The peacefulness is tangible, broken only by the sound of a passing tractor or lowing cattle grazing on the lush green meadows bounded by their weathered drystone walls. The ones you followed yesterday on the way to explore romantic Dovedale’s stepping stones, miniature rapids and steep wooded slopes (pictured below).

If today is another sparkling spring day, clear as Buxton’s spring water, you’ll hit the Tissington Trail on your bikes, or explore further on foot. If it’s misty and rainy, snuggle up by the fire, watch DVDs or catch up on your book until the sun shines again

Romantic walks and old railways
That’s the joy of the southern Peak District – a couple of hours’ drive from Gloucestershire, yet offering such a diverse spring break experience. Whether you cycle old railway routes, walk, visit world-famous Chatsworth House, explore the rich industrial heritage, or shop in nearby Derby, Sheffield or Macclesfield, boredom isn’t an option. From romantic riverside walks to climbing and scrambling, the southern Peak District delights even seasoned global-travellers.

Renting cottages like Oldfield House, Snelston, or Church Farm Cottage at Stanshope (pictured above) ensures perfect immersion in the area. Church Farm, north of Ashbourne, is a working farm (time your stay right and newborn lambs await). It epitomises beautifully appointed self-catering accom-modation in the middle of the area’s scenic and cultural action. If you prefer hotels, try nearby Izaak Walton Hotel or Hillcrest House.

A network of well-maintained cycleways
Cyclists of all abilities love the area’s network of well-maintained, generally level, cycleways along former railway lines. From Stanshope, the Tissington, Manifold and Monsal trails are a short drive away and offer spectacular views, tunnels, viaducts and insights into local history. And of course, tasty treats at the teashops that seem to pop up in former railway buildings! We’ll leave you to work out whose is the ‘original’ Bakewell Tart recipe… Just make sure to leave room for a delicious evening meal. Fancy a break from self-catering? There are many good places to try, such as Hartington’s character-packed Manifold Inn.

Just up the road from Gloucestershire
The southern Peak District is all too easy to bypass while driving north up the M5 or the M1. That’s a shame, when such a wonderful corner of England offers so much – and all just up the road from Gloucestershire!