20. Mai 2025, 16:05 Uhr | Lesezeit: 7 Minuten
Near the English industrial city of Manchester, the hilly Peak District is a true natural jewel, which, as England's oldest national park, has been a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation for over 70 years. Established in 1951, the area was declared the United Kingdom's first national park. This was preceded by a decades-long struggle. Sunnytrips author Robin Hartmann hiked the Peak District for you for two days.
As soon as the train leaves Picadilly Station, Manchester's main train station, you feel catapulted into another, magically beautiful world. Chimneys and Victorian brick architecture have given way to a feast for the eyes of green hills, forests, rivers and villages with sheep grazing in their lush meadows. The sun is shining from the sky and my heart is smiling too, because today I will be hiking in the Peak District, England's oldest national park, for the first time. At this point in time I don't know it yet, but the fact that I can move freely here today and enjoy the wonderful nature is thanks to a decades-long struggle to create such refuges.
After about an hour, the train, which is more like a tram in terms of speed, stops at Grindleford station. The name immediately evokes associations with the magical world of Harry Potter. The wonderful tranquility is accentuated by the many-voiced singing of birds, wild wild garlic grows along the side of the path, a stone house that is probably centuries old serves as a kiosk and the last provision point before today's hike. It should go through the Padley Gorge, a small gorge crossed by a babbling stream. It is just one of the numerous natural beauties in the Peak District, and its simplicity makes it the most popular tour, especially with families.
Fight for the national parks
The path leads, always along the stream, a few kilometers up to a remarkable manor house on extensive grounds called the Longshaw Estate. From my first few meters in the Peak District, peace sets in in my soul. A mild wind rustles in the oaks and birches. Otherwise, all you can hear is the water and the sound of your own footsteps, the hiker's mantra. Roots emerge from the stony forest floor like octopus tentacles, and the rocks in the gorge of the stream are overgrown with moss. There is no need for a waymark here; the small, well-trodden paths that lead up shallow hills are easily recognizable. A hike that doesn't cost any energy, but rather gives the soul some.
Und die Sehnsucht nach dieser Kraft und heilenden Wirkung der Natur war es auch, die schließlich zur Gründung des Peak District als Großbritanniens erstem Nationalpark führte. Laut dem National Trust, der sämtliche dieser Refugien im Vereinigten Königreich heute verwaltet, war diesem Meilenstein aber ein langes, zähes Ringen einiger Naturfreunde mit Behörden und Landbesitzern vorausgegangen. Demnach gab es erste Forderungen für die Schaffung von Erholungsgebieten für Jedermann bereits um 1880. Zur damaligen Zeit befand sich sehr viel Boden in England noch in privatem Eigentum, das Betreten war für „Unbefugte“ verboten. Die Konflikte zwischen den Parteien spitzten sich in der Folgejahren immer weiter zu.
Auch interessant: Warum Manchester genauso sehenswert ist wie London
Inspiration for great writers
1932 kam es zu einer denkwürdigen Aktion, als eine große Gruppe von Wanderern auf dem Gebiet des heutigen Peak District eine damals noch unerlaubte Wanderung unternahm. Der Wunsch, damit ihr Recht auf freie Bewegung in der Natur zu proklamieren, endete für fünf Teilnehmer tatsächlich im Gefängnis. In der Folge wurden die Rufe nach Nationalparks als Schutz- und Erholungsgebiete für Alle aber immer unüberhörbarer. Von den heute insgesamt 15 Nationalparks in Großbritannien war der Peak District schließlich 1951 der erste, der zu einer solch besonderen Zone erklärt wurde. Er umfasst auf einer Fläche, die sich über fünf Counties erstreckt, 1437 Quadratkilometer – das ist in etwa so viel wie der Großraum London. Der eigenen Website zufolge besuchen ihn jährlich 13 Millionen Menschen.
BILD Reisen: Discover the best hotels in Central & Northern England now!
It is an area that inspired Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen, crossed by a total of seven rivers and crowned by archaic mountains, the highest of which, the Kinder Scout, measures 636 meters. And unlike a “classic” national park, a good 30,000 people live in more than 70 villages in the Peak District. It's hard to believe that this area began to emerge 350 million years ago and was once covered by a tropical primordial sea. In any case, today I'm just stepping on solid forest ground, every step a relief. There are always breaks to take photos of the spectacular course of the stream or to drink its delicious cold water. It's best for you to decide for yourself whether you would like to do the latter during a visit.
Auch interessant: Der schöne Sutjeska-Nationalpark in Bosnien
Diese Mühlen können Sie mieten
Englands berühmteste Höhle, in der es einst grausame Rituale gab
A pub that is almost 500 years old
At some point the gorge runs out and the scenery opens up, coming from the confines of the forest, into a wild, wide hilly landscape. From here it's just a short walk to the Longshaw Estate, a former manor house with an extensive park. The National Trust has managed it since 1931. Today it is a popular destination for walkers; in the restaurant you can also fortify yourself after a hike or simply celebrate tea time. Then it's time to return to the train station, this time along the other side of the stream. But I'm not going home yet, instead I'm looking for a very special place in the Peak District.
