Tour of the Lake District and the Peak District
December 9th, 2010 by admin
The British Isles are home to a surprisingly large number of scenic drives, considering the relative size of the islands and the abundance of built-up urban areas. However, you never have to travel too far from the UK’s major cities to find yourself in the great outdoors, particularly in the rural North of England.
The North-West is home to two major national parks, namely the Lake District and the Peak District, and it’s the latter of these that is the most remarkable, for being situated between some of the region’s most densely populated cities. Whether you’re visiting Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Derby or any number of large towns in the area, the Peak District offers an idyllic location for day trips to escape the bustle of modern life.
The Peak District combines everything outdoor explorers could ask for, whether you prefer to take to the scenic hills by car or on foot. From the region’s historical landmarks, hailing back to the Roman times, to its breathtaking views over Derbyshire and numerous opportunities for adventure sports, the Peak District has long been a favourite of locals and is being increasingly embraced by travellers from further afield too.
Heading there by car is the most convenient way to get in and around the Peak District, whether you take your own vehicle or arrange car hire East Midlands Airport. If you set aside a whole afternoon, you should have no trouble seeing the very best sights and attractions of the national park, especially if you follow tried-and-tested road routes.
One of the best known is the 60 mile circular drive from Bakewell, home of the famous tart, which takes in the elegant country house of Chatsworth, the castle and caverns of Castleton and the donkey sanctuary in Wormhill, in addition to the spectacular scenery you’ll enjoy at every turn. Simply take the A6 from Bakewell headed to Matlock, and you’ll find most of the major sights clearly signposted on the tourist-friendly route, with plenty of opportunities to get out of your vehicle and enjoy a relaxing picnic or pub lunch.
That doesn’t mean driving in the Peak District is entirely without its problems, however, and to look out for your safety you should always check the weather before you set off, to make sure conditions are favourable for country driving. Taking along a reliable and recent map could also help you avoid headaches when tackling some of the less well developed parts of the scenic route.
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