I grew up in the Peak District – the lesser-known spots to visit that won’t annoy the locals

IF you plan on heading to the Peak District for a weekend trip, we’d love to have you – what we don’t like is your bad parking and penchant for the most popular spots.

As someone who was born and raised here, I see the same problems over and over again.

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This was a problem recently when cars on Winnats Pass and Rushup Edge in Castleton were towed for blocking gritters during the snow.

While it may look beautiful, it is difficult for such a small area of the Peaks to accommodate so many visitors, especially when they’re double-parked.

Even without the snow, visitors who want to see the sunrise from Mam Tor — also in Castleton — create issues for residents all year round.

And there was fury when day-trippers were walking over the Dovedale stepping stones when they were closed for repairs.

It’s a local joke that in the 555 square miles of the Peak District National Park, tourists choose to explore the same few miles.

But there are plenty of places where you can avoid angering the locals, beat the crowds — and find parking.

If views are your thing, head to Hen Cloud in Leek, Staffordshire, where you can see the rock formations of The Roaches — including the pretty Lud’s Church chasm and Doxey Pool, where a strange mermaid is said to live.

You can go there for sunrise or sunset, and park for free in the bays on Roach Road.

Or visit Tittesworth Reservoir, £5.50 for two to four hours of parking, and walk from there.

This lake is a wonderful place for spotting birds and wildlife and it has a play park for children.

Nearby is the Coombes Valley, a picturesque nature reserve close to Leek that many people don’t know exists.

Here you can wander alongside the babbling brook and hillside forests while listening to the valley’s birdsong.

It has a play trail for children as well as a canopy walkway where you can enjoy valley views.

There is a car park next to the RSPB visitor centre which is free for members or £4 for non-members.

For those who love exploring valleys, with a range of vistas across farmland, woods and ponds, Padley Gorge is another beautiful option.

The National Trust site has a car park, so it’s free for members, or £5 for four hours.

There is also a cafe where you can enjoy tea or coffee while enjoying the scenery.

Hen race in summer

This Site of Special Scientific Interest has several other places to park where you can explore different areas of this quintessential Peaks landscape.

It’s also well worth hopping over the other side of the Peak District National Park border to see lesser-known locations.

Close to the popular tourist destination of Matlock Bath is the quirky village of Bonsall.

It is a lovely spot for a wander, with a hen race in the summer, and is famous as a UFO hotspot.

There is free visitor parking next to the local park and from here you can explore the surroundings as well as nearby historic Cromford, a village dominated by a lovely old mill.

Carsington Water is also close to the edge of the Peaks, with ample parking and three trails to explore.

The longest is 7.5 miles of Derbyshire hill views, semi-ancient woodland and the peaceful water to enjoy.

Inside the visitor centre are activities for children and a restaurant that looks down on to the reservoir.

Dedicated walkers can save money on parking by buying a weekly parking permit for £15, which can be used at any of the 44 Peak District National Park car parks.

For those who are really set on seeing somewhere like Castleton, consider staying in a hotel like Ye Olde Nags Head or Cheshire Mews and walking from there — that way you can explore while contributing to the local economy and without adding to parking wars.

If you do want to enjoy a snowy walk, I recommend parking in one of the valleys and walking up into the hills instead of parking on icy access roads, as it’s much safer.

Ignore this advice at your peril, as you may find your vehicle goes on more of an adventure than you do.

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