Peaks and Passes, Peak District
This excursion through one of the country's most beloved national parks, the Peak District, is next on the agenda. Begin at Glossop, east of Manchester, then go into the Pennines over the famed Snake Pass, one of the UK's major mountain routes, reaching a high point of 510m above sea level. From there, continue south to the reservoirs surrounding the famed Derwent Dam, which provide excellent hiking options. A short diversion to the west will take you to the Blue John Cavern, an underground network of caverns that provides guided tours - perfect if you want to avoid hill trekking on your trip south.
On this carefully chosen Peak District Road tour, you may begin and end at any point along the circular route that suits you. As you travel, take in the magnificent countryside and charming villages and towns, but keep an eye out for the following attractions, where you may want to plan additional time to relax and absorb in the surroundings. So, take the Cooper keys, the road map, and the vintage picnic basket, and prepare to go on an adventure! If you wish to go further, the Heights of Abraham near Matlock provides excursions that will allow you to retrace the steps of miners in the Great Masson Cavern. Alternatively, travel to the sky on the legendary Derwent Valley cable car. From the Alton Towers amusement park to the neo-Gothic Derwent Dam, the Peak District has many of fantastic attractions. The weather in the Peak District may change fast, and mountain routes are frequently closed due to snowfall, so always check the conditions before setting out.
Distance and ideal duration: 40 miles, 1 day
