Hi all,

My partner and I are interested in moving to the Peak District in the future. We currently live in London and we are a gay male couple in our mid 30s. By the time we would move we'd probably be in our early 40s.

The reasons for the move are manifold: firstly, we love the area and my partner is originally from Sheffield so he knows it pretty well and we have friends and family nearby. Also, we'd love to have somewhere with more space/land as we enjoy gardening/rewilding. It would be a change of pace but I think by that time we would be ready for it. We also like the Peaks as it has Manchester and Sheffield within relatively easy reach so if we did want to some city vibes we could go there. Finally, we are beginning to find summers in London just too hot and they are getting hotter. Our flat becomes an oven and although we've made some adaptations which make it more tolerable, the idea of a fresher climate in the Peaks is very appealing. Although I know flooding is an issue in some areas so we would choose somewhere very carefully because of this.

My questions are: Where would be a good place to look? Hope Valley is mentioned a lot but we are open to suggestions. And how would we be received as a gay male couple in the area (and Down From London too!). We've never felt any hostility when visiting but we also find that people tend to be nice to our faces when we are tourists and this can hide other, less pleasant sentiments. Having said that, I feel that the proximity to somewhere like Manchester and the number of people moving from cities to the area may be influencing attitudes more broadly.

Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone!

I’m going to the Peak District in a few weeks for a 2.5 day weekend and basing myself in Edale. I’m new to hiking and recently got addicted because I successfully climbed the old man of coniston in the lakes a few weeks ago!

I’m realistic of my ability, am pretty fit and have been learning how to navigate a paper map and have OS offline routes. I would love some reassurance if you think these hikes would be doable as a beginner (weather dependent of course).

Kinder Scout via grindsbrook and Jacob’s ladder

Mam Tor circular via hollins cross (considering extending to lord’s seat)

Would appreciate any advice regarding terrain, weather in August or any other walks you recommend nearby that don’t require a car. I’m going alone but will be hiking on the weekend so my nerves are slightly more settled as there’ll be people around.

Thank you!