Sheen

Three limestone peaks frame this tiny Derbyshire village like ancient guardians watching over the River Dove. Sheen sits in proper hill country, where dry stone walls stitch together emerald fields and sheep outnumber residents by a considerable margin. The village itself is barely more than a scattering of stone cottages and St. Luke's Church, but that's precisely its appeal.

Carder Low looms to the northeast, offering cracking views across the White Peak once you've tackled the steady climb. Pilsbury Hill and Sheen Hill complete the triumvirate of local summits, each providing different perspectives over this limestone landscape. The walking here is superb - proper Peak District terrain without the weekend crowds that descend on Castleton or Bakewell.

This is classic Derbyshire Dales country, all rolling hills and hidden valleys carved by centuries of wind and water. The River Dove meanders nearby, marking the boundary with Staffordshire and creating some of the most peaceful riverside walking in the Peak District. Hartington lies just a few miles north, handy for supplies and a decent pub lunch.

Reaching Sheen requires commitment - the nearest main road is a good drive away, and public transport is virtually non-existent. But that isolation is exactly what makes staying at one of the nearby parks so appealing. Boutique Glamping at Scaldersitch Farm and Rivendale Lodge Retreat offer comfortable bases for exploring this quieter corner of the Peak District, while traditional campsites like Hartington Hills and Bank House Farm suit those preferring a more rustic approach.

The beauty here lies in its understated nature. No grand attractions or tourist trails - just honest countryside where the loudest sound is likely a skylark overhead.