The Peak District is one of the most beautiful
and unspoiled areas in England. It boasts endless rolling hills, picturesque villages
and magnificent stately homes.
The Peak District National Park (which is divided into
two areas; the White Peak and the Dark Peak) is the oldest national park in the
British Isles.
The market town of Ashbourne, two miles from Thorpe, offers several eating-houses
to suit all tastes, seasonal late night shopping, and an authentic shopping
experience. Famous for its mineral water, the spa-town of Buxton is
well worth a visit. Other surrounding places of interest include Chesterfield, with its renowned 'Crooked Spire', and
Crich, the original home of ITV's 'Peak Practice'.
Walking is, without doubt, the Park's most popular activity and with over one
and a half thousand miles of footpaths and rights of way, mostly through spectacular
landscapes, few places in Britain have so much to offer the keen walker. Though
it is mainly privately owned, The Peak District National Park authorities secured
76 square miles for public access in the 1951. The Park attracts hardy rambling
enthusiasts from around the globe, however there are plenty of walks for the
more leisurly inclined! Local walks around the Thorpe area are available at
www.peak-walk.org.uk
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