Secret Garden

You won't find signposts pointing to the Secret Garden - that's rather the point. This viewpoint sits high above Hope Valley in Derbyshire, commanding sweeping views across some of the Peak District's finest moorland. The walk up takes grit, but the payoff is a proper panorama that makes most tourist viewpoints look pedestrian.

The approach rewards those willing to leave the car park and put in some legwork. Once you're standing there, the valley spreads out below in layers of green and purple heather, with stone walls creating patchwork patterns that stretch for miles. On a clear day, you can trace the valley's entire contour. It's the kind of spot where you genuinely understand why people walk in Derbyshire rather than just drive through it.

Best for serious walkers and photography types rather than casual strollers. The scramble isn't technical, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your thighs, and kids under ten might struggle with the final push. Allow a couple of hours including the walk itself. There's no cafe, no facilities, no crowds - bring water and whatever snacks you fancy.

If you're based at Derbyshire Hills Campsite or Laneside Caravan Park, this slots perfectly into a walking holiday. Combine it with other Hope Valley peaks for a proper day out. Chatsworth Park sits closer still if you want somewhere to pitch base camp. Worth the effort, absolutely. Just go early to avoid the weekend crush, if it even gets one.