High Peak

High Peak is an administrative district in Derbyshire covering a plateau landscape with open moorland, valleys, and stone-built villages scattered throughout. The area spans from lowland towns like Buxton and Glossop to wild upland terrain where heather and grassland dominate.

The district was created in 1974 by joining six separate administrative areas that had operated independently for generations. This reorganization brought together established centers of textile manufacturing and mining into one unified local authority.

The district reflects its working heritage through textile mills, quarries, and stone-built settlements that shape how communities developed and connect today. Walking through villages and towns, you encounter architecture and local traditions that grew from these industries and remain visible in daily life.

Two main administrative centers in Buxton and Glossop serve different parts of the district, making it easy to find local services depending on which area you are visiting. Roads connecting towns and villages are generally good, though remote moorland areas can be harder to reach and exploring by car is often practical.

The area includes Kinder Scout, the highest point in Derbyshire at over 600 meters, drawing walkers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. This prominent peak stands as a landmark for the entire Peak District and carries historical importance for the right to roam movement that shaped modern outdoor access.

Location: Derbyshire

Inception: April 1, 1974

Capital city: Buxton

Shares border with: Derbyshire Dales, Stockport

Website: http://highpeak.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.35000,-1.85000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:50