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The Heart of a Peak District Community

-- Click on Your Destination --
Winners of the Coveted East Midlands in Bloom Competition for 2001
> Tideswell Pictures - September 2007 < |
> Tideswell Wells Dressing and Carnival - June 2003 <
> Tideswell Wakes Revisited <
Tideswell, another of
our attractive Peak District market towns which is situated about 9
miles east of Buxton, and lies within the National Park itself. It has
a main street, commercial road, which has an array of small but
inviting shops, whilst at its centre, the crowning glory must go to the
Cathedral of the Peak, a rather unofficial title given to the grand
Church of St John the Baptist. When viewed from any of the surrounding
hills, this beautiful 14th century "Cathedral" dominates this beautiful
landscape.

Cathedral of the Peak
According to some
records in its history, the village of Tideswell is said to have
derived its name during the mid eleventh century, where there lived a
man known as Tidi. He is thought to have owned an important well, or
spring. It is here that the origins of the village name started:
Tidiswell.
The village has had royal connections in the past, when during 1275,
King Edward I stayed here whilst hunting in the Royal Forest of the
Peak.
Tideswell has had its market charter since the year 1251, and during
the period that followed, it became a centre for the trade in wool and
lead. Sadly, the market has fallen into decline, and the once thriving
market is alas no longer held. The area surrounding the market place,
has a large number of quite attractive buildings dating from the
eighteenth century, architecture that can be best viewed by walking
along Alma Road via St John's Road and the town's main street,
Commercial Road. In general, the town is filled to overflowing with
architecture from many periods, where for this alone, it is worth a
lengthy visit.
More recently, and as with most peakland towns and villages, many of
the people who live around here, either worked with livestock as
farmers, or, for any one of the many quarries, mines and rakes within
in the limestone and fluorspar industry that still exist within the
area. Although such businesses are still carried out here today,
tourism plays a very important role towards the incomes of many local
people.
The beautiful countryside around Tideswell is steeped in history, and
is best explored on foot, where the opportunity for walking the Dales
should not be missed. To the south of the town, there are the riverside
walks of the Wye valley to explore, and above, the old Derby to
Manchester Midland Railway line, now dedicated as part of the Monsal
Dale Trail. Also nearby, are the pretty villages of Wheston,
approximately one mile to the west, in which you will find the shafts
of two fifteenth century crosses and some very early farm buildings.
Litton lies to the east, at just over a mile away over the tops. It has
its own set of stocks, placed there for those inhabitants in days long
past who were foolish enough to break the law. It is situated on the
attractive tree-lined village green.
Each year, Tideswell's population swells during the summer months, when
people from near and far join in with the festivities of Wells Dressing
Week. The art of Wells Dressing is kept alive by local volunteers who
laborously decorate four wells, or springs, for display on the Saturday
nearest St John the Baptist day, June 24th. During this week, the
village holds its carnival and a wonderful torchlight procession that
brings the week to a close.
Itinerary :
Tideswell can be reached via the A6 from Buxton, taking the B6049
Millersdale turning, after travelling approximately 5 miles.
Alternatively, leave Buxton via the Waterswallows road, the Buxton to
Sheffield Turnpike route, and head towards Wormhill. At Hargatewall,
the road turns right for Wormhill, instead, carry straight on, soon
this road dips to pass across Monk's Dale and continues all the way
into Tideswell. This is a beautiful way to get to the town, for it
offers spectacular scenery that you will want, no doubt, to investigate
more closely. There are also regular buses from Buxton to Tideswell
with connections for Castleton, Bakewell, Chesterfield and Sheffield.
To explore the area more easily, it will be best to consult the 1:25000
series of maps. These give a scale of 2 1/2 inches to 1 mile and show
all public rights of way across fields and tracks, a boon to those who
wish to get to know this area more intimately.
Link :
Tideswell Online
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> Bakewell Pictures - September 2007 <
> Bakewell Wells Dressing and Carnival - July 2003 <

Bakewell, the capital
market town of the Peak District National Park which is dominated by
the early twelfth century parish church of All Saints. It stands in a
position that commands wonderful views across the valley of the Wye.
