The High Life – The Peak District, England

Post Contributed by Hayley Jones // Cover Photo Source

The UK has a lot more fantastic natural beauty spots than many give it credit for. If you’re looking for a fantastic outdoor getaway, then the heights of the Peak District should already be on that bucket list. Here, we’re going to look at what to explore and how to have the best time against one of England’s most dramatic backdrops.

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Climbing Those Peaks

It’s called the Peak District for a reason. Obviously you’re going to want to see what some of those peaks have to offer. There are all kinds of hiking trails, cycling opportunities and even roads to explore, but one of the best is the Dovedale. The sloping hills and immediately recognizable limestone rocks that form the background of the trail makes for one of the most iconic parts of the entire Peak District. Unlike some of the other trails, it includes paths for walkers of all ages and experience levels, as well. You’ll pass by the River Dove, as well, where you might have a chance of spotting leaping salmon at the right times of the year. And this is just one of the many trails! 

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Get Underground

As well as fantastic heights, there are some pretty exciting depths to explore in the Peak District as well. The Peak Cavern (with a much ruder nickname that we’re not going to disclose here but feel free to Google it) is one of the best natural underground trails in the UK. Its unique geology is created by the Peakshole Water flowing through, making it the only show cave in the District that’s entirely natural. There are regular tours conducted making sure that you don’t get too lost! Okay, I couldn’t not share, its nickname is the Devil’s Arse, and apparently it makes toot noises when flood waters drain

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World Class Camping Spots

You don’t have to be huffing and puffing up mountains or climbing deep underground to appreciate the beauty of the Peak District, either. With a vehicle from a motorhome hire company, you can find some of the most relaxing and idyllic camping spots in the whole of England, too. In particular, the Laneside Caravan Park is just five minutes away from the village of Hope, giving you access to all the amenities you could want, while still giving you a perfect view of the surrounding country.

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Peveril Castle

This 12th century castle isn’t like a lot of the castles you see in Europe. Many are still up and maintained, but this castle is in ruins but sits perfectly on the hillside. Because of this, the castle seems like it is part of the landscape now. I love the way the stone from the structure fades into the hill and trees are growing out of the castle. I seems almost more like a natural site now. Plus, it’s easy to visit with a parking area below the hill with a short walk up to the castle.

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Visit A Neolithic Henge Monument

Arbor Low is a stone-circle made up of 50 limestone rocks arranged in an oval-shape. This archaeological site is said to date back between 2,500-1,500 BCE. It’s sometimes referred to as the Stonehenge of the North. There’s a hill built up around the henge, with the stones surrounding it and then a small cove made of stone inside the henge. Human remains were found in the center of the henge on an archaeological dig in 1901 and 1902. If you’re a history lover, this site, in the middle of nature, is a must for you.

As you can see, there really is something for every kind of nature-lover in the Peak District. Whether it’s standing on a mountain, venturing underground or exploring a little history, it’s all there waiting for you.

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Edits made by Paige Wunder for Pinterest Images and Cover Photo. Click for original sources Cover Photo, Left Pinterest Image and Right Pinterest Image.  Photo License Agreement