Walking holidays

The Peak District National Park is one of the most beautiful areas Britain has to offer, and this town, paired with this tour, gives you the ultimate experience of it

The Peak District National Park in Derbyshire is a sight to behold, but with over 300,000 acres worth of land and some pretty sheer climbs, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. If caught by such doubt, there’s only one real answer.

One of the best ways to see the heights of the peaks and immerse yourself in their splendour is to ditch the hiking boots altogether. And the best place to begin, I’d argue, is at the very top, in Buxton – England’s highest market town.

When staying at The Buxton Crescent Hotel, the real heart of the town and a hub for a truly tranquil escape to Derbyshire, you can be assured that there’s a fantastic range of trails on your doorstep. There are a number of routes to take, so I hopped on a bike courtesy of PeakePedals and cycled out.

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Derbyshire is known for its dramatic Peak District landscapes, historic market towns and stately country houses. Sykes Cottages has hundreds of places to stay, with prices from £32 per night.

Bike Tours

Specifically designed for guests staying at the hotel and catering for those travelling in at Buxton Station is White Peak Adventure. This is a route created by the cycling experts at PeakePedals to help visitors experience the villages, valleys and hills of the White Peak, just south of Buxton.

Many guests opt to hire their e-bikes and a Garmin GPX navigation device with their chosen route pre-programmed. This means they can have their own day out, with clear directions, and none of the fuss.

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However, we were lucky to have a tour guide in Dan, a team member and local expert, who took us through the winding roads and hills, pointing out the areas of interest along the way.

Touring on a bike means you can see a hell of a lot more of the Peaks than you naturally would on foot. We ended up going over 20 miles around the national park, winding through villages and along pretty country roads. This is perfect for someone who only has a day or a short weekend to explore and is keen to make the most out of that time – with all the views and none of the blisters.

Passing through the stunning ‘Dragon’s Back’ limestone reef was a true highlight of the ride for me, and having previously climbed it, I can assure you it was far less difficult and even more beautiful from below. The bike certainly offered a fresh perspective on the Peaks.

We stopped and gawped periodically, while our guide recommended pubs, cafés or the best villages we might want to spend a moment in. But Dan was happy to take our lead, as he would remind us: “It’s your day.” We opted for two stops, one in Longnor and the other in Hartington – two quintessentially English villages.

As a big coffee lover, this was ideal, as I can never get enough of stumbling upon a cosy coffee spot and sampling some homemade bakes. Of course, here in Buxton, the local delicacy is the Bakewell Tart, which is a must-try when in the Derbyshire area.

As charming a day as it was, it being Britain and March, cold and thick fog descended, obscuring the beauty of the hills a little.

Of course, it’s hard to come to the Peaks and not take on somewhat of a hike, and for a short hike with ease near Buxton, Lud’s Church is the perfect choice. Sitting less than a 20-minute drive outside of the town, it’s a popular route, proven by the groups of walkers we saw heading that way.

The terrain is easy, and the route isn’t steep. The hidden paradise that you reach is certainly a treat.

Beginning at The Roaches Gradbach Car Park, we were able to park up and begin the walk, following the signposts along the way. It took us past the scout camp, down a rocky path alongside farmers’ fields, before reaching a tranquil little bridge.

As you walk, you wind through forests and find yourself at the mysterious gorge, illuminated by green moss. When I stepped down into the chasm, I felt as though I’d stumbled across a hidden gem, like something out of Jurassic Park or Jumanji, with tropical-looking plants growing in between rocks, covered in layers of the brightest green moss.

Once you reach the other side of it, climbing out of the gorge, it’s mostly flat, and we had a carefree walk through the trees, slowly making our way back down in a circular route, back to the car. All in all, the walk typically takes two hours, but we were able to complete it in an hour and a half, driven on as we were by a desire to eat lunch.

Book it

Emily stayed at Champneys Buxton Crescent Hotel & Wellness Spa start from £185 including bed and breakfast. For general hotel bookings, please visit: buxtoncrescent.com and contact Email: info@buxtoncrescent.com Tel: +44 1298 808 999

Visit Peake Pedals for bike hire and private tours.

This countryside spot is steeped in folklore about a monstrous Barghest that legends claim crushed victims – making for an atmospheric hiking spot

Nestled within an abandoned mining region, hidden away in the Wharfedale valley of the Yorkshire Dales, lies a collapsed limestone ravine, brimming with historical tales, folklore and even a potentially terrifying resident.

Unless you’re aware of its existence, the enigmatic cavern is virtually invisible from view, concealed just off the roadside, making it a genuine secret treasure for ramblers.

