Places To Go In And Near Dark Peak

While most visitors to this website are probably serious walkers, climbers and cyclists, it is probable that at sometime you may have some time on your hands to drive somewhere for a relaxing day out, and that is what this page caters for. Of course, however, the places here can also be walked or cycled to.

Hayfield is naturally most famous for the mass tresspass which started from here. If you drive to the car park up Kinder Road towards the reservoir, you can see the plaque on the rock face which marks the exact spot in which the mass tresspass began. Hayfield its self is a small quaint village with few shops but nice pubs and a peaceful and flowery atmosphere in summer. It is very much a backpacking area with walkers everywhere. The number of walkers nowadays is almost equalled by the number of cyclists as there are many superb cycling tracks and a cycle hire shop.

Hayfield is where the A6015 joins the A624 near New Mills. GR 035-870

Castleton is on White Peak but is included here as it is most certainly within short driving distance of Dark Peak, and a great day out if you have kids or are intrigued by history. The main attraction here is Blue John Mines and Peak Mine where you can float through the dimly lit mines on a boat for a spooky but pleasant trip through history. There is Peveril Castle on the hill overlooking the village which is free to anyone game enough for the steep but short walk up to it. The quaint village is very typical of peak district villages which I like to call postcard villages. There are some nice cafes and pubs here and it is pleasant on a sunny day to sit outside them, watching the world go past.

Castleton is on the A625 GR 150-830

Ladybower, is a large picturesque reservoir surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. It is one of the most beautiful parts of High Peak and attracts a lot of visitors. There are footpaths and cycle paths and a cycle hire shop in the parking area. Also there are refreshments, gift shop, and a National Park information centre. With its flat grasslands running alongside the reservoir, it is a perfect picnic spot with breath taking scenery. For walkers there are the starts of many long distance footpaths to high peaks or easy lowland footparhs through everglades. There is an enormous and impressive looking dam that you can walk right up to and it is frightening to imagine the velocity of water being held behind it. Ladybower is a great spot for serious walkers and mountain bikers but also a beautiful spot for picnicers and those after an easy stroll or family day out.

The A57 crosses Ladybower Reservoir but the parking area mentioned with facilities is on the turn off (left if you are heading away from Glossop). GR 170-892

Holmfirth, where Last Of The Summer Wine was filmed, is close to the Yorkshire Derbyshire Border and is a 25 minute drive from Dark Peak. Nice shopping in a nice but busy village environment, with lots of historical sites, as well as landmarks made famous by the tv series Last Of The Summer Wine, such as Sids Cafe and the White Horse pub, both of which Compo and his two friends were frequently thrown out of. You will be treated more friendly I'm sure! It's nice to see that the fame that has been thrust on this village has not spoiled it with tourist flogging, although the landmarks recognisable from the series are pointed out. There is a Last Of The Summer Wine tour bus which takes people around all of the places frequently shown on the tv series.

To get to Holmfirth, head up the A628 past Crowden and fork left onto the A6024 near the reservoirs. This will take you to Holmfirth. GR 140-085 Keep your eye out for a stone bridge set away from the road to your left as you approach the small village of Holme, as this is the bridge so often used in the tv series that you may well recognise!

Some other pla

CRIMEA FARM On Lose Hill. A fiendly non intensive farm with farm trail and rare breeds section and animal feeding area for children. Tel 01433 621082

EYAM MUSEUM Excellent Bubonic Plague display amongst other fascinating things. 10am -4.30pm Tel 01433 631371

EYAM HALL 17th century manor house. Craft centre. Refreshments. Tel 01433 631976

ces worth visiting.

THE OLD BARN OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT AND GIFTS Market Place, Castleton. Tel 01433 620528