David Preston's

MY WALKING WORLD

THE PEAK DISTRICT

   
The Peak District National Park was Britain's first and was established in 1951, it covers an area of 555 sq miles (1438 sq kms). Over 38000 people live in the Park mostly employed in farming, mineral extraction, tourism and many other small industries. The North of the Park is known as the Dark Peak and takes its name from the dark grey millstone grit rocks  which underlie the area. In the south there is the White Peak  which takes its name from pale limestone rocks which abound in the area. There are many beautiful villages throughout the Peak District where you are assured of a warm welcome in the many Inns and Cafes.

The District National Park Boundary is only a few miles from my home so I am very lucky that within an hour I can travel to most parts of the Peak District, depending on the weather I can choose from wild and desolate moorland or picturesque villages to go walking. A few pictures are given below together with some links at the bottom of the page to some of my photos on my Walking Log

Looking down on Blue John Mines near Castleton, there are many Cave systems in the area. Blue John Cavern above Castleton
     
This is the landslip beneath Mam Tor, this road the A625 has been closed now for many years. This photograph amply shows the full force of nature. This road was built to bypass the Winnats Pass just around the corner and for many years carried heavy traffic from Sheffield to Manchester area. There are also many quarries in the area which provide work for local people. Landslips occurred many times over the last hundred years until the local authorities concluded that they were fighting a losing battle. Each landslip was obviously not as bad as this but was a costly and lengthy business to repair. Eventually in 1979 they threw in the towel and decided to let nature have its way. Over the years the slip has got worse and now extends over nearly a half mile section of the road. The landslip on what used to be the main road
     
Mam Tor from near Treak Cliff Cavern, the layers of shale are clearly evident  and the landslip is in the centre of the picture Mam Tor
     
The lovely village of Castleton, its got everything you need, village square, pubs, cafe's, outdoor shops, chip shop, church,Youth Hostel, Hotels, caves and overlooked by the beautiful Peveril Castle. What more can you want? The Village of Castleton
     
Looking along the ridge from below Mam Tor  towards Lose Hill in the far distance. This is what I call my training walk, over Mam Tor along the ridge to Lose Hill, down into Castleton and back up to the car park at the foot of Mam Tor. 3 hours and it can be done in most weathers conditions. Exhilarating with superb views Lose Hill in the distance
     
Links to Peak District Walks on My Walking Log - Use the back button to return to this page
05/10/03 - Gradbach, The Roaches and Wincle - Close to the Peak district 30/11/03 - Edale, Kinder Scout and the Southern Edges
25/01/04 - Bradford Dale and Lathkill Dale  
     
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