To the north of the limestone area of the Peak District National Park lies the Dark Peak – somewhat of an unfortunate description as it tends to sound like a quite ominous and frightening area. Certainly there are parts that are desolate and lonely moorland, but much of it is not, and the gritstone areas that surround the limestone provide some of the finest scenery in the Peak District.In addition to the great expanse of peat moorland, such as Kinder Scout and Bleaklow, there are less rigorous walking areas in the Hope and Edale Valleys, separated by a ridge running between Lose Hill and Mam Tor. At the end of the Hope Valley, blocking the entrance to Edale, is the isolated summit of Win Hill. Walking along this ridge, or along the valleys either side, can be seen some of the Peak District's finest scenery.
Further to the north lies the Upper Derwent Valley, much of which is filled by the historic – some would say notorious – reservoirs of Ladybower, Howden and Derwent. The valley of the River Derwent is one of the most important features of the whole area. The river’s gathering grounds in its upper course, are the sponge-like peat hags of Featherbed Moss. A multitude of tiny streams drain into the main course, before the river heads southwards for almost all of its journey through the park.
From the banks of the river, entrenched in its steep sided valley, green fields rise towards the moorland, and one of the most obvious features along the river’s length as far as Chatsworth House is the escarpment of gritstone rocks which outcrop on the eastern side of the valley for almost 35 kilometres. For many years this edge has offered sport and recreation for climbers and, in recent years, hang-gliders, as well as a clearly defined routes for walkers.This has been a brief introduction to the Dark Peak area of the Peak National Park. As you read on through this section of the site we will be taking you on a virtual walk around the area to enjoy its sites, sounds and activities.
