Roly Smith
Outdoor writer & editor
Recently described as “one of Britain’s most knowledgeable countryside writers”, Roly Smith is a freelance writer and editor, and the award-winning author of over 90 books on walking and the British countryside. He is vice president and honorary life member of the Outdoor Writers’ and Photographers’ Guild, a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Roly enjoyed a 20-year career in daily paper journalism before he became Head of Information Services for the Peak District National Park, where he became widely known as ‘Mr Peak District’. His greatest passions are history, conservation and access to the countryside.
Recent articles by Roly Smith
He falsely claimed an Indigenous identity to gain fame in America, despite being from the UK: Should he be remembered as a fraud or a conservation hero?
He was a Native American trapper-turned-conservationist, who helped to save the beaver from extinction. Or was he? Roly Smith tracks down the unlikely true story of Archibald Belaney
10 fairytale villages of the Peak District to visit right now
Explore the Peak District National Park’s prettiest and most fascinating villages, from the home of Stilton cheese and the delicious Bakewell tart to the start point of the epic Pennine Way.
Starling murmuration guide: why and when they happen and best places to see one in the UK
What is a murmuration and when do they happen? Our expert guide explains the science behind starling murmurations and the best places to see them in the UK.
Ghost villages: 10 eerie deserted settlements from centuries past
Explore 10 deserted villages, that were filled with life centuries ago
John Muir: Meet the Scottish visionary environmentalist who transformed America's wilderness
Scottish-born environmentalist, naturalist, author and glaciologist John Muir was one of the world’s earliest and most influential conservationists. Find out more about his remarkable life in our historic guide to John Muir.
Hayfield guide: pub, walks and the iconic Mass Trespass
These days, most people know Hayfield for its cosy pub – The Pack Horse. But did you know, this pretty Peak District village was also the site of one of the most famous protests in British history?
Edale guide: visit the moorland village in the heart of Hope Valley
Looking for things to do in the Peak District village of Edale? From the Nag's Head pub to the charming Victorian Holy Trinity Parish Church, here are our must-visit spots...
Hathersage guide: visit the village that inspired Charlotte Brontë's greatest novel
Hathersage was thought to be the inspiration for the fictional town of Morton in 'Jane Eyre', as well as the last resting place of Robin Hood’s loyal henchman, Little John. Visit this quiet corner of the Peak District with our village guide.
Hartington guide: the Tudor mansion and the cheese shop in the midst of a gorgeous English vale
YHA Hartington Hall and Hartington Cheese Shop are just two of many must-visit sites in this pretty Peak District market town in the heart of England.
Tissington guide: visit an elegant Jacobean manor house and cycle the scenic Tissington Trail
Planning a visit to the Peak District village of Tissington? Our quick guide reveals the best things to see and do, including a visit to Tissington Hall and a day out on the famous Tissington Trail.
Ashford in the Water guide: discover the Bull's Head pub, walks and the medieval Sheepwash Bridge
Visit Ashford in the Water in the Peak District and explore the 13th-century church, medieval Sheepwash Bridge and the delightful Bull's Head pub.
Eyam guide: visit the charming English village with a harrowing past
The Peak District village of Eyam was the site of “the greatest epic in the annals of rural life”. Learn about what happened when the bubonic plague struck in the 17th century and what visitors can do in the village today.
Bakewell guide: visit the home of the famous English tart
Find out the best things to do in Bakewell, which pubs and hotels to visit, and where to sample the original Bakewell tart.
Tideswell guide: walks, hotels and the awe-inspiring Cathedral of the Peak
Planning a visit to Tideswell in the Peak District? Find out the best places to eat, drink, stay and walk with our quick visitor's guide
Castleton guide: pubs, things to do and how to visit the mysterious caves of Blue John Cavern
Discover one of the quaintest villages in Britain with our visitor's guide to Castleton, which includes the best caves to visit, places to eat, drink and stay, and where to walk.
Arbor Low walk, Peak District
Visit the mysterious 'Stonehenge of the North' – a 4,000-year-old circular earthwork and ditch with 50 fallen limestone monoliths – on this easy, 5.5-mile walk from the pretty limestone village of Monyash in the Peak District
Best walks on the Pennine Way
The Pennine Way weaves through some of northern England's most stunning uplands. Learn all about this famous National Trail, including history, the route and some of the best hikes along the way, with our walkers' guide to the Pennine Way
Walk: Denny Wood, Hampshire
An easy three-mile walk into the glorious and historic New Forest National Park
Derwent Reservoir and Ladybower Reservoir walk, Derbyshire
The reservoirs of the Peak District’s Upper Derwent Valley played a key role in the most famous bombing raid of the Second World War – today they are popular and peaceful spots, best explored on foot with a six-mile walk.
Walk: Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Explore the burial grounds of Anglo-Saxon royalty at Sutton Hoo and unlock more stories of its past thanks to exhibitions, walking trails and installations
Day out: Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
Visit a North Yorkshire coastal village recently voted as having the best beach in Britain
Walk: Sutton Park, West Midlands
Finds signs of spring in Sutton Park nature reserve – one of Birmingham’s great breathing spaces
Walk: Rough Tor, Devil’s Tor and Beardown Tors, Devon
Head out on an undulating moorland walk to some of southern England’s most remote hilltops
Walk: Bakewell to Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Stroll for seven miles among the ponds and pasture of Chatsworth's parkland on the eastern borders of the Peak District National Park