Peak Experience

The gritstones of the Dark Peak once covered the whole of the Peak District National Park.  Now they have eroded away in the south, revealing the paler limestone of the White Peak area.  The Dark Peak still surrounds and covers the limestone on three sides (north, east and west).

 

The high gritstone hills, steep-sided valleys and moorland plateaus of the Dark Peak contrast sharply with the paler stone and softer farmlands of the White Peak.  High peat-covered moorlands glow purple when the late-summer heather is out, home to grouse, raven and mountain hares.  These are nationally important breeding grounds for many species of upland and grassland birds.  Dramatic gritstone edges rise above the eastern side of the Derwent Valley.

 

a picture of The Roaches, a Dark Peak landscape A picture of the Dark Peak landscape

 

The Dark Peak scenery is ever-changing and highly dramatic.  The area experiences changeable weather, making for some amazing lighting effects – a photographer’s dream!  Bright shafts of sunlight shoot out through glowering cloud; or darting showers of rain create rainbows over vast views on a fresh sunny day.

 

The rain that falls here supplies many of the region’s towns and cities with water.

 

The gritstone of the Dark Peak is called Millstone Grit.  This name comes from the use of gritstone to make millstones.  The industry flourished in the 1600s, though people began quarrying gritstone to grind corn at least 2,000 years ago.  The industry even gave Millstone Edge its name.  Gritstone was also quarried for building stone, door steps, gate posts, water troughs and many other products.

 

A picture of the Millstones of the Dark Peak A picture of A quarry face on Millstone Edge

 

It can be a great adventure to explore the Dark Peak.  Because the moorlands can be so excitingly unpredictable, it is important to come well prepared.  If you’re walking or climbing, make sure you’ve got a good map and plan your route well, according to your level of fitness.  Always take extra layers of clothing, waterproofs, some water and food with you, as well as all your usual preparations.  Be prepared for changes in temperature and conditions even during quite a short, casual walk on a hot summer’s day.

Visit the area around Castleton, Hope and Edale to see clearly the geological contrasts between Dark Peak and White.  The Eastern Edges and the Roaches are accessible dramatic Dark Peak landscapes.