Die Rede ist vom „The Old Nags Head“ in dem Märchendorf Edale, einem Pub, das es seit 1577 gibt. In den rustikalen Räumen hängen zahlreiche Jagdtrophäen an den Wänden, ein Kamin verheißt Gemütlichkeit an kalten Tagen. Auf den Fernsehern läuft Fußball und Darts, das Bier wird aus diesen herrlichen englischen Zapfanlagen eingeschenkt, die mich immer an Einarmige Banditen in Casinos erinnern. Empfehlen kann ich als deftige Stärkung hier sowohl die Fish&Chips als auch die Pie mit Wildfleisch. Kommen Sie am besten vor Einbruch der Dunkelheit, denn auch einen Spaziergang durch Edale, natürlich komplett mit alten roten Briefkästen und Telefonzellen, sollte man spätestens nach dem Essen noch unternehmen.
Auch interessant: Deutschlands Seenparadies, das kaum jemand kennt
Alles Käse
Also worthwhile in the Peak District is a trip to the town of New Mills, named after the mills that were once located there. The small nest is crossed by a spectacular gorge called The Torrs, some of which houses adventurously cling to the slope. Powered by the Sett and Goyt rivers, New Mills was once a center of the cotton industry. Today you can take a wonderful walk along the banks of the water. There are, among other things, two high stone bridges and the old textile mill Torr Vale Mill to admire here. The latter is such a gigantic building that it almost looks fake. Since 2008, there has also been a hydroelectric power station in the gorge called Torrs Hydro, which generates more than 1.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
Die Torr Vale Mill ist mittlerweile ein beliebtes Ausflugsziel. Die Geschichte des Ortes reicht zurück bis 1780, heute beherbergen die alten Mauern unter anderem ein Café. Ich interessierte mich bei meinem Besuch aber nur für den kleinen Feinkostladen „The Cheese Wheel“, der neben lokalem englischem Käse auch eine gute internationale Auswahl präsentiert. Eine letzte Stärkung genoss ich dann in dem herrlichen Pub „The Oddfellows“ (was für ein Name) in Mellor, in dem sich scheinbar das ganze Dorf auf ein Bierchen befand. Der Laden brechend voll, erwischte ich den letzten Tisch und bekam von Kellnerin Leyla die besten Fish&Chips der ganzen Reise. Was ich entdeckt hatte, war nur ein Bruchteil der Schönheit des Peak District. Aber einer, der Lust auf sehr viel mehr gemacht hat.
Essential Travel Planning Tips, Destinations, Shopping, and Lifestyle Resources
Whether you're planning your next vacation, researching destinations, comparing travel costs, or looking for unique online stores, having reliable resources can make every decision easier. This guide highlights useful travel insights, money-saving tips, dining recommendations, and specialty websites worth exploring.
Smart Travel Planning and Budget Strategies
Successful trips start with proper preparation. Before booking, review these practical href="https://grandgoldman.com/blogs/travel/planning-tips">travel planning tips to avoid common mistakes and maximize your budget.
Travelers interested in resort vacations should learn the cheapest time for all-inclusive resorts and discover the most affordable countries for all-inclusive resorts.
If you're comparing options, explore whether all-inclusive vacations are cheaper than booking separately, understand how all-inclusive resorts generate revenue, and determine the ideal length of an all-inclusive stay.
Understanding All-Inclusive Resorts
Many travelers wonder about resort experiences. Learn about the various types of all-inclusive resorts, discover the advantages and drawbacks of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, and see whether all-inclusive resorts are really boring.
You may also want to know whether resorts water down alcohol, what happens at adult-only all-inclusive resorts, and whether kids-free">Sandals Resorts are kid-free.
Dining Recommendations Around Europe
Food is often the highlight of travel. Discover the best restaurants in Córdoba, find a cheap restaurant in Madrid, enjoy local cuisine at a budget-friendly restaurant in Cudillero, explore the best restaurants in Budapest, and save money with recommendations for the best cheap restaurants in Iceland.
Unique Destinations and Cultural Insights
Travelers heading to Mexico may enjoy these clothing-optional beaches in Cancun. For those interested in history and social studies, this guide to South African apartheid history offers valuable context.
Travel Finance and Essential Resources
Reducing banking fees while abroad can significantly lower travel costs. Compare options for the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
Online Shopping, Business, and Lifestyle Websites
Beyond travel, several specialty websites provide useful products and services. Explore educational toys at Building Blocks Toy, Spanish business resources at Empresa España, and French business information through Entreprises France.
anime-toy.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anime fans can browse merchandise at jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com/">Jujutsu Kaisen Merch, while leather enthusiasts may appreciate Leder Kaufen.
Creative services are available through Matrix Studios, while premium fashion shoppers can visit Pretium Victoriae. Gaming enthusiasts can discover retro-games.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retro entertainment at Retro Games.
Motorcycle riderace.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">riders may enjoy resources from RideRace, and kitchen product shoppers can explore innovative accessories at Walfos, with cutting edge compact computers at Mini PC.
Final Thoughts
From all-inclusive resort planning and European dining guides to financial travel tools and niche online stores, these resources provide valuable information for travelers, shoppers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists looking to make informed decisions and enjoy better experiences.
