"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority".
-William Westmoreland A lesser known area of England to many Americans visiting for the first time is Dovedale, in the Peak District National Park.
This incidentally was Britain's first national park, established in 1951.
Dovedale is a popular destination for many thousands of Brits each year.
A renowned natural beauty spot for its spectacular views, fresh water trout fishing along the river and amazing limestone rock formations and caves throughout the area.
Dovedale attracts avid walkers from all over the world, but still strangely manages to elude many Americans that are visiting England.
Being American and having lived in England for better than 12 years, after one has seen the sights of London, I definitely recommend visiting Dovedale, Derbyshire in the East Midlands.
The majority of visitors to Dovedale are from the larger cities in the UK and Europe, looking to escape to the English countryside.
Walks are a real pleasure, as it is a protected conservation area of unspoilt beauty.
The whole dale system of the Dove valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology flora and fauna.
Dovedale Wood is one of the best Ash woods in the country and home to many varieties of British wildlife and wildflowers.
Whether you've come for a long walk into one of Britain's finest national parks or just prefer to climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud for an afternoon picnic, there's something for everyone here.
The village of Milldale is just down the River Dove and has some beautifully old stone cottages dating back to the early1700's.
Hillside surrounds this quaint little village which is completely hidden from the modern world.
As with most countryside walks in England, there is always a country pub at the end of the trail, where you can put your feet up and have a rest with a chilled pint of fine English ale.
Life doesn't get any better.
Just outside of the village of Thorpe, lies another fine attraction for cyclers and walkers.
"The Tissington Trail" was originally the trackbed of the Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, opened in 1899.
It once carried express trains from Manchester to London.
Following the closure of the line the 1960's, it was decided to remove the trackbed and turn the line into a trail for the benefit of walkers, cyclists and horseback riders.
This experimental scheme was the first of its type in the country.
It has been a great success and is now enjoyed by the public all year around.
During all the seasons of the year you'll be able to admire beautiful scenery all along the trail.
In spring and summer, wildflowers are found in abundance along the trail and wildlife is plentiful at any time.
The stately homes of Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Kedleston Hall are all within a short distance from Dovedale as well.
Their magnificent architecture and well manicured gardens with beautiful statuary and large water features are truly spectacular.