Important notice: This is an archived version of the Peak District National Park Authority's website. It was last updated on 2 August 2011. The current version can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk. This old version of the website will remain available until all content and functionality has been transferred across to the new website, after which it will be switched off.
Visiting
Make the most of your visit to the glorious Peak District.
- Visitor Centres
Locations and contact details of our four visitor centres - Pedal Peak District
Route maps, bike hire and how to get fit for free - Guided Walks and Events
Free guided walks suitable for all and other events all year round - Getting here
Make use of the best public transport links for any National Park
Walking
Perhaps best known as walking country, the Peak District National Park offers a spectacular variety of scenery and routes to be explored – from steep sided limestone dales to the dramatic high moorlands. There is something for everyone – individuals, families and groups – whether you want a challenging hike or a short stroll.
You can follow national or local trails or simply take advantage of 524sq km (202sq miles) of open access land or 3,005km (1,867) miles of rights of way.
For experienced walkers the long distance 431km (268 mile) Pennine Way National Trail follows the Pennine chain along the rugged backbone of England from Edale crossing Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District at 636 metres (2,087 ft). The Trans Pennine Trail is part of the E8 European Walking Route, connecting the National Park to the Turkish border – a walk of 4,023km (2,500) miles. The beautiful Limestone Way is 74km (46 miles) through delightful limestone scenery. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way is 88km (55 miles) long and weaves through some of the area's richest natural landscape and industrial heritage, given recognition as a World Heritage Site. Leaflets for these trails and for other promoted routes are available from local visitor centres, as is the Ordnance Survey OL 24 White Peak and OL 1 Dark Peak maps, which show all rights of way and will help you plan a route for yourself.
Many routes are suitable for wheelchairs or buggies including the paths on the disused railway routes of the Monsal Trail, High Peak and Tissington Trails in the White Peak area and the Longdendale Trail in the Dark Peak area. These routes provide easy linear walks. Other suitable walks for all are in the recreational areas of the Upper Derwent, Macclesfield Forest and Goyt Valley. Pick up a copy of the 'You're Welcome' guide at National Park Visitor Centres which will help disabled people, the elderly and families with small children to choose the best walks and enjoy the special landscape. Access for All provides you with information and ideas on how to get maximum enjoyment from your visit.
Walking Festival
The annual Peak District Walking Festival includes a wide range of guided walks with local experts on themes such as food and drink, ghosts, heritage and geology. Visit http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/activities/walking-festivals.aspx or ask for details at a visitor centre
Take the next step:
If you don’t want to head off on your own why not join a Ranger led guided walk and discover the countryside. Events run throughout the year and incorporate natural history, archaeology, folklore, family strolls and children’s activities. There are also numerous walking groups who meet regularly and organise walks in the Peak District.
A number of downloadable self guided walks leaflets, from easy to strenuous, as well as MP3 audio trails are available to download at www.peak-experience.org.uk
Walk more feel the difference - walking is good for you!
The Peak District enjoys an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car.
Useful links:
Peak Park Leisure Walks - for people of all ages and abilities who are not able to access other walks or do not have the confidence to go for a walk without support
Access Peak - a series of videos showing how wheelchair users and people with other mobility problems can enjoy the Peak District
www.ramblers.org.uk - information on local walking groups
www.ldwa.org.uk - Long Distance Walkers Association – lists long distance routes and challenge events
www.outdoor-learning.org - learn new outdoor skills on a recognised training course
www.disabledramblers.co.uk - national group which organises walks for disabled people
www.whi.org.uk - learn more about why walking is good for you
Download Visitor Guide
Visitor Guide 2010 (2.8MB) 
What do you think?
Let us know what you think about the new visitor guide by completing our online survey at peakdistrict.gov.uk/yourshout
