From limestone-lined valleys in the south to rugged gritstone peaks in the north, the Peak District combines attractive terrain, places to explore and cozy villages.

On a windy, variable weather day, we walked partway up the civilized stone walkway on Mam Tor to see the vistas and views.

Mam Tor or Mother Hill is so called because many landslides on the eastern side created a series of lower hills. Tor is a Celtic word meaning rocky outcropping.

Looking back down the steps coming up the hill, the view opens up to the surrounding hills and high plateaus.

Just under the pasture land are large slabs of rock and boulders, including layers of shale. In prehistoric times the area was used as a hill fort and burial grounds.

Walkers, hikers, bikers, paragliders, climbers and cavers flock to the Peak District for outdoor challenges.

Here showing high moorland and rocky landscapes.