Walk this way to beat the crowds
WITH uncertainty surrounding foreign holidays, Derbyshire is still proving a popular destination, with more people taking to the hills than the skies.
But that means popular wellknown routes, such as those around Dovedale and Carsington, have been heaving.
To escape the crowds and discover some lesser-known treks, Peak Walking Adventures guide Richard Tower has these ideas to stretch your legs without exhausting your budget complete with suggestions for a wellearned cuppa or pint at the end.
Some are a little more off the beaten track. “You could describe them as a walk on the wilder side,” said Richard, who lives near Ashbourne. “They’re quieter than Dovedale and Carsington because they’re up in the hills.
“There’s plenty to do. Check the weather before you go and dress accordingly with stout, grippy footwear, taking plenty of water.
“Follow the Countryside Code, taking your litter home with you. Most of all, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air of our lovely Peak District.”
FIND A QUIET CORNER
Hotspots will be hotter than ever this
year; Carsington Water has so many attractions and a “round of the res” by bike, on foot, or by mobility scooter is well worth it.
But the surrounding hills are quiet if you want to get away. Nearby, the old mining villages of Brassington and Carsington are linked by an old path with stunning views, 300ft above the reservoir – an hour’s walk with pubs for lunch, drinks or ice creams. Try any of the following: The Miners Arms, Carsington, The Miners Arms, Brassington or The Olde Gate Inne, Brassington.
BE KEIRA KNIGHTLEY!
Derbyshire has been centre-stage in the so-called “battle of the bodices”, providing narrative settings in the Hope Valley for Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
You can walk from Hathersage on to the magnificent Stanage Edge and take a picture from “Keira Knightley” rock.
This is the stunning viewpoint where the actress, playing Lizzie Bennett, dreamed of Mr Darcy in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice.
Look out in the distance for the 200ft fountain at Chatsworth House down the valley (Darcy’s fictional home). Pride and Prejudice is showing in the grounds and you can book the film at The Luna Cinema, Chatsworth.
VISIT THE PLAGUE VILLAGE
Every Derbyshire village has a story to tell, often related to farming, mining, or community traditions such as well dressings.
Richard’s favourite is Eyam, the
plague village of 1666, where the community went into lockdown after a bolt of fabric from London carried fleas and infected local people with bubonic plague.
See the house where the infection started, visit the Riley Graves where one woman buried her whole family. You could head up to the Barrel Inn at Bretton and take a stroll up Sir William Hill - good food and great views abound here.
WALK THE MASS TRESPASS
Walk the Mass Trespass route following the footsteps of the 500 protesters who scaled Derbyshire’s 2,000ft plateau, Kinder Scout, in 1932, to fight for public access onto private land.
This is a steep walk (a guide is recommended unless you are an experienced walker) with stunning views from Kinder Downfall, a 100ft-high waterfall. It’s a poignant moment to celebrate public access in the Peak District as the “People’s Park” celebrates its 70th birthday.
Hayfield begins and ends your “trespass”, a picturesque village mentioned in the Doomsday Book and birthplace of Captain Mainwaring from Dad’s Army (you pass Arthur Lowe’s house). Finish with a pint at The Royal, an 18th Century coaching Inn with great local ales.
VISIT THE BLEAKLOW BOMBER
Peak Moorland has been an unhappy landing for more than 150 planes; many are wrecks from WW2. A tragic but impressive wreck on Bleaklow is the B29 Superfortress “Overexposed”.
The US Air Force bomber crashed in mist, in 1948, killing all 13 on board and leaving a trail of engines, wings, and undercarriage as a sad memorial. Inexperienced walkers can get lost in mist here, so a guide to the site is recommended.
A full day’s walk from Glossop or half-day from the summit of Snake Pass (good for family guided walks), this trip offers wilderness too, with mountain hares, purple heather, and dramatic views over deep cloughs, towards the distant Welsh hills.
If you have time to spare, drive down the A57 and visit the Derwent Visitor Centre for a cuppa and ice cream, or hire a cycle for a trafficfree ride through woodland along the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.
TAKE THE TRAIN
Finding a parking space at peak times can be stressful, time consuming, and expensive. Have you thought about taking a train?
At one hour, 15 minutes from Derby, Edale railway station is in the heart of the Hope Valley among big hills. The landscape is more scenic by rail than by road.
From here, keen walkers and families can walk along the Great Ridge, via the stunning summit of Mam Tor, to Hope.
Hop back on the train and head home without the hassle of parking, knowing you’ve done your bit to reduce your carbon footprint.
From Duffield Station, (seven minutes from Derby Station and 46 from Nottingham), why not walk up the beautiful Ecclesbourne Way? The route passes stations on the wonderfully restored Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
Pick your timing and you can catch a steam train back to Duffield from the terminus at Wirksworth.
Wirksworth is also a gem. Walk up to the family/dog-friendly National Stone Centre with its Blue Lagoon Cafe, all close to the High Peak Trail (a former “trans-peak” railway line with cycle hire).
Le Mistral restaurant also offers great food and good service.
GUIDED WALKS
If you don’t fancy doing it yourself (or don’t have experience in the hills), you can join a guided walk, from under £40 a day, with a chance to learn about the rural landscapes, their history and to enjoy the best views away from the crowds.
For more information, visit peakwalking.com