Recorded in the Doomsday records as Badeqvella, Bakewell has a very
interesting history that spans across the centuries, indeed, from the
Iron age settlers, who first lived above the town to the north, through
to the period of the Roman occupation of this region. However, the town
has gained present day world-wide recognition more from a rather tasty
delicacy, than anything else and known as the Bakewell Tart.
Bakewell is also a very busy market town, the charter being granted in
1254, though trading is thought to have taken place here long before
this date. The town is well-known in the area for its very popular
annual Agriculture Show, which is held during the month of August. This
3 day event shows off the pride of its farming community livestock,
Equestrian events, plus a host of other modern day attractions, Flower
Arranging, Cage Birds, Home Produce, Antiques and Collectibles,
Handicrafts and Dog show. There is also music and live Radio broadcasts
to cover this very important, and highly successful Derbyshire country
show.
Visitors should take the time to explore some of Bakewell's beautiful
early architectural heritage, including All Saints Church, located on
the hillside to the west of the town, and dates from the Norman period.
The churchyard contains a fine examples of Saxon Crosses. Bakewell
Bridge, which spans the river Wye and carries the road to Chesterfield,
is thought to date from the early part of the thirteenth century, and
may be the oldest of its kind in the country. The Market Hall, which is
from the seventeenth century, is currently used as the Tourist
Information Centre for the whole of the Peak District National Park.
Unlike the early houses of the White Peak which are constructed from
the Limestone, Bakewell's architecture is made from the local Gritstone
of which there are many fine examples to see.
Itinerary :
Bakewell is very nicely situated for visiting Chatsworth House, Park
and Gardens. And along with Haddon Hall, which is set further along the
A6 just Southeast of the town, both are very well signposted for the
guidance visitor.
Bakewell is situated along the A6 and 12 miles Southeast of Buxton. The
town is served by regular buses to and from Buxton, Chesterfield and
Derby. There is a fine array of shops to explore in quiet lanes, side
road and along the main A6. There are numerous establishments where the
visitor can secure fine food and refreshments.
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Taddington, is a
village that returned to peace and quiet, the moment the bypass took
all of the noisy traffic away from its original course, through the
heart of the village itself.
This area is ideally suited to those who enjoy walking and exploring
the countryside. The landscape is one that offers surprises at every
turn. It is crossed by many public footpaths, the ideal medium if the
visitor wishes to see the "real" side to life around the Peak District.
The church was built in the fourteenth century, and is worthy of
exploring. Whilst high above the village, to the west, is the Five
Wells Tumulus and a Chambered Cairn.
Itinerary :
Taddington is a small village, not far from Monsal Dale and Taddington
Dale itself. These are marvellous places to make use of a camera, or,
painting and drawing materials. The magnificent high hills that
surround the Wye valley and indeed, the A6, is truly awe inspiring. A
walk beside the river Wye can be very beneficial to the health. The
calm flowing waters are very relaxing, as they glide through this truly
spectacular scenery.
Taddington lies within the Peak District National Park, and is only a
few miles from Buxton on the A6 along the road to Bakewell. The village
is served by a regular bus service
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Monyash is a pretty
little village, situated within the Peak District National Park, one
that owes its history to the mining of Lead. Although only small, it
has its own parish church of St Leonards. And just like a few other
Peakland villages, it too, has a picturesque pond at its heart. Monyash
also celebrates with its own Well Dressing during the first week in
June.
Between the years 1983/84, the whole of the parish of Monyash was
archaeologically surveyed, this, by a team working under the leadership
of members of the Derbyshire Museums Service and the MSC. Many things
were found to be of great importance to the history of this area,
including two pieces of a Saxon Cross. (Now on display in Buxton
museum).
The village also makes a great vantage point for entry into Lathkill
Dale, within a short walking distance to the east. This is one of
Derbyshire's most beautiful Limestone dales, and has, for most part, a
river running through it. This dale also has a number of enticing caves
and mines along its length. Please, be very careful if you're thinking
of entering such places. These are dangerous, even when you have
experience and are equipped with adequate lighting, clothing and
footwear. Try not to venture into these alone, and be sure that someone
knows where you are, and what time you're expected to return.
