Outdoors

 
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!
 
Great trail walking and cycling on the Tissington TrailGreat trail walking and cycling on the Tissington TrailBe your own guide with a walks leaflet, trails leaflet or map, 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. 
 
The Nag's Head, Edale - official starting point of the Pennine WayThe Nag's Head, Edale - official starting point of the Pennine WayFor 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 in the Peak District at the Nag's Head in Edale (right), 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.
 
Best Foot Forward...
Walking Festivals are a great way to experience the stunning and diverse landscapes of the Peak District & Derbyshire - the Peak District Walking Festival takes place in April/May, the Peak District's Historic Borders Walk2Discover Festival in May and the well-established Autumn Footprints festival in the Amber Valley and Erewash during September. There's always a great range of guided walks available in the area, too - simply enter the word 'walk' in either the Search Activities or Search Events pages.
 
 
Mountain biking in the Derwent ValleyMountain biking in the Derwent ValleySaddle Up... 
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, but for something a little less arduous and away from the roads, try the perimeter tracks around the reservoirs at Derwent and Carsington, which have magnificent waterside scenery. There are a number of cycle hire centres with a good selection bikes available for adults and children, as well as adapted models which make the trails accessible to all - simply enter the word' cycle' in the Search Activities page for details.
 
There are a number of good pony trekking and riding centres through the area, and 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 - there are also good horsecare facilities at the old Hartington Station. The miles of relaxing footpaths and bridleways that weave through Amber Valley's Shipley Country Park - used by author DH Lawrence as the setting for his controversial novel, Lady Chatterley's Lover - are also extremely popular with walkers and riders. 
 
 
Underground...
There's a fascinating world of stalactites, stalagmites and former mine workings waiting to be explored beneath your feet in the Peak District cave network. Visitors can explore safe, well-lit show caves at Castleton, Buxton and Matlock Bath, although beginners to potholing ashould seek expert guidance as specialist training is essential.
 
Paragliding in the Peak DistrictParagliding in the Peak District
Overground...
The Peak District & Derbyshire is one of the best places in the country to take to the skies and there are numerous airsports operators throughout the area who offer paragliding, hang-gliding, microlighting, ballooning or gliding courses, including taster sessions.
 
 
Climbers at the Roaches, with Tittesworth reservoir beyondClimbers at the Roaches, with Tittesworth reservoir beyond Rock On...
The Peak District attracts some of the country's leading rock climbers and was one of the birthplaces of the modern sport. Stanage Edge, near Hathersage, and The Roaches on the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands among others, offer cliff faces that really test climbers' technique, including internationally famous gritstone climbs and limestone bluffs to challenge even the most skilled climber. For beginners and family climbers, there are a number of climbing centres and courses in the area that offer excellent qualified instruction - search our activities for more details.
 
 
Sailing on Staunton Harold reservoirSailing on Staunton Harold reservoirWater, Water, Everywhere...
Although the Peak District & Derbyshire doesn't have a coastline, it does have plenty of water! Try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or canoeing, or just relaxing at a range of reservoirs and lakes including Carsington, Rudyard, Combs, Tittesworth, Staunton Harold, Foremark, Dovestones and Torside.