In Edale
Edale is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with exceptional walking, mountain and road biking, pony trekking, hang gliding and climbing available from the door.
Perhaps most famous as a walking location and as the start of the Pennine Way, Britains first long distance footpath, Edale offers a large range of walks from gentle valley bottom strolls to all day excursions on the rough moorland of Kinder.
The crags above Edale offer many Gritstone climbing routes however nearby Stanage is a world renowned climbing venue.
Many of Britain's finest road cyclists can be seen training on the country lanes and gruelling climbs around Edale. Team Sky are based in Manchester and are often seen here.
Recently we were joined by film crews as the BBC shot it's new period drama "The Village" in and around the Edale valley.
Edale village has a population of around three hundred spread across the valley in the five 'booths' or hamlets. The largest of these is Grindsbrook Booth where Belmont House is situated, near to the two local pubs and the station. Edale village hosts a calendar of local events, ranging from the autumn beer-barrel carrying fell race to our annual summer country day.
Considering its small size, Edale is lucky enough to have two cafes (Newfold Farm Café which is fully licensed and offers excellent local dishes along with local wines and ales, and The Penny Pot Cafe which operates more as a takeaway) and two pubs (The Rambler Inn and The Nags Head). Both pubs serve food all day long with pleasant outside seating areas for sunny days. There is also a General Store selling a wide range of food, alcohol and essential items.
The Moorland Centre, just down the road, is useful for local information, walking routes, souvenirs and some camping supplies. There are also some interactive displays on the local wildlife and flora. http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/visitor-centres/edale
Edale Wood Fired Pizza Company operates from Newfold Farm. It was set up in 2015 by a local couple and serves delicious freshly made pizzas from their mobile oven during weekends in season. http://www.edalewoodfiredpizza.com/about.html
Lisa Daniels Photography - Whether walking the hills or relaxing in the bird filled garden, an option to consider is our local photographer Lisa Daniels who can capture your time spent in Edale on film. The breathtaking scenery of Edale provides a magnificent, and timeless, backdrop for family portraits. Lisa uses the stunning Hope Valley as her own ‘open air studio’. A walk through the countryside creates a comfortable environment for family and friends to relax and to soon forget about ‘the camera’ and she becomes the unobtrusive collector of treasured moments.
From 2 hour ‘Welly Walks’ to bespoke packages, we recommend Lisa to capture those memories that make the best souvenirs. www.lisadanielsphotography.co.uk or 01433 670181.
Perhaps most famous as a walking location and as the start of the Pennine Way, Britains first long distance footpath, Edale offers a large range of walks from gentle valley bottom strolls to all day excursions on the rough moorland of Kinder.
The crags above Edale offer many Gritstone climbing routes however nearby Stanage is a world renowned climbing venue.
Many of Britain's finest road cyclists can be seen training on the country lanes and gruelling climbs around Edale. Team Sky are based in Manchester and are often seen here.
Recently we were joined by film crews as the BBC shot it's new period drama "The Village" in and around the Edale valley.
Edale village has a population of around three hundred spread across the valley in the five 'booths' or hamlets. The largest of these is Grindsbrook Booth where Belmont House is situated, near to the two local pubs and the station. Edale village hosts a calendar of local events, ranging from the autumn beer-barrel carrying fell race to our annual summer country day.
Considering its small size, Edale is lucky enough to have two cafes (Newfold Farm Café which is fully licensed and offers excellent local dishes along with local wines and ales, and The Penny Pot Cafe which operates more as a takeaway) and two pubs (The Rambler Inn and The Nags Head). Both pubs serve food all day long with pleasant outside seating areas for sunny days. There is also a General Store selling a wide range of food, alcohol and essential items.
The Moorland Centre, just down the road, is useful for local information, walking routes, souvenirs and some camping supplies. There are also some interactive displays on the local wildlife and flora. http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/visitor-centres/edale
Edale Wood Fired Pizza Company operates from Newfold Farm. It was set up in 2015 by a local couple and serves delicious freshly made pizzas from their mobile oven during weekends in season. http://www.edalewoodfiredpizza.com/about.html
Lisa Daniels Photography - Whether walking the hills or relaxing in the bird filled garden, an option to consider is our local photographer Lisa Daniels who can capture your time spent in Edale on film. The breathtaking scenery of Edale provides a magnificent, and timeless, backdrop for family portraits. Lisa uses the stunning Hope Valley as her own ‘open air studio’. A walk through the countryside creates a comfortable environment for family and friends to relax and to soon forget about ‘the camera’ and she becomes the unobtrusive collector of treasured moments.
