Members of RAF 617 Squadron, the "Dambusters," famously practised for their World War II raids on German dams at which series of reservoirs in the High Peak?

A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana, a hidden gem on Albion Road in New Mills, has been crowned Best Pasta Restaurant in the UK at the 2026 Italian Awards.

Founded by acclaimed Sicilian chef Alessio Muccio, A Tavola serves handmade pasta, gelato, pastries, and cakes using traditional Sicilian recipes and imported ingredients.

The restaurant’s intimate, artefact-filled interior transports diners straight to the Mediterranean, offering a personal and authentic experience.

This quiet spot in the High Peak has achieved national attention, with major media outlets highlighting New Mills as a new foodie destination.

A Tavola’s recognition puts the spotlight on New Mills, already beloved for its dramatic gorges, independent shops, and thriving community spirit.

For local residents and Peak District visitors alike, securing a table here has quickly become a top culinary priority.

A bold new public transport initiative in the Hope Valley has secured £6 million in government funding, marking an exciting shift for rural mobility in the UK.

The scheme, inspired by Switzerland’s world-leading rural transit, will seamlessly link bus and rail services on the Hope Valley line with an intuitive, integrated ticketing system.

Buses and trains will run on regular, clock-face timetables, making travel simpler for both residents and visitors without the need for major construction.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and the EMCCA will oversee delivery, alongside extra support from local funding settlements.

The Hope Valley project aims to address car reliance and visitor congestion, connecting Manchester and Sheffield households directly to the Peak District National Park.

First improvements may appear before 2026 ends, with the five-year pilot offering a model for rural transport nationwide if successful.

A major appeal for Government funding to address landslip damage on Snake Pass has been largely rejected, leaving Derbyshire County Council and the East Midlands Combined County Authority to tackle repairs with limited resources.

Snake Pass (A57) is a vital 23-mile route across the Pennines between Manchester and Sheffield, used by more than 30,000 vehicles weekly, but it faces ongoing disruption from four major landslips, including the costly Alport slip.

Officials warn that only temporary fixes are possible within current budgets, with repair needs now surfacing every few months instead of years due to extreme weather linked to climate change.

Despite highway budgets rising, officials say this still falls short of the hundreds of millions needed just for Snake Pass, putting all other county roads at risk if diverted.

Local mayors are pushing for national support, arguing it’s an essential route for three regions, but the Government insists maintenance remains Derbyshire’s responsibility.

Comedy fans in High Peak have something special to look forward to this July, as Den of Laughs launches its first full venue at Buxton Fringe.

Over two weekends (11–12 and 18–19 July 2026), the Lee Wood Hotel will transform into a buzzing hub, offering 46 shows in two accessible 40-seat rooms – with a flexible, drop-in format that lets audiences plan ahead or just turn up on the day.

The line-up showcases stand-up, improv, musical comedy, clowning, and panel shows, with acts ranging from seasoned headliners to rising stars.

Local excitement builds around comedians such as Dawn Bailey (“the female Peter Kay”), Charlie Lewis with viral show Hungry!, Stephen Catling (award-winner), and Enrico Touché, known for circus-infused comedy.

Tickets range from £5–£12, with many concessions and full wheelchair access, making this one of the most inclusive Fringe venues.

Buxton Fringe runs 8–26 July, parallel to the Buxton International Festival.

Wildfires are an escalating threat in the Peak District, with local moorlands uniquely at risk.

Unlike the dramatic blazes seen in California or Australia, fires here often burn in deep layers of peat—ancient, waterlogged plant material that can smoulder underground for weeks and is extremely hard to put out.

Once peat dries due to overgrazing, pollution, drainage, and climate change, it becomes highly flammable.

Longer, drier spells and sudden rainstorms linked to climate change are raising wildfire risks, with over 30 moorland fires reported since March 2025 alone.

Most fires start accidentally—careless use of disposable barbecues, campfires, dropped cigarettes, and even glass bottles.

Strict bans are in force on all fires and barbecues in the National Park.

For safety, use only camping stoves and report any fire to emergency services with accurate location info.

The BMC’s Wildfire Appeal supports peatland restoration and ranger patrols to protect these precious moors.

Golden Dragon, Chapel-en-le-Frith

The Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs - Howden, Derwent, and Ladybower. Their towering dam walls and deep valleys provided the perfect training ground for the secret mission