10 Outdoor Activities
In order to help you plan your holiday here are some of our favourites...
Walking
The Peak District is famous for walking and rambling, with many marked trails as well as more difficult scrambles.
From the high edges at Stanedge and Froggatt, through the wild scenery of Kinder Scout, to the stepping stones and caves of Dovedale.
Cycling
The area is famous for its disused railway tracks suitable for traffic-free cycling, such as the Peak Trail, Tissington Trail and Bakewell Trail.
Both Sandybrook and Darwin Forest have cycles for hire to park guests. There are also many hire centres throughout the area: Peak Cycle Hire (several locations), Brown End Farm (01538 308313) , Manifold Trail and Carsington Water.
Watersports
You can launch your own boat or hire a dinghy, windsurfer or canoe at Carsington Water Activity Centre.Permission to use canoes on Cromford Canal may be obtained from the High Peak Trail Head Office at Middleton Top. Tel: 01629 823204.For information about canoeing on the River Derwent at Matlock Bath see the Matlock Canoe Club website www.matlockcanoeclub.co.uk
Climbing
There is plenty of opportunity for excellent climbing in the area, from Black Rocks at Cromford, to Stanedge Edge and The Roaches.
Bird Watching
The moors, rivers and uplands of the Peak District are home to many interesting varieties of British and visiting birds.
The Derbyshire Ornithological Society website details top bird sites in Derbyshire and the latest news on sightings in the area.
Orienteering
We have our own orienteering course at Darwin Forest for you to try. If you would like to try more there are permanent courses at Black Rocks nr Cromford and others near Chesterfield and Derby. Follow the link above to Derwent Valley Orienteers for details of local events. Beginners are always welcome at these events, with courses suitable for the whole family of any age.
Horseriding and Trekking
Trekking can be organised by Tissington Trekking Centre, Matlock Farm Park, Alton Riding School, Tansley Riding School, or you can enjoy a historic carriage ride at Red House Stables.
Derwent Pursuits
This company can organise a range of activities for you to take part in whilst in the Peak District including abseiling, climbing, archery, orienteering, laser shooting, canoeing...
Helicopter Rides over the Peak District
For a once in a lifetime experience, book a helicopter ride over the stunning landscape of the Peak District.
Gliding, Paragliding and Hanggliding
The Peak District is popular for gliding, paragliding and hanggliding. Close to Sandybrook is the Airways Airsports Centre at Ashbourne (Tel 01335 344308. Peak Airsports in the Hope Valley (Tel 07703 062721) and the Derbyshire Flying Club (Tel 0845 1081577).
