Plan your trip

GETTING THERE

The village of Hartington makes the perfect base for this weekend, 10 miles southeast of Buxton and inbetween the hill and dale walks. High Peak 442 runs from Buxton, which has a train station, to Ashbourne via Hartington (at least seven a day, Mon to Sat). The bus also stops at Earl Sterndale,

mile east of Parkhouse Hill.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at YHA Hartington Hall (0345 371 9740, www.yha.org.uk/ hostel/yha-hartington-hall) in an Elizabethan manor house up the hill on the edge of the village. Think casement windows, oak panelling, flagstone floors and huge log fires, with comfy dorms (from £13pn) and private rooms (from £25pn), self-catering kitchen and dining room, free wifi and drying room in case the winter weather turns. Alternatively, Parsons House (01298 84801) is a quirkily restored B&B with top reviews for its owner, breakfasts (including breakfast trifle!) and decor.

WHERE TO EAT

Eliza’s Restaurant at YHA Hartington Hall serves cooked breakfasts, dinners like pepperoni pizza (£9.25), meatballs (£8) and falafel burgers (£8), and can pack a lunch for you too. The Village Store ( www.thevillagestoreshartington.com) has a tasty line in picnic fodder – and coffee – with a scrumptious range of dairy at the Old Cheese Shop ( www. hartingtoncheeseshop.co.uk) and highly-rated scones at Hartington Farm Shop ( www.facebook.comhartingtonfarmshopandcafe). Two pubs in the village for dinner – The Devonshire Arms (01298 84232, www.devonshirearms.co.uk) is a cosy spot with a recent change of management, and the Charles Cotton Hotel (01298 84229, www.charlescotton.co.uk).

MORE INFORMATION

See www.visitpeakdistrict.com or call Buxton information centre on 01298 25106.