Falling for it: the Peak District National Park in autumn

Above: Padley Gorge

Make the most of nature’s spectacular colours in the Peak District National Park this autumn.

The season’s cooler temperatures are perfect for cycling and walking, making autumn a great time to explore the UK’s original National Park.

Family friendly two and three-wheeled adventures on traffic-free trails are a great way to discover the National Park at this less busy time of year.

Helen Bower, visitor operations manager for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “It doesn’t matter if you’ve not ridden a bicycle for years, or how old you are, or how fit you are, we’ve got tandems, trikes, powered bikes, wheelchair bikes, hand crank bikes – there really is something for everyone whatever your age or ability.”

Choose from a great range of bikes for all ages and abilities from cycle hire centres at Parsley Hay, Derwent or Ashbourne. Full details at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle.

Helen added: “My top tip for this time of year is to visit Parsley Hay, near Hartington, which gives access to the Tissington and High Peak trails. We’re open every day so pick a sunny day and you’ll find there’s no finer place to ride and experience the wide open views of the White Peak landscape.”

Parsley Hay, Derwent and Ashbourne cycle hire centres are open every day, including during the October half term holidays. Check the website for winter opening times www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle.

Peak District National Park ranger-guided walks showcase the very best of the National Park at this time of year.
• Explore the Enchanted Forest (Sunday October 28) on a walk from Danebridge and discover a wealth of spooky tales, myths and legends amongst the trees and rocks.
• Experience the Ashford Autumn Adventure (Sunday November 4) with a 6.5-mile walk around the village of Ashford-in-the-Water, Monsal Head and Monsal Dale.
• Scale the heights of the Peak District ‘Matterhorn’ – Shutlingsloe – one of the highest peaks (Saturday November 24) on a 6-mile walk and enjoy panoramic views over the Macclesfield Forest and Cheshire Plains.

Visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/events for a full list of upcoming ranger events and to book your place.

Spectacular views offer opportunities for stunning photographs – here are three places with great photogenic potential:
• Derwent reservoirs – woodland and moorland with far-reaching views across the reservoirs. West of Sheffield.
• Manifold Valley – discover an area that feels ‘off the beaten track’, enjoy the family-friendly cycle track and magnificent limestone dales and Thor’s Cave. Parking at Hulme End, between Hartington and Warslow.
• Tissington Trail – wide-sweeping views of rolling countryside, peaks and dales from this traffic-free trail. Park at Parsley Hay, near Hartington.

Share pictures of your autumn adventure in the Peak District National Park on Twitter @peakdistrict, Facebook or Instagram /peakdistrictnationalpark.

And, even if the weather’s bad there is always a warm welcome at the National Park visitor centres in Bakewell, Castleton, Derwent (Fairholmes) and Edale.