The whole area is teeming with a fantastic array of wildlife, and is
crossed by many public footpaths. And so, for those with a special
interest in Birds, Wildflowers, Insects and other members of our
natural world, they should be richly rewarded by what is discovered.
Itinerary :
For the dedicated walker, the course of The Limestone Way passes
directly through Monyash, part of the 28 mile/44 km route between
Matlock to the Southeast, and Castleton in north Derbyshire.
To reach Monyash from Buxton, take the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road.
After about 6 miles, you'll pass a large hotel on your left, The
Bull-i'-th'-Thorn. After a few hundred yards, turn left when the B5055
is reached. This road brings you directly into the village after about
1 mile. An alternative route can be made via the A6 from Buxton, then
turning onto the B5055 in the centre of Bakewell.
Link : Monyash Festival
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Pictures of Hartington Village : page 1 | page 2 |
Hulme End |
Manifold Valley -
The "White Peak"
village of Hartington is growing in its popularity with walkers and
ramblers. For nearby, is the Tissington Trail, the disused Railway line
that runs between Buxton and Ashbourne, and used by cyclists, horse
riders and walkers as a means to explore this attractive area of
Derbyshire's Limestone country and the Peak District National Park.
Hartington is only a small village, and from its history, is first
noted in the Doomsday records as "Hartedun". It has its own pond, green
and a market square, although it no longer has its own market. It is in
the village, that the only surviving cheese factory, still makes the
world famous Stilton Cheeses.

The Old Cheese Shop, Hartington
Hartington's
architecture is rich, varied and well worth investigation, of which,
Hartington Hall, built in 1611 and is now the Youth Hostel, is
particularly attractive. Today, Hartington also celebrates Well
Dressing during the late summer, on the second Saturday in September.

Hartington Youth Hostel
Nearby, the visitor
will find Beresford Dale and the river Dove. This is where the
seventeenth century angler and poet, Charles Cotton, first introduced
Izaak Walton to the Peak District. Thereafter, the two produced their
well-known joint publication, The Compleat Angler.
Itinerary :
To travel to Hartington. From Buxton, take the A515 towards Ashbourne.
After about 10 miles, turn right, onto the B5054 which brings you
directly into the village after about 2 miles.
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- Castleton Pictures -
Castleton, a charming
little village nestling in the Hope valley and within the Peak District
National Park. The northern edge of the "White Peak" Limestone geology,
forms a backdrop to this very pleasant locality. To the west, the lofty
peak of Mam Tor, known as the Shivering Mountain, with its Iron Age
hill fort, stands as guardian to the western approaches.
Looking north, the visitor will see Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose
Hill, which mark the landscape of the Dark Peak and the gritstone
moorland of the Pennine hills beyond.
Overlooking the village, are the ruins of a castle which dates from
1176. The original castle that stood here prior to this date, was under
the tenure of William Peverel, from whom Peveril Castle derives its
name.

Peveril Castle - 2005
The parish church of
St Edmund, houses its own library of around 600 books. These were left
to the use of the parishioners, in 1817, by the Rev Frederick Farran.
Nearby, is the Market place and green, complete with its group of
attractive dwellings.
Many visitors who come to Castleton, do so, with the desire to explore
some of its famous caves. There is the "Blue John Cavern" which owes
its fame to the special purple-blue coloured fluorspar, mined to make
beautiful semi-precious ornaments and jewellery. Blue John, is only
known from this single area, and nowhere else in the world. The cavern
is open to the public, and its length is 4180 feet / 1274m.

The Winnats Pass and Speedwell Mine - 2005
The Speedwell mine and
cavern, is situated along the road known as The Winnats Pass. It offers
the visitor the opportunity to travel along the old workings...by boat.
Although the visitor will only travel as far as the Bottomless Pit,
there are in fact around 3.5 miles / 5.7 km of twisting subterranean
passages throughout this system.