Troller’s Gill is a legendary location beloved by keen walkers who venture to the region hoping to witness its splendour, as it packs considerable natural beauty into a compact trail.

The difficulty level for the path is fairly moderate, largely due to a handful of sections requiring scrambling, with a total distance of 2.6 km. It’s a trek that typically takes around one hour and can therefore be combined with any other walking or exploration activities you’ve planned during your stay in the Dales.

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To access this captivating destination, you can leave your vehicle on New Road, where parking is free, before discovering this luminous green treasure.

Upon arrival, you’ll understand why it’s such a frequently discussed location and observe its rocky brook, which seems to emerge from nowhere.

Approximately a 15-minute stroll from where you’ve parked, you’ll spot a disused mine, the former operations of Gill Heads Mine, which has remained dormant since the early 1980s.

The entrance features a substantial gate with rockfall partially obstructing it, and visitors are strongly advised against entering the mine itself due to potential hazards, including potholes and collapse risks.

Legends and myths

Since its existence began, Trollers Gill has been cloaked in mystery but there’s one talethat particularly stands out from the rest. The location is thought to have been haunted by a Barghest, a massive hound with large luminous eyes.

According to ancient folklore, encountering the creature was far from fortunate but rather a harbinger of death, as those who crossed paths with the fearsome beast were frequently crushed to death or ripped apart, tales suggest.

One legend recounts the story of a man, John Lambert of Skirethorns, who bragged in a local pub about what he’d do to the enormous hound, which involved ‘giving it a good thrashing’ if he were to ever come across it. However, legend has it, he encountered the dog on his journey home, and it fatally crushed him.

John Henry Dixon from Grassington may have been the first individual to document such tales when he contributed a poem to a book published in 1827, William Hone’s Table Book.

In the ballad he describes a courageous man who ventures out to visit the Gill hoping to summon the mighty Barghest.

As he entered the gorge, he sensed the spirit of the stream warning him to turn back, but he disregarded it. He drew a protective magic circle around himself “with charms unblest”.

In his brief tale, the stream swelled and thundered, accompanied by a powerful wind, sweeping down the valley. He glimpsed the enormous shadow of the growling dog, its eyes illuminating the gorge walls.

The ferocious creature launched itself at the man and seized him as its next victim, dragging him to the valley floor, where his remains were subsequently discovered.

Various mythical creatures and supernatural entities have been reported inhabiting the ravine, which quite literally takes its name from trolls. It’s believed that Trollers’ Gill originates from ‘Troll’s Valley’, drawing from the Scandinavian tongue of those who made this area their home.

Their traditions and legends indicate that the term ‘troll’ encompasses any supernatural creatures, ranging from hulking giants to goblins, and naturally ‘trolls dwelling beneath the bridge’.

Meanwhile, the term ‘trolldom’ was understood to signify witchcraft and therefore implies the name stems from the notion of the valley being cursed, enchanted or inhabited by otherworldly beings.

With its ancient church ruins and historic houses, walkers and history enthusiasts flock to see the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village

Tourists flock from far and wide to witness the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village. Wharram Percy has stood empty for hundreds of years and now provides a captivating destination for ramblers and heritage buffs.

Tucked away in North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy ranks amongst Britain’s largest deserted medieval settlements and is certainly the most celebrated. Guests can wander freely across the ancient site, exploring the vestiges of centuries-old dwellings, a church, and manor house remains.

Perfectly positioned midway between crowd-pulling destinations Scarborough Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, it proves an ideal pit stop when travelling between these two landmarks. Whilst admission to the settlement is complimentary, visitors face a modest £2 parking fee.

Throughout a remarkable 60-year span, archaeologists have steadily uncovered fresh insights into Wharram Percy’s past. Their discoveries have revealed why the location was originally forsaken and how residents lived during earlier eras.

Situated on a Yorkshire valley’s rim, this extraordinary settlement was home to communities for as long as six hundred years before being abandoned following the 1500s. Experts believe that even now, traces of former dwellings remain visible in the earth, alongside the more prominent ruins that draw inquisitive sightseers.

The history requires some unpacking, but specialists reckon the first settlement stretches back to around 50 BC. This territory was later converted into agricultural land but remained abandoned throughout the 5th century, before ultimately evolving into a Middle Saxon community.

It’s worth bearing in mind that accessing the village involves approximately a 3/4 mile trek from the car park to the principal area, which is often both precipitous and waterlogged. The location presents uneven ground across its entirety, which can prove difficult for certain visitors and is largely impractical for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

A TripAdvisor reviewer emphasised this point, noting: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”

They proceeded to characterise it as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” expedition unsuitable for those with restricted mobility, as the path traverses farmland.

