Peak District - Parts of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire

Places of Interest

	There are few places in England that have two Dukes living next to each other. Yet just inside the Peak National Park, the Duke of Devonshire and the Duke of Rutland have property that shares the same border, the splendid stately homes of Chatsworth and Haddon. To the east you will find the fine buildings of Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle, and to the west,Lyme Park at Disley.
However, the history of the Peak goes back to the Ice Age, when the shapes of the Dark Peak and White Peak were formed, although the name "Peak" has nothing to do with the shape of the hills, but comes from the Celtic tribe the "Peac". Signs of the first Neolithic settlers can be seen at the massive stone circles at Arbor Low and the Nine Ladies on Stanton Moor.		The Romans came to the Peak District to exploit its mineral riches and lead has been mined by the locals for centuries. In medieval times markets developed together with fairs, and with the growth of agriculture, much of the wool - based wealth was used to build superbly designed churches.
Throughout the centuries, travelling across the Peak has proved difficult whether by packhorse, mailcoach or rail. Today it is still impossible to cross the Peak by train, the disused lines, closed under the Beeching Axe in the 1960's, are now well-used walking and cycling paths.

	Many customs & festivals are unique to the Peakland area, the most famous being the Well Dressing, celebrated from May through to September in villages across the whole Peak District. Animal & wildlife enthusiasts can choose from a number of attractions including Freshfields Donkey Sanctuary at Peak Forest. Riber Castle Wildlife Park near Matlock & the Chestnut Centre conservation park, an otter haven & wildlife sanctuary at Chapel-en-le-Frith. More childrens' attractions can be found at Alton Towers, Abraham Height and The Americam Adventure
	Sporting activities range from water -sports on Carsington Water & Rother Valley Country Park, hang gliding at Wetton, pony trekking at Flash near Buxton, or trout fishing at Ladybower Reservoir.  The Peak District is a popular location with directors - from "Last of the Summer Wine" filmed at Holmfirth, the village of Crich, better known as Cardale in "Peak Practice" whilst the many stately homes have been used as backdrops for productions such as "Jane Eyre" & "Pride and Prejudice".
	The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is a narrow gauge steam railway located 2 miles North of the town of Leek in North Staffordshire. To get there head for Leek or Macclesfield and then take the A523 until you are a mile North of Leek then follow the B5331 for half a mile to the free car park at Rudyard Station. The present railway is 15 years old and is 10 1/4 inch gauge and is equivalent to about half of a full scale narrow gauge railway. Trains are normally steam hauled and run most weekends from Easter to late October. Website

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