Lathkill Dale

The River Lathkill cuts through one of Derbyshire's finest limestone valleys, and walking its length is one of those proper rewarding days out that costs nothing and takes as long as you fancy. Starting from Monyash or the car park near Bakewell, the trail runs for about nine miles through meadows and alongside crystal-clear water that honestly looks too clean to be real. You'll pass old lead mines, dry stone walls, and sections where the river simply vanishes underground - very Peak District, that.

It's marvellous for walkers who want something more interesting than a bog-standard country ramble. The geology alone keeps you occupied: you're basically walking through 300 million years of the earth's history. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might flag on the full distance - pick a section instead. History enthusiasts should lean into the mining heritage; you can still spot the old workings if you know where to look.

Allow a half-day minimum for a decent stretch, longer if you're taking photographs or doing the whole route. Spring and early summer are best when the water flow is reliable and the wildflowers are out. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring the crowds.

If you're camping at Lathkill Wild Campsite just down the road, or based at any of the parks around Bakewell, this is an absolute no-brainer. Free, accessible, and genuinely moving in places. No facilities out there though, so pack a flask.