Hope Woodland Car Park

The car park itself won't set your heart racing, but what it offers you is access to some cracking walks in the Hope Valley. Tucked into Derbyshire's limestone landscape, this is where you leave the car and actually start exploring properly. From here, the Edale Valley Path and various routes up into Mam Tor and Lose Hill are within reasonable reach - the kind of walks that take anywhere from ninety minutes to a full afternoon depending on your fitness and ambition.

It's not free, mind you, though charges are modest for Peak District parking. The real value is what lies beyond the barrier. Walkers and fell runners use this as a proper base camp. Families with older kids will find straightforward trails; those just after an easy riverside stroll won't be disappointed either. Arrive early on weekends or you'll be circling for a spot.

If you're staying at Castleton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, this becomes even more useful - five miles isn't far to drive for a day's walking. Spring and summer are best for the walking conditions, though autumn brings decent weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be muddy and the limestone gets slippery.

Don't come here expecting facilities or a visitor centre. It's functional, no-frills parking that serves a serious purpose for people who actually want to get out and move. That's rather the point.