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Derbyshire landscape varies from lush green pastureland with gently rolling hillsides, beautiful dales with rivers abundant with wildlife to stunning rugged moorland for the more adventurous. There are wonderful panoramic views to behold. Limestone and sandstone walls divide this patchwork landscape. A labyrinth of footpaths cover the area, from gentle walks for all the family, to the more challenging for the experienced. There is a choice of cliff and rock faces for both the novice or experienced climber.

Ashbourne set in the Derbyshire Dales is a historic market town set on a river at the edge of the Peak District National Park. Full of old listed buildings, the town itself has an abundance of antique and craft shops, and places to wine and dine. Royal Shrovetide football held on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday each year is a sight to behold. Try the Highland Gathering event held in July, where Scotland, its culture, traditions and sports come to Ashbourne.

Thrilling attractions nearby include the theme parks of Alton Towers, The American Adventure Park and Gulliver's Kingdom.

Osmaston village with its quaint thatched cottages, privately owned Tissington village with its historic Hall and famous well dressings held on Ascension day, and the riverside village of Alsop en le Dale, are a must to visit.

Dovedale is close by with its wonderful scenic walks, stepping stones and picturesque Thorpe Cloud.

For sport, Derbyshire is a must with varying cycle trails, riding schools, and pony trekking. River and still water canoeing, water sports, walking, climbing, fishing and golf are all available locally. Carsington Water sports and visitor centre is nearby.

With its many rivers and reservoirs, Derbyshire is a haven for fishing.

Chatsworth House, historic home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is a must. The house itself, with its many treasures and gardens, has also a farm shop, children's farmyard and adventure playground.

Kedleston Hall, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Sudbury Hall with its museum of childhood are not to be missed; or walk back in time at the incredible Calke Abbey.

Other attractions nearby include Alton Towers, American Adventure, Gulliver's Kingdom and Waterworld theme parks.

• Wirksworth - National Stone Centre, Mill Museums, Black Rocks, Cromford Mills.

• Matlock - Matlock Bath spa town, Gulliver's Kingdom, Riber Zoo, Heights of Abraham Visitor Centre, Caves and Cable cars, National Milling Museum. River canoeing, caving and rock climbing take place here.

• Crich - National Tramway Museum, Crich Stand.

• Ripley - Midland Steam Railway Museum

• Denby - Denby Pottery and visitor centre

• Belper - River Gardens, Belper Industrial Museum, many factory shops.

• Stoke - Waterworld theme park, The Potteries and Pottery shops.

• Derby - Royal Crown Derby, Rollerworld, BMX and Skate park, Derby Industrial Museum, Cinemas, Theatres and more.

• Bakewell - Another market town set on a picturesque river and the home of the famous and very tasty Bakewell Pudding.

• Buxton - Spa and market town of historic interest, The Pavillian Gardens, Theatre.

• Hathersage and Castleton - Rock climbing, caving and special interest caves for visitors of all ages containing boat rides, stalagmites and stalactites and the famous Blue John semi precious stone.

Ashbourne is situated in the middle of England - the Midlands, in the county of Derbyshire, at the southerly end of the Pennine chain - the mountainous backbone of England. and is a charming, picturesque - predominantly Georgian - market town nestling in the gently sloping Henmore valley, (market days are Thursday and Saturday).

It is surrounded by a wide rural area, beautiful scenery and picturesque villages. The nearest city is Derby, 15 miles to the south-east, but a number of small and not so small towns are well within 30 - 40 minutes drive, such as Matlock, Buxton, Leek and Bakewell. A little further afield are the cities of Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester and Birmingham.

MATLOCK is a small rural town with a population of 9,300 and is situated at the southern end of the Pennines and surrounded by the cities of Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham. It is also the administrative centre for the County, District and Town Councils.

With the advent and success of hydropathy, the town grew from a hamlet to the small town it now is in the period 1840 to 1950. Smedleys Hydro achieved worldwide fame, and since 1957 has been the offices of the County Council. The town offers a wide range of shops and two supermarkets, a number of restaurants and other catering outlets .Places of interest include Hall Leys Park which provides a children's play area and paddling pool, boating lake, bowls and putting greens, tennis courts and extensive picnic areas. Regular band concerts are held throughout the summer. Other attractions include High Tor ( a 400ft high limestone outcrop ), Cable Car trips to the Heights of Abraham and further afield Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, Wingfield Manor and the Carsington and Ladybower Reservoirs. Peak Rail operates an eight mile scenic round trip alongside the river Derwent by steam train between Matlock and Rowsley.

©Parts of the above montage and text from Matlock Chamber Of Trade,

 Ashbourne Town Council, D.D.A.G