From 2 hour ‘Welly Walks’ to bespoke packages, we recommend Lisa to capture those memories that make the best souvenirs. www.lisadanielsphotography.co.uk or 01433 670181.
Close By
Castleton
Castleton is an attractive village close to Edale with some lovely cafes, pubs and local souvenir shops (with a focus on Blue John stone). A walk over to Castleton from Edale via Hollins Cross makes a nice morning or afternoon activity. Within Castleton it is worth visiting at least one of the caverns and taking a trip up to Peveril Castle, which gives the village its name.
Driving to Castleton from Edale we recommend taking Winnat’s Pass (get there by exiting the Edale Valley via Mam Tor and turning left). This is a spectacular road winding through a steep valley.
The Castleton Caverns:
http://www.bluejohnstone.com
http://www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk
Peveril Castle
This ruined 11th century castle sits on the hill overlooking Castleton and is in the care of English Heritage. The panoramic views from the castle are breathtaking.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/peveril-castle/
Hathersage and around
Hathersage is a pretty village on the way to Sheffield with famous connections to Robin Hood (Little John’s grave can be found in the churchyard) and Jane Eyre.
Charlotte Bronte visited Hathersage in 1845 and used it as the 'Norton' of the story 'Jane Eyre' - taking the heroine's surname from the local family. She also used North Lees Hall, an Elizabethan manor house 2km north of Hathersage as the house where Mrs Rochester jumped from the roof to her death.
Hathersage is a 20-minute drive or ten minutes on the train from Edale. There are some excellent places to eat here (we recommend Hathersage Deli and the Social Club), as well as great walks to spectacular Stanage Edge (also a favourite with climbers) and the David Mellor cutlery museum.
Hathersage Lido
As a village with less than 2000 inhabitants Hathersage is unusual to have its own large public outdoor pool. The lido was first opened in the 1920s and is still a wonderful place to swim and relax. Worth a trip on a hot sunny day, although it can get busy. The pool is heated to 82°F (28°c), has hot poolside showers, lawns and views of Stanage Edge, Hathersage Church and the surrounding hills.
http://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk
Stanage Edge
This long gritstone cliff gives incredible views. Walks along or climbs up Stanage Edge come highly recommended and it is best accessed from Hathersage.
http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/stanage-and-north-lees
David Mellor Design Museum
David Mellor was one of England’s finest manufacturers and designers of modern cutlery, kitchen knives, tableware and kitchenware. His work is now continued by his son, Corin Mellor. Visit the extraordinary factory, exquisite kitchen shop and very good café.
http://www.davidmellordesign.com/visitor-centre/
The Longshaw Estate
This National Trust estate is a ten-minute drive out of Hathersage towards Sheffield. There are some beautiful walks around the estate and on to Burbage Edge (another spectacular gritstone cliff). Walks here do not rival those on our doorstep in Edale, but Longshaw does have regular events on for children, such as its annual Easter egg hunt, and has a collection of trees with boggart homes carved in to them that are fun for children to see. It’s worth checking on the National Trust website to see if anything is on during your stay.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors
Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower and its connecting reservoirs, Howden and Upper Derwent, are great for cycling and walking. There is a car park, visitors centre and café at Fairholmes next to one of the impressive Victorian dams. This dam was used in the second world war by the famous ‘dambuster’ Lancaster bomber pilots to practice their bombing runs. The Derwent Valley Museum is housed in one of the dam turrets and tells the history of the reservoir and the story of the Dambusters connection to it. It is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 10am to 4pm.
http://www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/ladybower.htm
http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/visitor-centres/derwent
Eyam
The ‘plague village’ is a half hour drive from Edale. In 1665 a tailor from Eyam ordered a bale of cloth from London to make up into clothes for the villagers, unwittingly triggering a chain of events that led to 260 Eyam villagers dying from bubonic plague – more than double the mortality rate suffered by the citizens of London in the Great Plague. Between the first death and the last, the villagers set an extraordinary and enduring example of self-sacrifice by sealing off the village from the surrounding areas to prevent the disease spreading. Visit the museum, National Trust’s Eyam Hall and the cemetery.
