Hello there, and a warm welcome to PeakDistrict.org! We’re your online go-to for everything you need to know about the splendid Peak District.
Our story started right in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, where our owner and operator was fortunate enough to grow up on the doorstep of the gorgeous Peaks. A lifelong love of rambling, adventure, and the great outdoors, made the Peaks a true home, and it’s this passion we want to share with you.
But let’s get things straight: we’re not the official Peak District National Authority. For their expertise, you’ll need to pop over to their site. But if you’re after some down-to-earth advice and insider knowledge about this stunning part of the United Kingdom, you’re in the right place.
Helping Spread the Word about the Peak District
Just some of the websites we’ve been featured in:
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to provide you with top-notch, free-of-charge information about the Peak District. From the best trails for a hearty ramble, the cosiest accommodations to put your feet up, to the most entertaining things to do while you’re here – we’ve got you covered.
So, put the kettle on, take a look around, and let’s start planning your next Peak District adventure. We’re chuffed you’re here with us at PeakDistrict.org.
What website users say
Thank you for your very informative posts. I’ve got my hiking bug back, and today, with my toddler on my back, I did the shorter Cave Dale walk at Castleton. I’m feeling absolutely buzzing and free again. I have three children, and I usually don’t find time for myself, so these shorter walks are PERFECT. Thank you, we did it! Thanks!
– Steph C
Thanks for all your efforts here. As a hiker, teacher, scout leader, and DofE supervisor, I found your guidance both enjoyable and professionally thorough. Your attention to detail and the information provided give hikers great insight into what to expect. Your site is a fantastic find, and I, for one, am very appreciative. Thanks so much.
– S Lowndes
Meet the Team
Alex Hesp-Gollins – Owner
- Favourite Walk: Chrome & Parkhouse Hill
- First Peaks Walk: The Roaches
- Favourite Town / Village: Castleton
I grew up in the nearby Staffordshire Moorlands, spending loads of time in the Peaks, a place that’s always been close to my heart.
I’m a big fan of a good hike and the great outdoors. It was here in the Peaks that I even completed my Duke of Edinburgh as a young lad.
Now, I want to share information about this gorgeous bit of the countryside with you!
Ben Harman – Expert Author
- Favourite Walk: Stanage Edge
- First Peaks Walk: Shining Tor
- Favourite Town / Village: Buxton
For Ben, there’s nothing better than spending time in the great outdoors with friends, family, Murphy the Cocker Spaniel and a flask of coffee. Living in Manchester and having studied Animal and Plant Science at the University of Sheffield, the Peak District is one of his go-to, favourite places.
When he’s not spending time in nature, Ben is a father of one, a professional writer and the founder of sustainable living website, Tiny Eco Home Life.
Yasmeen Samour – Editor & Content Adviser
- Favourite Walk: Dovestone Reservoir
- First Peaks Walk: Mam Tor
- Favourite Town / Village: Buxton
While Yasmeen has only lived near the Peak District for a short time, her many journeys around the world give her content a special touch, making her advice perfect for anyone eager to explore the local wonders for the first time.
She can’t resist stopping to pet any friendly dog she meets along the way. Yasmeen’s easy-to-relate-to approach helps both residents, and those just visiting discover the area’s best spots.
Specialist Contributors
Mike McLeish
For Mike, traversing through diverse terrains is a matter of both passion and lifestyle. As the chief hiker, boot cleaner, and sandwich maker at HikerHero.com HQ, he has dedicated a significant portion of the last decade to travelling the globe, operating from his ever-reliable laptop. Recently, however, his backpack has seen more of the lush and rolling expanses of the Great British countryside, as he rediscovers its unique joys and challenges.
Knowledgeable about the Peak District and have something genuine and interesting you can share? Get in touch! (Anything spammy or low quality will be ignored)
We also maintain a list of community resources that include content not hosted on Peakdistrict.org but may be helpful to others.
History of PeakDistrict.org
PeakDistrict.org has a history dating back to the dawn of the internet and has continually provided helpful information about the national park.
Below is a documentation of the website’s homepage since its inception, showcasing various design iterations and ownership from 1997 to the present day.
If you have any more history about the website, feel free to share it with us!
Pre(1997)-1999
Since the National Park Authority took over the former Peak Park Joint Planning Board in April 1997, a very basic version of PeakDistrict.org was set up as an initial website to share information, with plans for future upgrades to the site.
We believe Mike Dannatt (mentioned in the image) was responsible for setting this up.
1999-2006
Several redesigns occurred during this period, adding more helpful resources and links related to the National Park as internet adoption expanded.
The site began offering more detailed information about various important aspects of the Peaks.
2006-2013
In the early 2000s, further updates were made to adapt to the evolving internet.
During this time, some resources also moved over to Gov.uk, where official government resources are still hosted today, including PeakDistrict.gov.uk.
2013 -2021
Around 2013, the local authority decided to drop the domain, which was subsequently acquired by another individual (also named Alex).
They rebuilt the website, adding more content and resources to ensure free information remained available about the Peak District National Park.
2021-2023
The internet changed a lot since 2013, so another website overhaul was carried out to improve usability in various areas – you can tell just by looking at it.
2023 – Present
The current owner, Alex Hesp-Gollins, acquired the website in August 2023, along with other assets such as PeakDistrict.co.uk, to continue the legacy.
At this point, the website required significant investment and a complete overhaul of both its technology stack and content to bring it up to modern web standards and make it as useful as possible.
Since the acquisition, over 100 articles have been created or significantly updated, featuring detailed walking guides for the most popular routes and activities in the national park.
Thanks to this new content, the website now attracts more visitors than ever, helping to support tourism in the park!