The Peak District is the perfect playground for outdoor types, with walking, mountain biking, climbing and caving among the hot sports and activities on offer throughout Britain's first National Park.

The area has more than its fair share of historic and cultural attractions including a World Heritage site based around the mill industry of the past, the largest collection of motorsport memorabilia imaginable, and the inspirational landscape of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice.
The Peak District, around 150 miles from London, remains generally unspoilt by commercialism and whilst its clouded hills have a rugged beauty you will never be short of something to do. Here are ten ideas:-

Walking

A vast landscape of moorland, hilltops, deep valleys and dales means there is a large number of interesting walks to do in the Peak District area. There are over 1,600 miles of public footpaths and rights of way, which provide walking routes for all abilities. Most of the routes are well signposted or waymarked. Popular long-distance walks include the Tissington, High Peak and Monsal Trails. Walking in the Peak leaves no carbon footprint. A holiday, hiking across the hills, is good for the hiker and good for the environment.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is extremely popular in the Peak District, and the National Park provides thousands of routes on hundreds of crags. It is also an excellent place in which to start learning to climb.

Caving

The National Park has an abundance of natural caves, making it a Mecca for cavers. In addition to natural caves and potholes, there are also many old mines worthy of exploration by experienced cavers. For those who prefer a more sedate approach there are some wonderful show caverns including the Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern.

Mountain biking

It is easy to come across groups of fellow mountain bikers at some of the main centres for the sport including those in Hope Valley and Upper Derwent Valley although good routes also start from other locations such as the Peak Forest and Tideswell. There are sufficient bridle paths in the area to provide plenty of other routes as well.

Pride and Prejudice Country

If you've seen the latest movie adaptation of the Jane Austen novel, check out some of the locations that provided inspiration for the author and film sets for the movie. Locations such as Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Sudbury Hall are all featured in the film. Chatsworth - the stateliest of stately homes - is the greatest of the Peak District houses. Its size and splendour (together with an extraordinary collection of paintings, ornamental gardens and an enthusiasm to welcome visitors) have made it synonymous with the Peak park. Haddon Hall, as near to being its next-door neighbour as it is possible for two stately homes to be, is almost as grand.

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

This World Heritage Site is a real step back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries, and is where water power was first successfully harnessed for textile production. On a 15-mile stretch down the river valley from Matlock Bath to Derby there is a series of historic mill complexes, including some of the world's first modern factories and the watercourses that powered them. There are examples of the settlements that were built for the mill workers, and the remains of one of the world's earliest steam railways all surrounded by a beautiful countryside that has changed little over two centuries.

Unspoilt Limestone Villages
Discover the many unspoilt limestone villages in Derbyshire, including Eyam, the plague village. In 1665 the villagers of Eyam decided to stay and die, one by one, rather than spread the pestilence throughout the county. The "Plague Cottages" still stand as a monument to their extraordinary sacrifice. Enjoy summer carnivals, well dressings and country shows that are a constant feature of village life in the Peak District. Enjoy home-made food and an array of fine beers and wines in excellent restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Fishing
There is a wide variety of fishing opportunities in the area, with the Wye, the Dove, the Lathkill and the Derwent rivers all providing good fly fishing. More southerly, the lower reaches of the Derwent and the Trent offer good opportunities for coarse fishing, while there are also numerous gravel pits, ponds, lakes, canals and reservoirs to try out.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Set in the beautiful grounds and gardens of the 500-acre Bretton Country Park, an 18thC country estate, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the world's leading open-air galleries and presents a changing programme of international sculpture exhibitions. Located near Wakefield, the landscape provides a variety of magnificent scenic vistas of the valley, lakes and 18thC estate buildings and bridges. By organising a number of temporary exhibitions each year, there is always something new to see. The new visitor centre provides all-weather facilities including a large restaurant/shop/coffee bar/meeting rooms.

Donington Grand Prix Collection

Located at Donington Park, the Donington Grand Prix Collection is, quite simply, the largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars in the world. Five halls, with over 130 exhibits, illustrate the history of motor sport from the turn of the 20th Century. Cars include examples driven by such famous names as Nuvolari, Mansell, Prost, Moss, Senna, Fangio, Clark and Stewart.

Those of us who live in the Peak park think of it as a peaceful place. Those of you that visit will marvel at its natural beauty, its history and traditions and then have to think about booking your next vacation because you have run out of time.

About the Author

Chris Sabian Website: http://www.peakdistrictview.com Chris Sabian has lived and worked in the Peak District all his life. He is a travel writer.

Charlotte's skyline can be seen for several miles as you travel on Interstate 77 in the Piedmont area. At night, the city glistens with beautiful skyscrapers and street lights. Since its beginnings, Charlotte has rapidly grown into a center for finance and banking. It is the second largest financial capital in the United States. "Queen City" is Charlotte's nickname.

As the county seat, Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is just above the South Carolina border. Charlotte's population was estimated at approximately 584,658 in 2003 and is still growing. Nearby cities include Monroe (NC), Concord (NC), Rock Hill (SC), Pineville (NC), Statesville (NC), and Lancaster (SC).

The area attracts folks from all around for business, shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment. Many people visit Charlotte from South Carolina for work or play. For those who live in the area, Charlotte is only a couple of hours away from the Appalachian Mountains and several hours from the Atlantic coast.

Charlotte, North Carolina Attractions and Events

Charlotte offers activities for all ages. The city's night life is always moving with live entertainment and music concerts, ball games, restaurants, comedy clubs, movie theaters, and more.

Shoppers can visit one of several malls including the Eastland Mall, South Park Mall and the Carolina Place Mall (Pineville, South Charlotte). The huge Concord Mills Mall in Concord, North Carolina is just a short drive from Charlotte. At Eastland Mall, an indoor ice skating rink has provided many years of enjoyment for families.

Charlotte Festivals

Charlotte is also host to several big festivals and events throughout the year. One is the Festival in the Park, which takes place in Freedom Park. This early fall event has been held in Charlotte since 1964. It is a family-oriented festival where all types of regional works of art and unique crafts are displayed. Entertainment and refreshments are provided.

Charlotte hosts the Great Grapes Wine & Music Festival, where more than 150 North Carolina wines are available for sampling. Live music and gourmet foods are also provided. Each holiday, Charlotte residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of events, from a grand fireworks display on the 4th of July to cheerful holiday parades.

Charlotte Museums

For the history buff, there are many fascinating museums to explore in Charlotte. Discovery Place in downtown Charlotte has always been a favorite for kids with many fun hands-on exhibits, an Omnimax theater, a space station, a rain forest, and more. Other Charlotte museums include the Levine Museum of the New South, the Mint Museum of Art, and the Charlotte Museum of History.

Family Fun in Charlotte

For the active family that's visiting or those who live in and around Charlotte, there are many parks for biking or hiking on trails, picnics, and family relaxation. One can enjoy fishing, boating, and golfing at Lake Norman. Bird lovers can relax at the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary.

Straddling the North and South Carolina border is Paramount's Carowinds. The amusement park is filled with exciting rides for the young and old, entertainment and cartoon characters that will amaze the kids. Roller coasters, kiddie rides, twisting and twirling rides, wet rides - Carowinds offers something for everyone! During the hot months, the Carowinds water park and ocean-wave pool provide cool relief for thousands of visitors.

Charlotte, North Carolina is a great place to live or visit. Come see why Charlotte is one of America's choice cities!

About the Author

Bob Pardue is a professional stock photographer located in the Southeastern US. You can find rights-managed stock images for your publication at http://www.parduephotos.com