What to do in and around Edale
There's some excellent rock-climbing climbing within walking distance, on Kinder's Northern Edges. Kinder is often quiet when Stanage, Frogatt and Curbar outcrops are heaving. And there's great limestone at Stoney Middleton, Chee Dale and Millers Dale; all within 25 minutes drive.
Parascending and hang-gliding are popular from Mam Tor - on the doorstep - and some of the best caving in the country is within walking distance. Jacob's ladder has to be the Mountain Biker's ultimate challenge but there are many other good bridle-ways with easy, pleasant pedaling as well as more demanding routes. You can hire bikes from the Derwent Dam car park.
But most people come here to walk and you can start at the front door. We all now enjoy an absolute right to roam in the British countryside but it was not always so. The first mass tresspass was launched from Edale and Hayfield back in the 1930's; anyone who enjoys the peace and solitude of the high moor today owes a debt of gratutide to those early pioneering trespassers.
The Natural History of the Peak is good too. In most years we have Peregrine, Hobby, Kestrel, Goshawk, Sparrow Hawk and Merlin nesting within a couple of miles. The Derwent reservoirs provide roosts for sea birds in passage - as well as occasional Osprey heading north in Spring possibly to nest in Scotland. And of course, Derbyshire wild orchids are legendary - you just can't beat a walk up Lathkill Dale when Early Purple Orchids are in full bloom.
Other attractions
In walking distance:
Mam Tor Iron Age Hill fort, the Chestnut centre, Castleton Visitor Centre, Show Caves (Peak, Speedwell, Treak Cliff, Blue John), Peveril Castle
Further afield:
Stately Homes and Gardens (Chatsworth, Haddon, Hardwick, Rennishaw, etc.) Chatsworth runs a programme of events throughout the year and boasts fine restaurants and an award winning gourmet farm shop. Should you fancy a trip into town, Mam Tor House is within easy reach of market towns Buxton, Bakewell, Chapel-en-le-frith, and (a little further away) Ashbourne. Edale is a 40-minute train ride from Manchester or Sheffield.