http://www.eyamplaguevillage.co.uk
http://www.eyam-museum.org.uk
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eyam-hall-and-craft-centre
The Chestnut Centre Otter and Owl Wildlife Park
Only a ten-minute drive from Edale over Mam Tor towards Chapel en le Frith, the Chestnut Centre is worth a visit, particularly with children. The centre is home is many different species of owl, otters and other wildlife and is pleasant to walk around. It is all outside though so not worth visiting on a rainy day.
http://www.chestnutcentre.co.uk
Castleton is an attractive village close to Edale with some lovely cafes, pubs and local souvenir shops (with a focus on Blue John stone). A walk over to Castleton from Edale via Hollins Cross makes a nice morning or afternoon activity. Within Castleton it is worth visiting at least one of the caverns and taking a trip up to Peveril Castle, which gives the village its name.
Driving to Castleton from Edale we recommend taking Winnat’s Pass (get there by exiting the Edale Valley via Mam Tor and turning left). This is a spectacular road winding through a steep valley.
The Castleton Caverns:
- Peak Cavern (‘The Devil’s Arse’) – An ancient community of rope makes lived in the entrance to Peak Cavern, the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles, for over 400 years. The rope they made was used in the lead mines nearby. The cave network heading from this is famous for its unusual flowstone and stalactite formations. The acoustics of the great cave and the noise of the water flowing in the river going through it gave this cavern network it’s local nickname. Guided tours are available (Queen Victoria herself made a special visit) and rope making demonstrations happen regularly. In winter there is a wonderful carol concert at the cave’s entrance, which is worth going to. There are also usually events on or around Halloween.
- Speedwell Cavern – You can explore this 200 year old lead mine by underground boat. The mine opens out into a network of natural caverns and underground rivers with a huge subterranean lake and the ‘Titan’, the tallest known cave in Britain.
- Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern – Lead miners discovered Derbyshire Blue John in the 18th century, although it is thought the Romans originally found it. Blue John is a fluorspar mineral unique to the Peak District, and is famous throughout the world. It is a decorative stone with blue-black to white banding and is mined only in two places, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Mine, both in Castleton and separately open to the public.
http://www.bluejohnstone.com
http://www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk
Peveril Castle
This ruined 11th century castle sits on the hill overlooking Castleton and is in the care of English Heritage. The panoramic views from the castle are breathtaking.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/peveril-castle/
Hathersage and around
Hathersage is a pretty village on the way to Sheffield with famous connections to Robin Hood (Little John’s grave can be found in the churchyard) and Jane Eyre.
Charlotte Bronte visited Hathersage in 1845 and used it as the 'Norton' of the story 'Jane Eyre' - taking the heroine's surname from the local family. She also used North Lees Hall, an Elizabethan manor house 2km north of Hathersage as the house where Mrs Rochester jumped from the roof to her death.
Hathersage is a 20-minute drive or ten minutes on the train from Edale. There are some excellent places to eat here (we recommend Hathersage Deli and the Social Club), as well as great walks to spectacular Stanage Edge (also a favourite with climbers) and the David Mellor cutlery museum.
Hathersage Lido
As a village with less than 2000 inhabitants Hathersage is unusual to have its own large public outdoor pool. The lido was first opened in the 1920s and is still a wonderful place to swim and relax. Worth a trip on a hot sunny day, although it can get busy. The pool is heated to 82°F (28°c), has hot poolside showers, lawns and views of Stanage Edge, Hathersage Church and the surrounding hills.
http://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk
Stanage Edge
This long gritstone cliff gives incredible views. Walks along or climbs up Stanage Edge come highly recommended and it is best accessed from Hathersage.
http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/stanage-and-north-lees
David Mellor Design Museum
David Mellor was one of England’s finest manufacturers and designers of modern cutlery, kitchen knives, tableware and kitchenware. His work is now continued by his son, Corin Mellor. Visit the extraordinary factory, exquisite kitchen shop and very good café.
