Happy birthday to the Peak! Apr 17, 2019

Happy birthday to the Peak!

Let"s raise a pint to the Peak. Sixty-eight years ago today, on April 17, 1951, the UK officially created Peak District National Park, the country"s first. The aim was to ensure public access to the open countryside in northern England and protect it from inappropriate development. The 555-square-mile park, located mainly within the county of Derbyshire, has a mix of private and public lands. Within the park boundaries, you"ll find towns, villages, historical sites, and herds of cattle and sheep grazing in the lush hills. About 1,800 miles of hiking trails in the park traverse rolling hills, pastures, and moors. Bonus for the thirsty hiker: The trails also pass by some of the best pubs in England.

© Daniel_Kay/Getty Images Plus

palette

Today in History

Apr 17, 2018The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
Apr 17, 2020It s a ruff life
Apr 17, 2021A river runs through it
Apr 17, 2022Easter
Apr 17, 2023International Haiku Poetry Day
Apr 17, 2024Black bear cub emerging into spring
Apr 17, 2025Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
Apr 17, 2026International Bat Appreciation Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Dec 19, 2018Hezké svátky
Jan 28, 2023The Bahamas as seen from the ISS
Nov 23, 2024Fibonacci Day
May 25, 2020Here we mark the price of freedom
Jul 13, 2019Batten down the hatches
Aug 21, 2020Lobster tales
May 23, 2025World Turtle Day
Jan 24, 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
May 15, 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Jul 23, 2021Let the games (finally) begin!
Oct 22, 2021Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Nov 11, 2021Veterans Day
Sep 25, 2021Autumn comes to the Porcupines
Sep 13, 2023Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, India
Jan 12, 2023Rumelihisarı in Istanbul, Türkiye
Aug 18, 2025Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York
Feb 14, 2021An oceanic valentine
Feb 17, 2020Happy Presidents Day
Jan 15, 2019A personal collection becomes an institution
Jun 24, 2025Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Dec 9, 2025National Llama Day
Mar 26, 2018The Unfinished Obelisk near Aswan, Egypt
May 17, 2020My my, it s Syttende Mai
Mar 5, 2023Cherry blossom season in Tokyo
Aug 20, 2023International Lighthouse Weekend
Jan 12, 2019Sailing across the ice
May 17, 2024Endangered Species Day
Oct 14, 2019Canadian Thanksgiving
Oct 6, 2018A bite of ancient history