The word peak comes from the old English word 'peac' which means hill and there are lots of them for your enjoyment. The Peak District itself features two distinct locations - the White Peak (characterised by limestone rock, dry stone walls, river valleys and dales) and the Dark Peak (wild beauty, with dominating tors, heather moorland, gritstone rock and shale). The Peak District was made into Britains's first National Park in 1951 and is now protected for all to cherish. Get out there and go for a wander…

The Peak District is a walkers dream and has routes to suit pretty much all capabilities. Mam Tor, 'The Shivering Mountain' is on many people's itinerary. It is situated to the west of Castleton village. The shale hill dominates the valley and it is an impressive sight. The Great Ridge presents stunning views over both the Hope Valley and Edale Valley but it is a challenging climb. Mam Tor is also where you can find a bronze age hill fort which can still be seen.

Close to Mam Tor you will find Kinder Scout - an impressive 600m high, and the limestone gorge known as Winnats Pass. Kinder Scout features a steep ascent and lots of viewpoints for the countryside beneath.

The Nag's Head pub in Edale is actually the start for the Pennine Way that runs all the way to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. It is the longest walking path in Britain at about 270 miles and it was officially opened in April 1965. The Peak District part includes Kinder Scout, an ascent of Jacob's Ladder, Mill Hill, Devils Dike, Bleaklow Head and Black Hill before descending to Marsden.

For an easy stroll you have the Monsal Trail and the Manifold Valley Trail. These use the route of old railway lines through the heart of the countryside. Or there is the Limestone Way, a rural footpath that's 50 miles long.

The highest major path across the Derwent Valley is the Cut Gate Bridalway. It is also one of the earliest rights of way in the Peak District.
If you love moor and valley, try the Derwent edge and Hagg Side circuit which takes in the upper part of Ladybower, starting off and finishing at the car park on the eastern side of the resevoir.

For a shorter walk try the Goyt Valley circuit which includes reservoirs, gritstone edges and delightful moorland.

Whatever route you ultimately choose I'm confident you'll get pleasure from your walk as well as the wonderful landscapes you will come across.

If you are interested in a UK holiday this year and want to check out the south of England at some point too, take a look at some Dorset cottages and Cornwall cottages and head south for a few days for sea, sand and sun.