Hope Valley

Limestone peaks rise straight from valley floors in this slice of the Dark Peak, where gritstone edges slice through purple heather and the River Noe carves its way between wooded slopes. Hope Valley sits at the heart of some of Derbyshire's finest walking country, with Win Hill dominating the eastern skyline and the dramatic tors of Derwent Edge stretching northwards.

Crack walkers make straight for Win Hill - the views from the summit take in the entire valley spread below, with Kinder Scout brooding in the distance. More adventurous souls tackle the ridge walk along Derwent Edge, hopping between Back Tor and Lost Lad with the Ladybower Reservoir glinting far below. Underground explorers shouldn't miss Bagshawe Cavern, where limestone passages wind beneath the hills - proper caving gear recommended for the serious stuff.

The valley connects Sheffield to Manchester via the A57 Snake Pass, making it surprisingly accessible for such wild country. Castleton sits just down the valley with its famous Blue John mines, while the market town of Bakewell lies twenty minutes south through the limestone dales.

Staying at one of the local campsites puts you right in the thick of it. North Lees Campsite sits beneath the eastern moors, while Castleton's sites offer easy access to both the underground caverns and the high peaks. Fox Hagg Farm gives you proper farm camping with moorland walks starting from the gate. After a day on the fells, there's nothing better than watching the sunset paint Win Hill orange from your pitch.