Meet the Creators - Jenny Jones

For this instalment of our Meet the Creators series, we head to the rolling hills and hidden valleys of the Peak District to meet Jenny Jones, better known as @peakdistrictwench. A self-confessed weekend maximiser, Jenny balances life behind a desk as a finance business partner with a full-throttle commitment to the outdoors whenever the opportunity arises.

Originally from Yorkshire, Jenny found her way to the Peaks after time spent in the city, drawn by the space, the quiet, and the feeling that there was more to explore just beyond the obvious. What started as a change of pace quickly became something deeper. The Peak District offered not just scenery, but a sense of belonging. A place to switch off, reset, and fully embrace a countryside way of life that now shapes everything she does.

From early mornings feeding animals and collecting eggs to long days hiking, trail running, or heading out with her dogs Ted and Jasper, Jenny’s time outdoors is anything but passive. Add in off-road adventures in her Defender, hands-on maintenance, and a calendar packed with new challenges, and it’s clear her version of countryside living is one built on curiosity, energy, and getting stuck in.

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself, what you do, and how the Peak District
became such a big part of your life?

A. I’m a finance business partner so I am stuck at a desk a lot of the week, making
weekends more so precious to me so I like to fill them to the brim. I’m originally from
Yorkshire but always moved around a bit, after a stint in the city and a few life
changes I opted for the fresh outdoors and always thought the peaks were underrated
and so much I hadn’t explored yet. Having it on my doorstep now means I can step out
into the country so easily and switch off, the peaks really have captured my heart and
soul and allowed me to find myself.

Q. Your name Peak District Wench is pretty iconic. Where did it come from, and what does it represent for you?

A. Including where I’m from means I’m pretty proud of it! It’s the place that really
allowed me to be myself and embrace the countryside personality I have. The word
wench is a little bit of me really, I have a quirky side and like to have a little play on
my Instagram name to have a giggle.

Q. What does a typical day outdoors look like for you? From lacing up boots to heading home with tired legs and a full camera roll.

A. A typical day for me starts with feeding the animals, collecting the eggs and brewing
a coffee. I always like to explore somewhere new on my list and I like a route that is a
loop not a there and back as it gives you a new experience every step of the way. It’s A
bonus and almost a must that the day ends with a pub stop.

Q. What is it about the Peak District that keeps calling you back out, again and again?

A. I think the one thing that appeals to me about the peaks is that its like a little slice of
heaven that you don’t realise is there slapped in the middle of Sheffield and
Manchester. There are so many underrated places that you can head out to that you
end up having to yourself and really appreciate the fresh air and openness.

Q. You’re often out with Ted and Jasper. How do they shape your days outdoors, and who’s the real ringleader of the trio?

A. Jasper is definitely the ring leader, he is an old boy now at 11 but rules the roost in the
home. Ted has just completed his first season beating, which he excelled at, so he
requires a bit more one on one time to train but jaspers more than happy to stay at
home in front of the log fire whilst we do so, as long as he gets his walk along the
canal path first.

Q. You’re hands-on with your Defender and fix it up yourself. What drew you to learning how to work on it, and what does that vehicle mean to your lifestyle?

A. I’ve actually never been a car girly, and I owned a defender when I lived in the city
but it didn’t work out for me, but as soon as I moved to the peaks and saw the amount
that passed me on a daily I was instantly jealous and had a void to fill. I always try and work on it myself as it gives you such a sense of achievement and makes you
appreciate the blood, sweat and a lot of tears that go into it! Not only does it help add
to the countryside image, I love to off road it and take it places you can’t take a
normal car. The community of land rovers and off roading vehicles I have come
across too is amazing.

Q. What’s been your proudest Defender moment so far?

A. My greatest adventure in my defender is definitely a weekend off road trip around
Wales, there are so many great tracks and challenges to tick off and achieve. But I
would say a proud moment is getting from A to B without breaking down!

Q. You pack a lot into your Camera Roll. Country sports, hiking, trail running, cycling, wild camping. What is it about the outdoors that keeps you saying yes to new adventures?

A. And they’re just the tip of the activities I like to do. I don’t have enough weekends in a
year to fill them all in, but I certainly have all the equipment. I’m always happy to try
new things out but I think more so being stuck behind a desk during the week makes
me more determined to be outdoors however so at any moment I get.

Q. If you had to pick one activity that clears your head the fastest, which would it be and why?

A. I’d say beating clears my mind the fastest. My problems disappear and my focus goes
on Teddy the Sprocker. Seeing him work the ground so well and flush out the birds
makes me such a proud dog mum and makes me satisfied of the hard work paying off
to train him.

Q. What does being outdoors give you that nothing else can?

A. Being outdoors gives me the chance to slow down and catch my breath. It gives me a
sense of freedom that’s hard to replicate anywhere else, away from routines and
screens.

Q. What role does clothing play in your outdoor life?

A. Clothing, the right clothing, allows you to stay out longer to play. It can offer the right
protection that lets you enjoy the experience more and now a days offers the option to
look a lot more fashionable in the field.

Q. You recently picked up a pair of our Ladies Nightjar Trousers. If you had to describe them in three words to fellow adventure seekers, what would they be?

A. comfort, warmth and durability

Q. Are there any kit or clothing pieces you consider non-negotiable for your adventures?

A. My dog whistle is number one key when I’m out with the dogs, it’s the best way to get
their attention no matter where or when. And good socks! Theres nothing worse than
your heels rubbing or toes getting cold when you’re having such a great day out.
Anything to keep you going and letting you prolong your day is a must.

Quick Fire – No Overthinking!

Q. Sunrise starts or sunset finishes?
A. sunsets

Q. Solo wander or shared ramble?
A. Solo wander

Q. Wild weather or blue skies?
A. Blue skies

Q. Boots or wellies?
A. boots

Q. Planned route or see where the path leads?
A. Planned route

Q. Camera out or moments just for you?
A. Camera out

Q. What’s next on the horizon for you? Any trips, projects, or Defender upgrades you’re dreaming up.

A. For the defender I’m wanting a gun drawer and dog cage set up in the back (can be
an excuse to get another working dog) I’m already looking forward to next shooting
season, autumns becoming my new favourite season. But I also have a trip to
Australia booked that will be full of adventures like skydiving and snorkelling etc.

Q. And finally. What advice would you give to someone craving a deeper connection
with the outdoors, but not sure where to start?

A. Start small and start close, getting out your front door is the best place to start. Take
in the moments and your surroundings, once you start appreciating the little bits
around you the bigger moments and experiences will be even more breath-taking.
Build that curiosity and you never know where it can lead you.

Jenny's Gallery

Jenny’s approach to the outdoors is simple. Say yes, get out, and make the most of every moment. Whether it’s a solo wander across the Peaks, a day beating with Ted, or a carefully planned loop that ends at a well-earned pub stop, her connection to the countryside is both energising and grounding.

Her go-to New Forest Clothing pieces reflect that same mindset. Reliable, comfortable, and built for long days outside. The Ladies Nightjar Trousers have quickly become a staple. Breathable, durable, and ready for whatever the day throws her way. For Jenny, the right kit isn’t about overthinking it. It’s about staying out longer, going further, and making every adventure count.

You can follow Jenny’s adventures, Defender projects, and life in the Peaks over on Instagram at @peakdistrictwench, where no two weekends ever look quite the same