On a sunny day, there will be plenty of others around you, but first-timers should avoid setting off alone, and keep away from bridge pillars, where the downward current can be strong.. WHAT IS IT - AND WHERE? A triangular wedge of rocky countryside at the southern end of the Pennines. The Peak District covers an area roughly between Manchester, Sheffield and Derby. Geologically the area is divided into White Peak, an area of limestone plateaux and deep dales to the south, and Dark Peak, further north, where the terrain is more gritty. The area's biggest attraction is its breathtaking landscape, at times green and gentle, at others austere and forbidding, with walking trails, wildlife and abundance of wild flowers which often peep unexpectedly through rocky crags Much of it is accessible only on foot. WHERE ARE THE HIGHEST PEAKS? Don't expect the Himalayas - though some Everest climbers have trained in the Peak District. The highest peak is Kinder Scout, north of Edale; at a height of 2,088 feet this rugged mountain dominates the area.Kinder (pronounced to rhyme with cinder, not binder) became popular with the visiting middle classes before the First World War, with the advent of the railways.

During the depression of the Thirties, rambling clubs were formed. The working classes took to the hills even though wealthy landowners tried to keep walkers off their land.In 1932, Kinder was the site of a mass trespass, which resulted eventually in the National Parks Act, enabling free access to large areas of the countryside for everyone. The Peak District became the first national park in Britain.Several paths lead up to Kinder, the most popular one departing from the starting-point of the mass trespass, Bowden Bridge in Hayfield. The eight-mile route climbs up steeply before flattening out around part of Kinder Reservoir and across the Kinder Plateau and down a rocky path back into Hayfield.The second peak in the district is 1,696ft Mam Tor, owned by the National Trust and one of its most popular outdoor sites. Although the route up from Castleton can often get crowded at weekends, it is worth the climb for the spectacular views across to Kinder Scout and down the Hope Valley. ANY WAYMARKED WALKS? Plenty; the Peak District has something for everyone.

There are carefully signposted footpaths suitable for an afternoon walk, to longer, more challenging trails. Dedicated walkers should head for Edale, one of the most idyllic spots in the whole region, a picture-postcard village, all stone cottages and honeysuckle, set against rugged hills that form a contrasting backdrop. Edale is the starting point for the 268-mile Pennine Way (0113 246 9222, ), the oldest National Trail in the country. It begins at the Old Nag's Head pub, and continues northwards through the Yorkshire Dales and over Hadrian's Wall until it reaches Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders.For those looking for a shorter walk, Edale is a good centre, a starting point for several walks, well-provided with public transport, and with a decent pub to provide refreshment at the end of the day.Other good bases for exploring the White Peak include Castleton, a neat little town that grew up under the protection of the castle which gave it its name and Bakewell, a small, bustling market town. Hayfield is well located to explore the moodier moorland of the Dark Peak.A new route this summer is the Derwent Valley Heritage Way ( .uk; for further information contact local tourist offices, or Derbyshire County Council, 01629 580000).

It follows the fast-flowing river Derwent downstream for 55 miles, from Ladybower Reservoir north of Hathersage to Derwent Mouth, south-east of Derby, where the Derwent joins the river Trent. On the way it passes through the beautiful countryside of the Derbyshire Dales with their limestone slopes and wooded valleys I DON'T WANT TO WALK EVERYWHERE Then get on your bike. There are plenty of cycle routes in the region, including the manageable High Peak and Tissington Trails. They both follow the routes of disused railway lines, and join up for their last few miles: the High Peak Trail is 17 miles long and begins at High Peak Junction; the 13-mile Tissington Trail starts in Ashbourne. They unite at Parsley Hay and continue as far as Dowlow, south of Buxton These trails are used by walkers as well as cyclists.