Mamtor and Treak Cliff - 2005
Treak Cliff Cavern, is
situated on the opposite side of the hill, to that of the Blue John
Cavern. As such, it also has the famous Blue John stone within its
labyrinthine passages. There are also Stalagmites, which form up from
the ground, and Stalactites which hang from the roof. These formations
have taken millions of years to grow to the lengths we can see today.
This is the result of water finding its way down through tiny fissures
in the Limestone. Each drop carries minute particles of Calcium
Carbonate, and it is these particles that will eventually become the
formations that are a joy to see. The visitor will only walk through a
small part of the cavern's passages. The known length in total at
present is, 1000 feet / 305m.
Close to the centre of the village, is Peak Cavern. It has a most
impressive entrance, which at one time saw rope makers busily carrying
out their task, just inside this great opening in the rock face. The
visitor will walk about a mile into this cavern, but beyond, the total
length of passages is an incredible 5.5 miles / 8.9km.
There are many lovely walks around the village, including Cave Dale
below Peveril Castle. Castleton was an area of great mining activity in
the past, and many relics of that era still remain in situ. There is
the Stone Crushing Circle opposite the entrance to the Odin Mine. These
can be seen by taking the road west, about 1 mile, towards Mam Tor.
Visitors come to the village all year round, and during the weeks
before Christmas, the main street is brightly lit with hundreds of
colourful lights.
Itinerary :
Castleton can be reached from Buxton in either of the following ways :
Buxton north via the A6. Beyond Dove Holes, take the right turning for
Sparrowpit and Peak Forest on the A623. At the Wanted Inn, bear left
and direct right onto the B6061 and continue down the Winnats Pass,
which is steep at 1 in 4, until Castleton is reached after a total of
12 miles.
Alternatively, travel using the directions for Tideswell via the A6.
Beyond Tideswell, remain on the B6049 going through the village of
Bradwell to the junction with the A625. Turn left and keep on this road
until you reach Castleton. This route is about 15 miles.
Link : Castleton Page
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If one single village
in the Peak District stands out from all the rest, for its courage in
its historical context, it must be Eyam. For it was during the summer
of 1665, that a local Tailor, George Viccars, had received a bundle of
cloth from London, a bundle that was to bring horror and death from the
city, the plague was about to sweep among the people of this
unsuspecting Peakland village.
When people began to die, panic took over, and some fled the village in
fear of their lives. The local Rector, William Mompesson and his
colleague, Thomas Stanley, talked to the villagers, to calm them, and
to try and prevent the plague from escaping into the surrounding
county. William secured help of food and other supplies, from the Earl
of Devonshire. These items were arranged to be left at a boundary
stone, or at Mompesson's Well. Eventually, the plague was contained and
eradicated, but not before it had claimed the lives of 260 of the 360
villagers.
Today, Eyam is still a fairly small village, but one that offers much
to see from a tourists viewpoint. Cucklet Delf, to the west, was one of
the places where Mompesson felt it was safe to hold his outdoor
services, at a time the Church had to be closed. The parish Church of
St Lawrence itself, is a very fine building of Saxon origin. There is a
Sundial on the south chancel wall, which at one time was situated over
the entrance door. The village also has many fine buildings with
architectural features, providing the visitor with much to look at.
Rebuilt in 1676, Eyam Hall has been home of the Wright family for over
300 years.
Traditionally, Eyam has 3 Wells dressed on the last Saturday during
August. And a Church service is held in Cucklet Delf on Plague Sunday,
this weekend of the Well Dressing.
The area around Eyam, has many Caves and Potholes, for those with a
subterranean interest. Whilst for those who enjoy walking, there are
several very interesting villages closeby. Foolow, Grindlow and Great
Hucklow are to the west of Eyam. Stoney Middleton is to the Southeast,
and also has the Well Dressing ceremony with four being dressed on the
fourth Saturday in July. Froggatt is in the east, and Grindleford to
the Northeast.
Itinerary :
Eyam is reached from Buxton via the A6, then the B6049 through
Tideswell turning right at the A 623 continuing towards Stoney
Middleton until the signposted turning for Eyam is reached. The route
is about 14 miles.
