About the Peak District area
Located right at the heart of England, the Peak District and Derbyshire offers stunning and varied scenery and is a paradise for walking and family cycling holidays, mountain biking and is a perfect place for a chill out holiday break. Derbyshire's Peak District National Park was Britain's very first National Park and combines a spectacular mix of peaks and dales, rivers, woodland, moors and meadows and acre upon acre of unspoilt countryside.
Wirksworth
Wirksworth is one of the oldest towns of this area and still one of those with greatest character. Centred around its marketplace, where markets have been held since Edward I granted the right in 1306, it has many fine old buildings with picturesque alleys and craftsmen's yards.
The reason for the splendour of many of the buildings is Wirksworth's historical trade - it was the southern centre of the Derbyshire lead industry and the Soke and Wapentake of Wirksworth, as it was called, was one of the most productive mining areas.
The Ecclesbourne Valley
The Ecclesbourne Valley is Derbyshire’s Gentle Valley, stretching from the northern outskirts of Derby to Wirksworth, Gateway to the Peak. The Midland Railway, whose branch to Wirksworth was opened in 1867, owed its origins to the Erewash Coal Masters who wished to open up markets further afield for their product and be able to convey it cheaply and quickly.
Bike Hire
Hire a bike and ride one of the four converted rail tracks from the following centres- Middleton Top, Parsley Hey, Ashbourne and Waterhouses.
www.aboutbritain.com
Day at Carsington Water
Walk the whole 10 miles of the footpath around Carsington. Take in the stunning scenery and take a picnic as there are plenty of places to stop off and have a comfortable sit down and relax.
Cycle around the 10-mile footpath around Carsington. Bikes can be hired from www.carsingtonwater.com.
Hire a Windsurfer, learn to sail or do some Canoeing on Carsington Water www.moretoexperience.co.uk.
Spend a day at Chatsworth
Go to Chatsworth and discover there is more to see, more to do and more to enjoy than ever before. Take a tour round the grand house with its magnificent rooms. Take a walk round the 105-acre garden with the world famous waterworks. Visit the farmyard and adventure playground and a visit to the farm shops is a must as it sells the best British and estate produce.
www.chatsworth.org
