Cressbrook Dale
Litton Derbyshire Sk17 8QU
For some reason this corner of the Peak District often gets overlooked (so is not very touristy at all), yet it really is one of the loveliest spots in the national park. This 6-mile circular walk is easy, and there's a great pub at the end of it, the Red Lion. Starting in Litton, which huddles between limestone crags and a series of amazing gorges cleft into the White Peak's plateau, you'll see wild flowers, ash woods and hardly anyone else. The walk also takes in reminders of the Industrial Revolution and the endearingly named Water-cum-Jolly Dale, where you'll want to bide a while and take photos: Cressbrook Mill here (now swanky apartments) was built for Richard Arkwright, and the Gothic tea room (once run by Countryfile's Julia Bradbury's dad!) was its Apprentice House.