After their excursion, one enthusiast commended their experience, remarking: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed. Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”

Another visitor commented: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect spring getaway, this beach needs to be on your radar.

As the UK welcomes warmer weather and springtime approaches, the allure of the beach becomes irresistible. With an abundance of stunning coastlines to choose from in the UK, deciding on the perfect spot can be a challenge.

Thankfully, the experts at Go Outdoors have done the hard work for you, compiling a list of the crème de la crème by analysing data from across the country. The research considered spring temperatures, rainfall records, sunshine hours and Google reviews of UK beaches, culminating in a definitive list of the nation’s top springtime beaches.

Taking the top spot is a breathtaking beach boasting 7.8 hours of daily sunshine during spring and minimal rainfall.

This idyllic location is none other than Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex, which achieved an impressive score of 9.60 out of ten in the Go Outdoors study. Visitors can enjoy picturesque river walks, a vast coastline and views of some of the country’s most renowned cliffs.

The beach itself is a sight to behold, but there’s also plenty to discover in the surrounding area. It offers one of the best vantage points of the Seven Sisters – England’s iconic white cliffs – and you can meander along the Cuckmere River towards the sea, reports the Express.

Praise for the beach abounds on TripAdvisor, with one gentleman enthusing: “Absolutely stunning scenery. Long walks and perfect for the family I loved every second of walking these beautiful cliffs. You can also see the Seven Sisters the whole time for those are into history.”

Another commented: “Wow – this iconic sight takes your breath away! The cliffs are blindingly white and the beach and surrounding countryside is so pretty. Everyone should see this once in their lifetime.”

Numerous visitors caution that some of the pathways around the beach can become muddy and slippery, so proper footwear is essential – though there are ample spots to pause and rest along your journey.

Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, advised: “When planning your spring beach trip, keep in mind that British weather can still be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry in case of sudden showers, choose supportive, waterproof footwear for any slippery sand or rocks, and layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.

“Sun protection is also important, even in spring. Apply a generous layer of suncream before you head out, and don’t forget a cap and sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.”

The 13th-century National Trust castle features the UK’s largest private collection of South and East Asian artefacts and Britain’s best baroque terraced gardens

Nestled close to the English-Welsh border, in the town of Welshpool, stands a genuine fairy-tale fortress which appears straight out of a storybook and provides a vibrant splash of colour against its sprawling green backdrop.

Built in the 13th century, this mediaeval stronghold is brimming with stories and continues to evolve, much to the delight of those who visit.

For the perfect day spent appreciating historic architecture, discovering a different heritage and exploring the most spectacular of gardens, Powis Castle is the destination to seek out.

Its most recent ownership belonged to the same family, who resided in the castle from as early as the 1570s – the Herbert family. This continued until the castle and its grounds were handed over to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis.

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One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This site is stunning. I was blown away by how picturesque the place is.”

Another wrote: “This place really exceeded my expectations. The interior is super detailed and interesting, with some spectacular pieces of furniture.

“The gardens are truly beautiful on a lovely warm hillside and some stupendous giant yew trees. Has to be seen.”

History

The heritage of this fortress stretches back hundreds of years, encompassing numerous owners, as the property expanded and transformed, whilst preserving its original character throughout.

However, it all started in the 13th century when a Welsh prince, Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, established some independence. When he and the remainder of his direct lineage died in 1309, leaving no male heir, the castle passed to an heiress called Hawise. She then married Sir John Charlton from Shropshire.

The fortress came under attack during this period from Hawise’s uncle, who was trying to claim the lordship he believed he was entitled to instead of her, but was unsuccessful.

In response, they chose to repair the damage and constructed two imposing drum towers on either side of the castle’s west entrance. Charlton’s descendants remarkably remained lords of Powis for more than 100 years, until no male heir could be found.

Consequently, in 1421, the castle was split between two daughters, after which the fortress entered a sharp decline, desperately needing restoration following years of abandonment. Before long, it was taken over and lovingly rebuilt before being leased to the Herbert family.

Most significantly since that time, one of the most substantial changes occurred when the Clive family introduced what is now recognised as the Clive collection. A collection teeming with South and East Asian artefacts exhibited in the castle, and the largest private collection of its kind in Britain.

Clive Collection

What makes this fortress particularly unique is its fascinating array of artefacts housed within it. Originally assembled by two generations of the Clive family, comprising Robert and his son Edward, who had wed Henrietta Herbert, the daughter of the 1st Earl of Powis.

The collection was assembled during Britain’s colonial rule of India, when these artefacts were removed from their country of origin and brought to the castle, starting in the 1800s. Today it houses more than 1,000 pieces originating from South and East Asia.