http://www.davidmellordesign.com/visitor-centre/
The Longshaw Estate
This National Trust estate is a ten-minute drive out of Hathersage towards Sheffield. There are some beautiful walks around the estate and on to Burbage Edge (another spectacular gritstone cliff). Walks here do not rival those on our doorstep in Edale, but Longshaw does have regular events on for children, such as its annual Easter egg hunt, and has a collection of trees with boggart homes carved in to them that are fun for children to see. It’s worth checking on the National Trust website to see if anything is on during your stay.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors
Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower and its connecting reservoirs, Howden and Upper Derwent, are great for cycling and walking. There is a car park, visitors centre and café at Fairholmes next to one of the impressive Victorian dams. This dam was used in the second world war by the famous ‘dambuster’ Lancaster bomber pilots to practice their bombing runs. The Derwent Valley Museum is housed in one of the dam turrets and tells the history of the reservoir and the story of the Dambusters connection to it. It is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 10am to 4pm.
http://www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/ladybower.htm
http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/visitor-centres/derwent
Eyam
The ‘plague village’ is a half hour drive from Edale. In 1665 a tailor from Eyam ordered a bale of cloth from London to make up into clothes for the villagers, unwittingly triggering a chain of events that led to 260 Eyam villagers dying from bubonic plague – more than double the mortality rate suffered by the citizens of London in the Great Plague. Between the first death and the last, the villagers set an extraordinary and enduring example of self-sacrifice by sealing off the village from the surrounding areas to prevent the disease spreading. Visit the museum, National Trust’s Eyam Hall and the cemetery.
http://www.eyamplaguevillage.co.uk
http://www.eyam-museum.org.uk
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eyam-hall-and-craft-centre
The Chestnut Centre Otter and Owl Wildlife Park
Only a ten-minute drive from Edale over Mam Tor towards Chapel en le Frith, the Chestnut Centre is worth a visit, particularly with children. The centre is home is many different species of owl, otters and other wildlife and is pleasant to walk around. It is all outside though so not worth visiting on a rainy day.
http://www.chestnutcentre.co.uk
Eating out or in
Recommended outside Edale:
The Old Hall Inn, Whitehough - http://www.old-hall-inn.co.uk/
A 10 minute train journey to Chinley followed by a 10 minute walk will lead you to this lovely Elizabethan Inn with great food and a varied selection of real ales. You can also walk over Kinder to the Old Hall in about 4 hours.
The Cheshire Cheese Inn, Hope - http://www.thecheshirecheeseinn.co.uk/
16th Century coaching Inn with good food and a great atmosphere, that can be reached via a 5 mile drive or a 2 hour walk over the hill via Hollins Cross.
The Hathersage Social Club - http://hathersagesocialclub.com/
Fine dining in a local restaurant reached by a 10 mile drive or a 15 minute train ride and 5 minute walk. Well worth a visit.
Fischer's at Baslow Hall - http://www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk/
Michelin starred restaurant in Baslow, a 25 minute drive away.
When stocking up on supplies to eat in most supermarkets will deliver to Edale, however if you don't order online the nearest large supermarket is Morrison's in Chapel-en-le-Frith, about 6 miles. More locally the village store is excellent, and there is also a very good Butcher (Watsons), Deli and a Spar in Hope, 5 miles away.
The Old Hall Inn, Whitehough - http://www.old-hall-inn.co.uk/
A 10 minute train journey to Chinley followed by a 10 minute walk will lead you to this lovely Elizabethan Inn with great food and a varied selection of real ales. You can also walk over Kinder to the Old Hall in about 4 hours.
The Cheshire Cheese Inn, Hope - http://www.thecheshirecheeseinn.co.uk/
16th Century coaching Inn with good food and a great atmosphere, that can be reached via a 5 mile drive or a 2 hour walk over the hill via Hollins Cross.
The Hathersage Social Club - http://hathersagesocialclub.com/
Fine dining in a local restaurant reached by a 10 mile drive or a 15 minute train ride and 5 minute walk. Well worth a visit.
Fischer's at Baslow Hall - http://www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk/
Michelin starred restaurant in Baslow, a 25 minute drive away.
When stocking up on supplies to eat in most supermarkets will deliver to Edale, however if you don't order online the nearest large supermarket is Morrison's in Chapel-en-le-Frith, about 6 miles. More locally the village store is excellent, and there is also a very good Butcher (Watsons), Deli and a Spar in Hope, 5 miles away.
