Fun-packed week ahead in the Peaks

A packed programme of family events in the Peak District National Park is planned this half-term holiday.
Science in the Park event, Bakewell. November 2013.Science in the Park event, Bakewell. November 2013.
Science in the Park event, Bakewell. November 2013.

You can take the children on patrol with a ranger, develop your artistic talents in the heart of the forest, brave the ghostly goings on at Castleton for Halloween or learn while you ride on a guided cycle tour of the White Peak.

The fun starts on Saturday (25th October) with a five-mile walk on patrol with one of the national park’s rangers from the Millers Dale Old Station car park. Families can explore the landscape of the White Peak and learn basic navigation skills.

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On the same day there will be an eight-mile walk around Bradfield village and Agden Rocher. Although the event is suitable for families, it does include steep climbs and some stiles.

If art is more your cup of tea, head for Macclesfield Forest on Tuesday (28th October). The three-hour Autumn Art event will use natural materials and the great outdoors for inspiration.

Also on Tuesday there is a taste of things to come with a spooktacular 15-mile guided circular cycle ride, starting and ending in Ashbourne and visiting Alsop, Thorpe and Mapleton. Fancy dress is optional and the three to four-hour ride includes a visit to the Edward & Vintage sweet shop in Ashbourne for trick or treat delights.

Stanage Edge is the setting for a family activity trail on Thursday (30th October), discovering birds, plants and some of the most spectacular views around.

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Castleton is the place to be this Halloween with a short trail exploring the village’s amazing apparitions and ghostly goings on and lots of themed activities on Friday and Saturday (31st October and 1st November).

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Also on Saturday you can join ranger Kevin Gilfedder on a Fungus Foray around the Upper Derwent Woodlands or take a guided 15-mile cycle ride around the Pilsbury Castle Circuit from Parsley Hay with stops along the way to learn about the local history of the area.

Visitor centres in Bakewell, Castleton, Edale and Upper Derwent are open throughout the holiday for tips on where to go and what to see.

For more information visit www.peakdistrict.co.uk/events.