According to its website, visitors can expect to discover an extensive array of ivories, textiles, statues of Hindu deities, decorative silver and gold, weapons and ceremonial armour.

Naturally, this remarkable collection carries with it a troubling past, one which connects the castle to a proprietor who played a role in the invasion of India. Robert Clive was directly employed by the East India Company, which sent armies to both invade and subjugate India.

In doing so, they exploited the nation financially and profited from the natural resources it possessed. This contributed to establishing the British Empire’s presence within India and, consequently, secured a lifetime of riches and prosperity for Clive, which is evident in the castle’s magnificence.

Gardens

Beyond the striking castle itself, the true highlight of the estate lies in its grounds and immaculately-maintained gardens. Part of its impressive display of flowers, plants and trees is attributed to the captivating hedging that encircles the castle.

It covers up to 8,500 square metres of the estate, with the yett, tumps and top terrace contributing an extra 7,000 square metres to that figure. And with this comes some extreme-gardening methods adopted by the National Trust to guarantee it stays in impeccable condition.

To put that into perspective, it states that one skilled gardener can spend up to 10 weeks annually working at height, using a hydraulic cherry picker to trim and sculpt the towering hedges. That represents just one element of these magnificent gardens.

What makes them particularly remarkable is their Italian-influenced design dating back to 1680. The gardens at Powis Castle are regarded as the finest surviving example of a baroque terraced garden in the entire country – blending both Italian and French influences.

Without a National Trust membership, it costs £18 for entry to the castle and gardens for an adult, excluding gift aid. Meanwhile, children will be charged £9, while families can choose a family ticket for a reduced price.

It’s worth noting that ticket prices are reduced during off-peak periods of the year.

Sitting in a glacial valley surrounded by vast farmland is an area that offers tranquillity and a true sense of England’s countryside with historic villages and walking trails

For those seeking a sense of peace and tranquillity, this glacial valley, encircled by expansive farmland, delivers precisely that – an authentic taste of England’s rural heartland.

Littondale is a small and peaceful dale in Yorkshire, nestled in a classic u-shape, with deep historical roots and a flavour of country living from a bygone era.

Visitors to the dale experience a feeling that time has stood still, as its hamlets and way of life remain quintessentially English in every respect.

Indeed, archaeologists have discovered numerous prehistoric and later settlements that once inhabited the length of the valley. Their extensive findings also showed that throughout the mediaeval period the dale was predominantly managed by several monastic houses.

The dale now consists of several settlements, including Hawkswick, Arncliffe and Litton. Each is characterised by farmhouses dating back to the 17th century.

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Contributing to its peaceful atmosphere is the stunning river which famously winds through the valley before eventually merging with the larger River Wharfe.

Shallow yet flowing with remarkably clear waters, the River Skirfare meanders through the farmlands and valley floor, vanishing for portions of the year.

As seasonal conditions shift, the stream trickles away and disappears beneath the ground, near Litton, revealing an unusual limestone landscape below.

Arncliffe

Arncliffe stands as one of the principal villages in the region, and despite its compact size, it boasts considerable fame. Recognised by countless households across Britain, it served as the original backdrop and filming location for the much-loved soap Emmerdale Farm.

The village pub, called the Falcon, was even featured as the Woolpack Inn. The traditional inn, according to visitor feedback, has seen better days.

However, one guest commented on TripAdvisor: “We had read about this tiny pub. It had been featured on the TV soap Emmerdale many moons ago, and it did not disappoint! The landlord was straight out of central casting.”

The area still comprises the most enchanting stone cottages, alongside a delightful church, the Church of St Oswald. Constructed sometime between the 16th and 18th centuries, the building remains a listed structure, believed to have been developed from an original Saxon place of worship.

Positioned at the centre of the village, the church continues to attract curious visitors and was once a location regularly visited by the renowned poet and novelist Charles Kingsley.

His time there during the Victorian period was believed to have influenced his celebrated children’s story, The Water Babies, penned in 1873.

Walking

Many people choose to treat the area as a base for rambling, parking in one of its villages and tackling the Yorkshire Dales terrain. Most of these trails are circular, returning you directly to your starting point, whilst exploring the valleys and peaks en route.

The Littondale to Kettlewell walk is a well-loved route, starting in the village of Arncliffe, leading you across the shoulder of Birks in Kettlewell, where you can pause for refreshments, before returning into Littondale.

Alternatively, some choose the slightly over five-mile walk that takes you from Arncliffe to Litton and loops back round.

The two-hour ramble provides a leisurely countryside stroll as you soak up the picturesque beauty of Yorkshire, with the chance to make a stop, or two, at the charming village pubs.