Add in a little fresh air, maybe a dash of adrenaline and perhaps a lunch of local produce in a cosy pub and you've got a sure-fire recipe for a memorable break!
The Peak District & Derbyshire is prime walking country and the more relaxed pace allows a greater appreciation of the region's superb scenery – and with such an enormous range of terrain, walks and trails for visitors of all abilities, the only problem you'll have will be deciding exactly which one to take!
Be your own guide using one of our trails, or perhaps take a guided walk and discover the moors, dales and quiet tracks of the area with an expert. There are hundreds of miles of waymarked paths as well as traffic-free routes such as the Tissington Trail and Manifold Track, which follow former railway lines.
To the south of the county, recently created traffic-free tracks include the Trent Valley Greenway and the Mickleover to Eggington Trail. The National Forest also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor activities in green, rolling countryside.
Experience the Elements!
Earth, fire, water or air... you'll be in your element here in the Peak District & Derbyshire, whether you're into walking, mountain biking, rock climbing, sailing, hot air ballooning, hang gliding and paragliding, or one of the many special interest activities on offer.
Visit our Elements website and get active!
Click to view the interactive Walking Festival Guide
The Peak District & Derbyshire is considered to be one of the best places in the country to take to the skies and there are numerous airsports operators throughout the area.
Use the Outdoors Search panel to find more details on paragliding, hang-gliding, microlighting, ballooning or gliding courses, including taster sessions.
For the more energetic visitor there are longer trail walks such as the Limestone Way , the Staffordshire Way and the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, as well as the challenging 260-mile Pennine Way, which starts at Edale en route to the Scottish Borders.
You can also dip into the area on the coast-to-coast Trans-Pennine Trail, which passes through the northern Peak District at Longdendale and continues on to Chesterfield.
With many old packhorse routes now used as bridleways, the hills are opened up for those in the saddle, whether you're on two wheels or four legs. The Pennine Cycleway passes through magnificent landscapes and the perimeter tracks around the reservoirs at Derwent and Carsington, which have lovely waterside scenery.
There are pony trekking and riding centres throughout the area, such as Northfield Farm Riding and Trekking Centre – riders can also enjoy a long-distance trek on the Pennine Bridleway, which starts in the Peak District and uses former packhorse routes and disused railway tracks. The miles of relaxing footpaths and bridleways in the Amber Valley's Shipley Country Park are also popular with riders.