Hulme End

Rolling limestone hills stretch endlessly across this forgotten corner of the Peak District, where the Manifold Valley cuts a dramatic line through countryside that feels refreshingly untouched by tourism. Hulme End sits quietly at the confluence of the River Manifold and River Dove, a proper working village where stone cottages huddle around ancient field boundaries.

Thor's Cave dominates the valley like a giant's eye socket, its gaping mouth visible from miles around. The scramble up is steep but manageable - and those views across to Wetton Hill make every huffing step worthwhile. Below, the old Manifold Valley railway line provides gentler walking, threading past Wetton Mill where the Victorian engineering still impresses.

Underground explorers have plenty to investigate. Nan Tor Cave and Lynx Cave offer proper potholing for the adventurous, while Old Hannah's Hole provides a less technical introduction to the area's honeycomb limestone. Above ground, Ossoms Hill and Ecton Hill reward walkers with cracking panoramas across three counties.

St Margaret's Church anchors the village with typical Staffordshire stonework, though most visitors barely pause before heading into the hills. That's their loss - the churchyard offers lovely views down the Manifold.

Ashbourne lies eight miles south for proper shopping and dining, while Leek provides a bigger market town feel to the west. The area feels genuinely remote despite decent road connections from the A515.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense here. Bank House Farm Campsite and Longnor Wood Holiday Park put you right in the heart of walking country, while options like Boutique Glamping at Scaldersitch Farm offer comfort after long days exploring caves and climbing hills. No crowds, no queues - just proper Peak District countryside at its most authentic.