In need of a Switch Off we headed the short distance to the Peak District in May to experience our very own Microgap, a concept by VisitEngland to get people out there, take some time - a day or a weekend - to pack the best bits of a gap year into an experience allowing you to Switch Off, Give Back, Learn More or Go Wild in England. Read more about VisitEnglands Microgap here, and continue reading below to see everything we packed into a day in the Peak District in our beloved home on wheels…

In May we’d spent a number of weeks in the bustling city of Nottingham, and in need of a change of scenery - a chance to switch off - we drove the short distance up to the Peak District for a Microgap.

Only 30 or so miles from Nottingham are rolling hills, ambling sheep and an ever-changing landscape. Growing up in the Midlands meant that we were slap bang in the centre of it all, yet funnily enough, had never spent time in the Peaks.

Our first stop was on a wonderfully winding road nearby Great Longstone, nestled between Castleton and Bakewell. We found a park-up for our rather large camper van overlooking an incredibly spectacular view of green pasture with Bakewell in the distance. Pockets of gorse dotted with bright yellow flowers surrounded us, with a small layby keeping us tucked away from the road. A number of cyclists worked their way up the steady incline we were parked on, sitting on the doorstep of our van with a freshly brewed coffee and the sound of bleating sheep in the distance was the ideal way to switch off. Our day in the Peak District had begun.

The Peak District National park spans 555 square miles of countryside in both Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire. Founded in 1951 as the first National Park it is an area of beauty in the middle of the country, a spot for numerous outdoor activities (hiking, rambling, climbing, cycling, and riding to name a few) and breathtaking scenery. Just driving through is an inspirational journey as the country lanes take you through quaint villages, leafy forests and open moorland.

With no particular destination in mind, we hit the road once more after our breakfast had settled, in search of a walking spot. Sights seen along our meandering journey included a mother sheep with her two lambs bouncing alongside the van, warm sunshine and flowering trees. A bridge was coming over the road, which piqued our interest so we took a turn and found ourselves in Hartington Station Car Park. It appears we’d parked ourselves at the very place for a slow gander through the countryside, as we were alongside the now-defunct Ashbourne to Buxton railway line which had since been converted into an ideal cycling/walking path known as the Tissington Trail. 

Before we headed out it was time for a spot of lunch, cooked up in our campervan in the car park. A sign to Hartington Meadows Nature Reserve greeted us a couple of steps along the path, which we opted to pass through on a small detour along the trail. Covering 8 hectares the reserve is home to grazing animals, colourful meadows, breeding sites for ground-nesting birds and plenty of insects. 

Back onto the Tissington Trail, we were passed by the occasional cyclist and fellow walkers. Small reminders of the trails past existence are dotted throughout, as we passed the closed ticket office and old brick bridges. We were intrigued by the trails past, it’s not every day that you get to walk along a reclaimed railway line. It’s an ideal location for a comfortable stroll, as the trail is flat and even, allowing people to go at their own pace. It would be great for a walk or cycle ride with the family, and without any stiles, it’s also suitable for wheelchair users. Tissington Trail covers 13 miles through the countryside, and feels a little like a canal towpath albeit without the actual canal to follow along! 

Getting outdoors always fills us with peace, switching off with just the sound of your footsteps and the wind in your hair. Working online means that we’re used to having our phones on us at all times, documenting everything we see, but we took the time on this walk to see it through our own eyes rather than that of our phone screen. It definitely doesn’t hurt that the views from the trail were of the rolling hills of the Peak District, and as we returned to the van we felt totally relaxed and ready to continue our road trip through the National Park.

Our day drew to a close and we parked up for the evening, relaxed and at peace after taking our microgap and switching off in the Peak District.

Stepping out into a new area was just what we needed, the chance to explore another part of England. It’s easy to think you need to travel far and wide to go on an adventure, but the truth is there’s a whole host of experiences right outside your doorstep. If you’ve been thinking about a trip but not sure where to go maybe look a little closer to home, you may be surprised by what’s on offer.

If you’re thinking of a Microgap why not spend a day in the Peak District, or longer! For more ideas head over to VisitEngland where you can find information to Switch Off, Go Wild, Give Back or Learn More.

Like it? Pin it!