Now that the weather finally showing signs of improvement, there’s no better time to get out to the Peak District. Fortunately, as a geography student, I get to go out to the peaks quite regularly and it’s always worth getting up early for. In this blog, I’m going to tell you about a few of my favourite spots that are easily accessible from Sheffield and make for a great day out or break from writing assignments.
Millhouse Animal Sanctuary
Why not bring along a canine companion when you go exploring in the Peaks? At Millhouse Animal Sanctuary you can borrow a dog 365 days a year between 10am and 3pm. They have loads of dogs to meet and all they ask is that you give a small donation to help them to keep up the great work they do for animals. Now you have picked up your four-legged accomplice, you need some ideas about where to go…
Mam Tor
Mam Tor is a popular destination for walkers in the Peaks and it offers great views over the Hope Valley. It is really easy to get to too with regular trains to nearby Hope costing just £3.85. It’s a short walk from the station and you will also find a few pubs in the village where you can grab a well-earned pint after making the trek to the peak. There is a footpath all the way to the top so even for the navigationally challenged it is easy to follow. The path takes you all the way along the ridge and there is plenty of potential for good photo opportunities along the way. It’s a great idea to bring some food to eat at the top but be aware that it can get very windy!
Ladybower Reservoir
As one of the most picturesque locations in the Peaks, Ladybower Reservoir looks amazing on a sunny day. Even better, it’s just 33 minutes away on the 274 bus that you can catch from The Moor. Once you are there, there is a great footpath that follows the edge of the reservoir with the option to go up the valley sides to get a bit of exercise and take in the views. In order to create the reservoir, two villages had to be flooded. Sometimes it is possible to see the remains of the now flooded village of Derwent exposed if the water levels are low enough.
Blue John Cavern
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then you might choose to venture down underground into the limestone caves of Blue John Cavern. You can go on a tour for a student price of £9 and it is worth every penny. It’s a great way to fill an afternoon and it makes for an unforgettable day out – that might just be the geographer in me though. It is really easy to get to as it is right near the previously mentioned Mam Tor, just £3.85 on the train. If you want to take your doggy with you then the nearby Treak Cliff Cavern is another great cave to explore.
All that’s left is to go exploring…
So there you have it, a whistlestop tour of my favourite Peak District locations. They all make for a brilliant yet cheap day out and it’s all pretty much on Sheffield’s doorstep. This is just a small selection of the many attractions you can visit in the Peaks and there’s endless potential for exploring. It’s really easy to plan too if you go to visitpeakdistrict.com where there is lots of useful info and itinerary plans.
