Hope Valley

Rock climbers know this valley well - the gritstone edges that frame Hope Valley have been testing grips and nerves for decades. This isn't your typical Derbyshire market town setup. Instead, you get a scatter of stone villages threaded along the River Derwent, with dramatic escarpments rising on either side like theatre backdrops.

Surprise View delivers exactly what the name promises. The classic Peaks panorama unfolds from here, taking in the valley floor and those distinctive tor formations that make this corner of the Dark Peak so compelling. Owler Tor and Over Owler Tor offer proper hiking if you fancy earning your views the hard way.

Hathersage anchors the valley's eastern end, complete with its own train station linking directly to Manchester and Sheffield. The village church of St Michael The Archangel supposedly holds the Grave of Little John - Robin Hood's legendary sidekick apparently ended up in Derbyshire, which seems fitting given the area's outlaw-friendly terrain. Robin Hood's Cave, carved into the hillside, keeps the legend alive.

Longshaw Estate sprawls across the western approaches, mixing ancient woodland with open moorland. It's National Trust territory, so expect well-maintained paths and decent facilities. The estate connects naturally with the wider Peak District network, making it a cracking base for serious walkers.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The Hope Valley railway line threads right through, while the A6187 provides road access from Sheffield or the A57 Snake Pass. Camping options like North Lees Campsite and Laneside Caravan Park put you within striking distance of both the climbing crags and the gentler walking country around Chatsworth - assuming you don't mind a short drive to reach the more famous stately home territory to the south.