5 really fun Peak District activities you must try!

The Peak District is extremely popular with people looking for some outdoor fun and adventure. No wonder, it has an abundance of activities to enjoy, and stunning landscapes to explore while you do it.

Here we pick 5 fun Peak District activities that will really get your adrenaline going.

1. Canoeing and White Water Rafting

Those who love a bit of fun on the water will not be disappointed by the Peak District which has a good selection of rivers and waterways. Canoeing and white water rafting are great activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Peaks and Paddles offer a variety fun canoeing experiences in different locations and specialise in small groups, ideal for a family or group of friends who are new to the activity. You can choose to enjoy a half day or full day experience for 4 people for around £120 and £180 respectively - contact them before booking as they may be able to offer you a special discount. Prices include all necessary equipment such as helmet, life jackets, paddles and boats. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear.

Into the Blue offer fantastic white water rafting experiences suitable for adults and children who are confident swimmers aged 6 and above. Trips last approximately 2 hours in total and include a safety brief by your professional rafting guide and introduction to safety equipment (such as helmet and life jacket). Prices begin at around £60 for a minimum of 2 people (a total of 6 people will be on the raft so you may be sharing with others). Bring a spare pair of trainers that you don’t mind getting wet as well as a towel and sun cream to protect you on particularly bright days.

2. Gliding

Gliding is one of those activities that will leave you with wonderful lasting memories and is very popular in the Peak District. At the Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club visitors can experience a gliding ‘trial’ which is roughly a 15 minute flight that gives you a ‘feel’ for gliding if you are new to the experience. You’ll be in the safe hands of a British Gliding Associate certified instructor who will even let you have a go at handling the controls! You’ll be given a safety brief before you set off and all equipment will be provided. Prices start from around £70 per person, per flight so what are you waiting for?! Please note that this isn’t suitable for young children.

If you fancy a different kind of gliding then the Peak District Hang Gliding Centre is a great place to experience a real thrill. The centre is the longest established hang gliding school in the UK having existed since 1974, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands. A ‘taster’ session ideal for beginners is around £125 for one person and you’ll be under the guidance of one of their highly experienced staff members, there is no better way to get that adrenaline rush! If this experience ignites a new passion for the sport then there are full tuition courses available here too.

3. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is an ideal way to get the heart pumping and really immerse yourself in the stunning Peak District countryside. There are loads of places to hire bikes and equipment if you don’t have or want to bring your own. The Monkey Spoon blog is a really useful resource when it comes to finding more information on the sport which offers great advice on the best locations to take part according to such things as difficulty level and preferred scenery etc. They provide a really useful chart that rates various biking tracks on technical challenge, speed and fun and give you the co-ordinates so you can easily find the location on a map.

Popular tracks in the Peak District include Hope Cross, Derwent Edge, Jacob’s Ladder and Cave Dale to name a few - so grab your mountain bike and experience a real thrill. Always make sure you wear a helmet and safety knee and elbow pads to prevent any nasty scrapes if you fall.

4.Climbing

The Peak district attracts climbers from all over the world and has some of the most popular and challenging climbing routes in Europe. With crags, cliffs, edges and boulders to suit everyone from absolute beginners to world class climbers, there is nowhere better in the UK to enjoy this sport.

Peak District Mountaineering provide tailor made courses that fit your experience and fitness requirements. The company allows you to make progress at your own pace so you’ll never feel pressured and you can choose to climb outside or indoors depending on your preference. ‘Taster’ sessions are also available for around £70 per person and special family tasters can be arranged. All equipment will be provided which includes helmets, harnesses and ropes. Taster sessions begin in the village of Hathergate from which you will be taken to any number of great venues for climbing. You will be given a safety brief, be fitted with your kit and be introduced to some essential climbing skills before you head off.

5. Caving

The peak district has a many caves, caverns and underground formations to explore and is home to Titan Cave, the highest natural cavern in the UK. This is a great place to discover caving, an activity that lets you explore another world underground. You’ll be amazed by deep caverns, rock formations and stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over millions of years. This is an activity that is sure to get the heart pumping!

It is essential that beginners are accompanied by a qualified expert, due to the potentially hazardous nature of this activity as well as the darkness experienced inside the caves. Twin Peaks Outdoor Activities is a good company offering caving experiences and tuition in the Peak District to everyone from absolute beginners to experienced pot-holers wanting to take things to the next level. The locations will be chosen to suit the specific needs and ability levels of the group, helping you to build your confidence as you explore complex underground systems and pathways. A session of up to 4 people costs around £170 for a full day and £140 for half a day. You will be provided with all the essential equipment needed such as a helmet, head lamp and a protective suit but be sure to take a pair of comfortable shoes such as trainers-these can be provided at the centre if you need.

The Peak District is famous for being a haven for outdoor pursuit lovers. If you want to experience something thrilling then our list should help you get your adrenaline flowing!

After a hard day's action, why not take it easier with some of the area's other attractions. Check out our listings of camping holidays in the Peak District to find somewhere great to stay, or see our guidelines on wild camping in the park.