Peak District National Park
Buxton is surrounded on three sides by the Peak District National Park (PDNP), the oldest National Park in England.
It is “a treasured landscape of exceptional natural beauty shaped by the interaction of people and nature over thousands of years”. Lying at the heart of the country and surrounded by urban areas, it is easily accessed by millions of people. It covers 555 square miles (1,438 square kilometres) in parts of the counties of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. It was established in 1951 but has a history dating back to the 1880s.
The park’s boundary markers on key gateway routes and its logo features a millstone. Millstones have a long history spanning many thousands of years and the first reference to millstone production in Derbyshire is as early as the 13th century. They were made using the famous gritstone of the Dark Peak – the aptly named Millstone Grit – and were used to grind grain like oats, barley and rye. You may see discarded millstones on your walks along the area’s gritstone edges.
The Countryside Code
Respect. Protect. Enjoy.
- Dogs – keep dogs under control and always on a lead when around livestock – especially sheep and cows. Remember that farmers are within their rights to take measures (including shooting out-of-control dogs) to protect their animals. Please note, you MUST keep your dog on a lead when on any open access land between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds. This is law. The lead must be no longer than 2 metres long. Also, please bag and bin your dog poo.
- Walking – follow signs and use the official rights of way, make sure you understand the signs and symbols you might come across. Plan your route and the weather forecast(!). Some access may be restricted.
- Litter – take your rubbish home with you. Leave no trace of your visit.
- Fields – leave all gates as you find them.
- Livestock – never feed horses or other animals you meet on your walk, unless you have the owner’s express permission. Many foods can cause harm to livestock and wildlife.
- Driving – drive carefully, and to the conditions of the road.
- Parking – do not block access to farmland with your vehicle or park on narrow lanes. Agricultural vehicles and equipment can be wider than the average vehicle, and emergency vehicles need access 24/7.
- Farms – be aware of your surroundings – agricultural operations will still be running so look out for machinery or signage and follow instructions.
- Fires – BBQs and camp fires are not permitted. The risk of wildfire is high in the Peak District.
- Nature – do not cause damage or disturbance.
Derbyshire Constabulary / Natural England
Parking
The Peak District National Park Authority owns and manages 44 car parks throughout the National Park, some of which are free to use. Paid car parks have Pay & Display systems with payment by cash and/or card and/or app (RingGo). See further details on the PDNP website here.
If parking elsewhere, please DO NOT:
- park in such a position that buses, emergency service vehicles and other commercial vehicles are unable to pass
- block access to farmland
- park on narrow lanes
- park at a bus stop
- park on grass verges.
The Police can remove your unattended vehicle if you cause an obstruction and civil enforcement officers can issue you with a penalty charge notice for stopping in a restricted area.
Bus routes serve many popular locations in the Peak District – see details on our Popular Walks page and our Beyond Buxton page.
For more information…
The National Park is managed by the Peak District National Park Authority. For more information, visit the PDNP website here.
For further tourist information about visiting the Peak District a Derbyshire, please see the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire website here.
For information regarding accessibility, visit the Accessibility Derbyshire website here.
See nearby popular walks here and our suggestions for activities and attractions Beyond Buxton here.
If you would like to explore over 200 walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District, take a look at the Derbyshire & Peak District Walks (Local Walks) app here.
From November 2025, this website is owned and managed by Buxton Civic Association Ltd - Charity No. 258163.
Buxton Civic Association celebrates the natural and human heritage of Buxton including its outstanding buildings and wildlife. We conserve and enhance this heritage and advocate its importance in making Buxton a special place to live or to visit.
