An adventure in the Peak District: climbing rocks amidst the midges

This weekend we ventured into the lovely city of Sheffield and to the stunning Peak District for a two day outdoor exploration, eager to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and experience nature up close. Armed with sturdy boots and a sense of adventure, we set off on our hike, excited for the day ahead. In the above video I try to capture the whole experience, but videos just don’t give justice for the natures beauty.

Sheffield was nice, but the true diamond of this trip was the Peak District. As we began our ascent, the views opened up into rolling hills and rugged cliffs. The air was fresh and invigorating, making every step feel like a breath of nature’s beauty. The rocky outcrops in the area looked both daunting and inviting, so we decided to challenge ourselves by climbing a few of them. Scrambling up the rocks was exhilarating! Each climb revealed a new perspective on the magnificent scenery, with sweeping vistas stretching out in every direction.

However, as we climbed higher, we noticed a slight irritation: a swarm of midges had decided to join our adventure. These tiny flying nuisances were relentless, buzzing around our heads and making us swat our arms in an ongoing battle for comfort. While they put a slight damper on our hike, we couldn’t let them ruin our enjoyment of this beautiful landscape.

We took a moment to pause and appreciate our surroundings as we reached a rocky outcrop high above the valley. The sight was worth every pesky midge—before us lay untouched landscapes dotted with ancient stone walls, the patchwork of fields below celebrating the beauty of rural life. It was a reminder of why we ventured out to the Peak District in the first place: nature’s incredible ability to inspire and uplift.

After some much-needed water and a granola bar (and a few more swats at the midges), we continued our exploration, carefully navigating the rocky terrain and taking in the sights. Our laughter echoed off the cliffs, and while we were met with a few more buzzing companions, our spirits remained high.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a soft glow over the craggy peaks, we knew it was time to descend. The midge brigade seemed to thin out as the evening approached, giving us a much-appreciated break for the way down.

Our day in the Peak District was brimming with adventure, camaraderie, and of course, a few frustrations from those pesky midges. But in the grand scheme of things, it was a beautiful reminder of the joys of getting outdoors and embracing every moment, no matter how small—or buzzing!

If you’re planning a visit to the Peak District, remember to bring midge repellent and take time to truly connect with the stunning nature around you. After all, a few bugs are just a small part of the adventure!

Please click on the photos below to enlarge them and scroll through the gallery.