cafe
- Buxton - Wild Carrot
- Hartington - Beresford Tea Rooms
- Cromford Crossroads - Kath's Cafe
- Cromford Scarthin - Scarthin Books Cafe
- Ambergate - Corner Cafe
- Hathersage -Swimming Pool Cafe
Derbyshire Links
Here are some links to general info sites you might find useful....Derbyshire Search Engine
Freeindex
Shopping in Derby - Online shopping in Derby, including clothing shops, home improvements, holidays, cars & insurance.
Weather
Peak District weather can catch people out. Check The Met Office or BBC Weather for details - we are about half way between Nottingham and Buxton on the Met Office weather charts.
