Peak District

Introduction
The Peak District is a large National Park in Northern England mainly occupying Northern Derbyshire, with outlying areas in Staffordshire, Cheshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. It is conventionally split into the Dark Peak and the White Peak. Geologically, the area takes the form of an anticline, with the younger upland gritstone moors of the Dark Peak occupying the eastern and western limbs of the anticline, and to the north where the limestone core of the White Peak is overlain by the Kinder Plateau. A feature of the limestone is the presence of basalt sills known locally as toadstone at several horizons within the limestone.

The limestone scenery of the White Peak contrasts strongly with the rugged limestone terraces and pavements of Yorkshire. The scenery is gentler and takes the form of a gently undulating plateau with several deeply incised river valleys. In the east and south, relief is provided by several limestone reefs.

Lead mining was a very important industry in the Peak, and old adits and shafts abound. Several caves are associated with mines.

Catchments / Sub-areas

 * Alderley Edge
 * Ashover
 * Bradwell
 * Buxton
 * Castleton
 * Lathkill Dale
 * Manifold Valley
 * Matlock
 * River Dove
 * River Wye
 * Stoney Middleton

Showcaves

 * Bagshawe Cavern (organised parties only)
 * Blue John Mine
 * Goodluck Mine (See website for details)
 * Creswell Crags Caves (See Nottinghamshire for more details)
 * Peak Cavern
 * Poole's Cavern
 * Speedwell Cavern
 * Temple Mine
 * Treak cliff Cavern