The Peak District - Centre for adventure sports

You don't have to go abroad to get an adrenaline rush:  the Peak District is a great place for adventure sports holidays.  Its got all the facilities we need, and is very beautiful. It is a National Park which lies between Sheffield and Manchester.

A sport for high fliers

Hang gliding is a popular sport. It looks risky as it involves jumping off a hill and soaring on currents of air.  People in the valley can see them circling, diving and soaring like birds.  It's not everyone's idea of fun, but hang gliding is addictive. An alternative to hang gliding is paragliding.  Paragliding is also popular in the area.  This is when where a parachute is used instead of a hang glider.  People come to the Peak District at weekends to practice these sports, so good spots get very busy.

No natural lakes but plenty of water

Watersports are also a favourite pastime in the Peak District.  There are no natural lakes, but some of the valleys have been dammed to make reservoirs that supply water to neighbouring towns. People come to sail, windsurf or waterski.  Swimming isn't allowed, as the water will eventually end up as drinking water.  In any case, the water can be very cold, even in the summer.

No mountains but many rocks to climb

Climbing is another sport which draws hundreds of enthusiasts into the Peak District, especially at weekends. Though the Peak District has no mountains, there are many rocky outcrops which provide good practice for both novice and experienced climbers.

What's the charm of the Pennine Way?

The Pennine Way is a route which starts in Edale in the Peak District, and ends in Scotland.  Its a serious walk,  and you have to be fit to do it - some walkers cover up to 20 miles a day.  It's a good way to see some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.  The UK can be very crowded so its a peaceful change from city life.  Those who like to move along more quickly do the route on mountain bikes.

The UK is a country of enthusiasts, people who take their sports or hobbies very seriously.  And at the end of a strenuous day in the air, on water, rock faces or hilltops, we like to recover in a pub for a pint of beer, or two.