The Story of the Peak District

The natural wonders of the Peaks range from dramatic heights like Kinder Scout, Mam Tor and Stanage Edge to the more gently rolling Dales and into the depths of fantastic caverns such as Blue John, one of the only sources in the world of the beautiful translucent mineral from which the cavern takes its name.

Find out how these stunning features have been shaped by nature over hundreds of millions of years.Man has also played his part in the making of this special landscape.

Since the first humans arrived here, around 12000 years ago the evolution of the region has been very much the story of the developing relationship between people and the land. Prehistoric tracks, bronze age stone circles, iron-age hill-forts, Roman roads, medieval castles, stately homes, dry-stone walls, deserted mines, thriving market towns and spectacular reservoirs are all evidence of our physical contributions to the Peak District that we know today.

With kind thanks to: The Peak District National Park Authority, the Peak District Mining Museum, Poole Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, the Heights of Abraham, Buxton and Tissington Well Dressing Committee.