Sheffield

Steel city meets wild moorland in this corner of South Yorkshire where the urban sprawl finally gives way to proper countryside. You're actually in the S36 postcode, which puts you well outside Sheffield proper - this is Stocksbridge and the Pennine foothills, where factory workers once escaped for weekend walks and fresh air.

Langsett Reservoir dominates the landscape here, its dark waters reflecting the surrounding peaks on still days. The reservoir's a magnet for walkers tackling the Trans Pennine Trail, though midweek you'll often have the shoreline paths to yourself. Pike Lowe offers cracking views across the valley for those willing to make the climb - it's a proper leg-stretcher but well worth the effort on clear days.

Bullhouse Chapel sits tucked away in the valley, a tiny Methodist chapel that's been serving this remote community since 1804. Most visitors miss it entirely, which is their loss. The Langsett Barn Outdoor Centre makes a good base for exploring the wider Peak District, though the building itself won't win any beauty contests.

Getting here means driving - the nearest train station is Penistone, about 6 miles south, and buses are sporadic at best. Manchester lies 20 miles west through the Snake Pass, while Sheffield city centre is a good 45-minute drive through increasingly suburban streets.

Staying at one of the local campsites makes perfect sense if you're planning serious Peak District exploration. You're on the doorstep of some of Yorkshire's finest walking country, yet far enough from the crowds that descend on places like Castleton or Edale.