Cork Stone

Standing 15 feet high and balanced precariously on Birchen Edge, this gritstone tor looks like it might topple over at any moment. Cork Stone has been drawing walkers and climbers for decades, its distinctive weathered profile visible from miles across the Derbyshire moors. The name supposedly comes from its cork-like appearance when viewed from certain angles, though on a grey day it looks more like a giant's abandoned chess piece.

Getting there involves a proper walk - about 45 minutes from Birchen Edge car park near Baslow. The path can be boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential. Once you reach it, the views across the Dark Peak are genuinely spectacular, stretching to Kinder Scout on clear days.

Rock climbers love the challenge of scrambling up its weathered faces, but families with older children will find plenty to explore around the base. The surrounding moorland is dotted with other interesting rock formations, making this part of a longer walk rather than a destination in itself. Budget two to three hours for the full experience.

It's free to visit and always accessible, though winter conditions can make the approach treacherous. If you're staying at Darwin Forest or one of the other holiday parks near Matlock, Cork Stone makes an excellent day out for active families who don't mind a bit of rough walking.