The author's love of interesting and colourful story is linked to the natural and manmade features of the area, highlighting the quirky and unusual places and points of interest off the beaten tourist track, from dales to abandoned mills, historical ruins, strange follies and irresistible pubs. Connect with the people who work and live in the national park through first-hand accounts of their experiences, and discover great places to cook, eat and drink, with a focus on tasty, local and good quality food in atmospheric venues and locations. An emphasis on car-free travel throws up a range of options: walking, cycling, boating, buses and trains - and some more unusual modes of transport as part of the sightseeing experience. From the characterful mill towns of Holmfirth, Marsden and Uppermill on its northern fringes, to the historic stone-built settlements that lie the heart of the national park; from the elegant Spa town of Buxton to the colourful market towns of Matlock, Ashbourne and Leek in the south, the Peak District is filled with story and history - and great beauty. Helen Moat has won, or been placed in, numerous travel writing competitions and has a passion for, and extensive knowledge of, the Peak District. She now works as a freelance travel writer, contributing to regional and national publications such as Derbyshire Life, Wanderlust and BBC Countryfile.