High Tor

Limestone cliffs rise 300 feet above the River Derwent here, creating one of the Peak District's most dramatic viewpoints. From the top of High Tor, you'll look out over Matlock and the Derwent Valley - it's a proper panorama that stretches for miles on a clear day.

The walk up is steep but short, taking about 20 minutes from Matlock town centre. Fair warning though - it's a proper scramble in places, so definitely one for reasonably fit walkers rather than a gentle family stroll. Kids who are confident on their feet will love the adventure of it, but anyone with mobility issues should give it a miss.

What makes this spot special is how you can see the entire layout of Matlock spread out below, with the railway line threading through the valley like a model train set. Best visited on weekdays when it's quieter - weekends can get busy with day-trippers from nearby cities.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks near Matlock like Darwin Forest or Packhorse Farm, High Tor makes a cracking morning expedition before the heat builds up. The climb will certainly earn you a proper pub lunch in town afterwards. Just don't expect facilities up there - it's wild countryside once you leave the town behind.