The Peak District celebrated its 70th anniversary as the UK's first National Park a few years ago - so why not take a trip to this northern gem?
The Peak District National Park covers 555 square miles mostly in Derbyshire, but also includes parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.
Last year, the Peak District celebrated its 70th anniversary as the UK’s first National Park named in 1951.
Fancy making the trip then? The Sheff is here to help you navigate the Peaks to make sure you have the best day possible.
We’ve outlined five simple walks, so you can get out there and enjoy the stunning views.
Image: Pixabay
Grindslow Knoll
There are two options when walking Grindslow Knoll.
Option A is a four mile walk taking between two to three hours that’s steeper and an occasionally rockier ascent at times but is shorter overall, and then there’s option B, which is five and a half miles that takes half an hour longer than the other, but is a a more gradual route via Ringing Roger.
Both routes lead to a 360° view at the summit of Grindslow Knoll.
Gradually descend, meeting with the Penine Way and back to Edale.
Mam Tor via Black Tor
This is absolute cracker of a walk with stunning views and also easy on the knees.
Spreading across two Tors and across the back of the Great Ridge, this walk takes between two and a half to three hours and is a sum total of five miles.
Hiking up Back Tor is optional as it’s harder as the route goes up and down.
Kinder Scoutvia Grindsbook Clough
This is a bit of a longer one to really reset yourself after a tough week at work.
A wonderful eight mile walk taking between four to five hours, many seasoned Peak-goers crown this their favourite walks.
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peaks, so it’s definitely worth the trek as you can see all across the land and it even has a waterfall. It’s also circular, leaving the village past the Nags Head (some people might just end there), and then over the bridge leaving the tiny village behind you.
Image: Pixabay
Kinder Scoutvia Jacob’s Ladder
This is a must-walk route because it covers two major Peak District locations – the highest point in the peaks, Kinder Scout, and Jacob’s Ladder.
Known as ‘the Beautiful Steps to Kinder Scout’, Jacob’s Ladder is a set of stone steps cut into the hillside, leading up to the Kinder Plateau, and the eight to 10 mile route follows the start of the Pennine way to an aesthetic packhorse bridge, which marks the start of Jacob’s Ladder.
Mam Torvia Jacob’s Ladder and Rushup Edge
Mam Tor is one of the most popular places to visit in the Peak District and this walk combines it with a loop via Jacob’s Ladder and Rushup Edge.
From Rushup Edge, there are beautiful views towards Mam Tor and then you cross to the Tor before slowly descending back to Edale – it’s a long but gentle walk of 10 miles taking between four and five hours.
Take your time and enjoy the views, because the Peak District’s got a lot of them.
Now, we think it’s time for a well-earned pint, right? We’re spoiling you for choice with the two finest pubs in Edale.
The Sheff
The history of Bakewell Pudding, the happy accident that became a Peak District icon
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the picturesque market town of Bakewell is famous for its charming streets, beautiful countryside and, of course, its namesake dessert.
But before you start thinking of the familiar iced Bakewell tart, there’s another local delicacy you need to know about - the original Bakewell pudding.
And its story begins with a kitchen mishap.
Legend has it that around 1860, a cook at a local inn called The White Horse was preparing a strawberry tart for some visiting noblemen. Following a misunderstanding with the inn’s mistress, Mrs Greaves, the cook spread an egg mixture over the jam rather than mixing it into the pastry.
The result was an unexpected triumph. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet strawberry jam and a rich, almond-infused custard created a delicious new pudding that would become a Derbyshire favourite.
Word of the creation reached Mrs Wilson, who recognised its potential and acquired the original recipe to begin selling the puddings herself. More than 160 years later, that happy accident remains at the heart of Bakewell’s culinary heritage.
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding ShopYou can pick up both Bakewell puddings and Bakewell tarts hereBut make sure you know the difference...
Today, you can discover the story for yourself at The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, right in the town centre. Housed in a historic 17th-century building, the shop has been selling its famous puddings from the same premises since 1860.
Step inside and you’ll find a treasure trove of handmade treats, from traditional Bakewell puddings and iced tarts to fresh bread, cakes and savoury pastries. There are also gifts and local specialities to browse, making it a perfect stop for a little edible souvenir.
There's also a traditional restaurant upstairs, where you can enjoy a hearty meal, afternoon tea or a freshly served Bakewell pudding with custard or cream, plus a 'Post a Pudding' service, so you can send a taste of the Peak District to friends and family further afield.
Despite often being confused, Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart are quite different. The original pudding features flaky puff pastry, strawberry jam and a soft-set almond custard, while the later tart uses shortcrust pastry and a sponge-like frangipane filling, often finished with icing and a cherry.
So, next time you’re exploring the Peak District, make a beeline for Bakewell. Whether you enjoy yours warm with custard or take one home to share, tasting this legendary pudding is a delicious way to experience a little piece of local history.
A Pulp pop-up pub is coming to Sheffield, taking over a beloved local boozer
Daisy Jackson
A Pulp pop-up pub is heading to Sheffield later this month, following unbelievable success over in Manchester.
The Sheffield icons will be taking charge of beloved local boozer and grassroots gig venue The Hallamshire Hotel.
The news was announced this afternoon by Rough Trade Records, along with Pulp themselves.
While they're keeping the exact details under wraps for now, we've got a pretty good idea of what we might be able to expect, based on their pop-up pub in Manchester in August.
There, there was a jukebox programmed by Jarvis Cocker himself, along with merch literally plastered on every wall and even the ceilings.
The previous Pulp pop-up pub had loads of merch for sale, from tees and totes to records and stickers.
The walls were turned into a shrine for the band, showcasing posters and photography from throughout their illustrious career.
And the crowds came through in a big way, queueing halfway down the street for a chance to be totally immersed in all things Pulp.
So much so, The Rat & Pigeon (who hosted the Manchester edition) have warned on social media: "Note to @hallamshire_hotel - you WILL be 10x busier than you expect - even if it’s pissing it down. Enjoy!"
For their Sheffield pop-up, all we know for sure is the location (The Hallamshire Hotel) and the date (30 October).