Monsal Head and Monsal Dale. Monsal Head and Monsal Dale are certainly one of the most photographed spots in the Peak District, and it's easy to see why. ...
Bakewell is a busy and bustling town that I think can be explored with a good half day (probably an afternoon). The morning could be spent paying a visit to the nearby historic tourist attractions of Chatsworth House or Haddon Hall.
The Peak District National Park enjoys an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car. Getting to the Peak District couldn't be easier by train or bus, and regular services link many of the area's most popular destinations.
Here are some of my favourite parts of the Peak District, two days is perfect for a short break, a week gives you extra time to enjoy the walks and sights, while a day trip from London or anywhere in central England is good with a little planning using travel apps.
Bakewell is nicer. Buxton is nice enough! There is some crime, but it's a smaller town so there's certainly worse places. It's pretty in places, afew areas to avoid though.
Buxton is larger but it is still only a smallish town - though with more amenities like a theatre. Assuming that you are still reliant on public transport for your journey, Bakewell in certainly the most central place for touring the Peak District and all the places listed by Essex Wanderer.
Bakewell, you could say, is best known for a confection made by mistake. In around 1860, a cook at the Rutland Arms was baking a jam tart but misunderstood the recipe and in turn created what is now known as the Bakewell Pudding. Now, almost every visitor to the town samples this culinary delight.
Of the two towns, Buxton has more facilities and more to interest the visitor (Matlock itself has little to interest the Tourist although Matlock Bath is worth a day visit).
Derbyshire is full of quaint towns and villages, but according to research conducted by Savills, the most desirable one to set-up life in is Edensor, based in the Peak District. The village is nestled away between the hills of the national park, and its houses are detailed with iconic blue Chatsworth paint.
Higger Tor and Burbage RocksThe iconic Peak District summit, Higger Tor, towers over the landscape of the Burbage Valley. From this mountain, you can also spot the prehistoric hillfort at Carl Wark. There are claims that Carl Wark means 'The Old Man's Fort' in Old Norse, with 'Old Man' referring to the devil.
Walk on the Wild SideThe public has a right of access to about 500 sq km of Access Land in the National Park. This includes moors, heaths, commons, unimproved hills and dalesides and land above 600m. Here you can wander at will without keeping to public paths.
This lovely circular walk takes you along the banks of the River Wye from the ancient market town of Bakewell into the picture-perfect village of Ashford-in-the-Water. From there the route heads up through pastureland onto the Monsal Trail, before returning on quiet field paths to Bakewell. This is a walk of 5.7 miles.
A Taste of the Peak District ResponseWalking or running shoes are also perfect for walks where the terrain is easy, like forestry tracks and non-technical paths. For day long walks, or multi-day walks and backpacking, I don't think you can beat a good sturdy pair of boots.