Overview

Few places are remote from a small village or the web of narrow lanes and tracks that extend across the White Peak and general navigation is not a significant problem. However, countryside walking often demands attention to detail; being on the wrong side of a wall can usher you in the wrong direction, and the location of stiles and gates is essential in charting a course across a chequer-board of fields. Much of this part of the Peak is actively farmed and, away from the moors, as there are fewer swathes of open access land, it is important to follow recognised paths. Several walks explore the higher ground of the region, which, like all hill areas, is susceptible to changeable weather and demands adequate equipment and experience. Even in the sheltered dales, walking can be demanding for although climbs and descents may be relatively short, are often abrupt. In the most popular gorges, good paths have been laid, but elsewhere the terrain is often rocky and, in wet conditions, limestone polished by the passage of innumerable feet and steep grass slopes can become very slippery. In an area where there is so much worthy of exploration, the difficulty is not in what to include, but rather what to leave out. This collection has been chosen to explore the many different aspects of the countryside and sometimes include or lie close to another attraction. Amongst the notable things to see are Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall as well as many museums such as the lead museum at Matlock Bath and that relating the harrowing story of 17th-century plague in Eyam. Most villages have an interesting church, and although sadly many are locked, it is often possible to locate the keyholder. In a region where almost every village has character that invites exploration there are surprises, like the many-stepped cross at Bonsall and the narrow alleys at Winster. Inevitably, some places are popular and are best reserved for the quieter times of the year. However, many others, no less interesting or possessed of beauty, are less frequented. The Park Authority does an excellent job in maintaining paths, stiles and gates. Together with canal towpaths, former railway lines, old tracks and quiet lanes, they offer endless possibilities for superb walking. There is an on-going policy to replace stiles with gates in popular areas, but you can expect to encounter stiles and squeeze gaps on every walk. In most places, well-behaved dogs are welcome and ought to be kept on leads near livestock, in farmyard areas and while passing through nature reserves. They should also be restrained during the spring nesting season upon the moor and note also that, in some open access areas, dogs are not permitted other than on Rights of Way. Welcoming country pubs and village cafes appear on or near many of the walks, but if you intend relying on them for something to eat, it is as well to check in advance that they will be open when you pass. Having said all that, all that remains is for you to choose your walk and set off.

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