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Ashford-in-the-Water, a
most picturesque Peak District National Park village that lies beside
the river Wye, along the main A6 road to Bakewell. This area presents a
very beautiful and scenic landscape, one with many footpaths to enable
the visitor to explore these idyllic surroundings, much of which is so
typical of this corner of Derbyshire.
Ashford has the main part of its history in the making of Black Marble
ornaments, jewellery and small items of furniture. Though not a true
marble, it does polish very well to a high quality finish. This black
stone was inlaid with other minerals such as Fluorspar, Lapis Lazuli,
Oakstone, Rose Quartz and Malachite, to name but a few, to resemble
floral and other decorative patterns. This marble was quarried locally
at the Rookery, and was cut at a mill, that at one time stood between
the A6, and the river Wye. This craft was once worked throughout the
whole area, and indeed, visitors to Buxton's museum can see many
splendid examples of this fine stone workers' art.
The village also has its architectural heritage in the shape of its
fine buildings, and also, the well-known and much photographed,
Sheepwash Bridge. The oldest house, is that of the Corn Mill, noted in
the Doomsday records. The village shares the Derbyshire tradition of
Well Dressing during the summer. 6 wells are dressed on the Saturday
before Trinity Sunday.
The parish church of All Saints was rebuilt during 1869 on the site of a much earlier Norman structure.
Itinerary :
Ashford-in-the-Water is easily reached from Buxton via the A6. The
village is well signposted, and approximately 1 mile before you reach
Bakewell. There is a good bus service on this route.
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Once every year, the
people of Ashbourne celebrate the strangest of country rituals, that of
their Royal Shrovetide game of football. Not just any old game of
football, but one where the participants can be anyone with a mind to
join in. Its rough and tumble action takes place between the water
mills of Clifton and Sturston (goal posts) on Henmore Brook, which are
3 miles apart.
The teams are usually comprised from the following. Those born north of
the brook, are known as the Up'ards, whilst from the south, the
Down'ards. Most of the game is played in the brook itself, and over a
period of 2 days, beginning on Shrove Tuesday, ending Ash Wednesday.
Of course, there is much more to the delightful town of Ashbourne, than
a game of football. It is set in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside,
just outside the Peak District National Park. It has a busy market
place surrounded by an interesting mix of old and modern architecture.
Church Street is dominated by the thirteenth century Church of St
Oswald, and has a spire 212 feet high. Among other fine buildings on
this street are; The Old Grammar School, which was built in 1585 and
founded by Queen Elizabeth 1. And the Mansion House, where Dr. Samuel
Johnson frequently stayed during the eighteenth century. It was in
1745, that Bonnie Prince Charlie was a guest at Ashbourne Hall before
marching on Derby. The Hall forms a part of what is now the public
library.
There is a variety of good shops in which to browse and make a
purchase, along with pubs and restaurants to satisfy your hunger and
thirst.
Itinerary :
Ashbourne is about 20 miles south of Buxton along the A515. The journey
to the town is very scenic, with many places where you can stop to take
in the views. The small village of Fenny Bentley, is the only one
passed through, along the whole 20 mile route between Buxton and
Ashbourne.
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Matlock, is an
attractive town situated along the Derwent valley, and astride the A6
Buxton to Derby road, one that receives a great many visitors most of
the year. Along with Matlock Bath, it has many tourist attractions.
Matlock also has a variety of good shops to explore.
Among its tourist attractions is Riber Castle, which is perched high
above the town, and can be seen long before Matlock is reached, when
coming from the direction of Buxton. Despite its appearance, it was
only built during the Victorian era by a local man, John Smedley. He
also built a Hydropathic establishment, now the County Council's
offices, and used the "Castle" as the family home. Nowadays, Riber
Castle is just a shell, but the surrounding grounds form a well-known
Zoo and fauna reserve, with many fine attractions.
The Midland Railway Company, once served the Derwent valley right the
way through to Buxton. Now, the official line from Derby ends at
Matlock. However, Peak Rail, supported by many volunteer workers, has
re-opened the line as far as Rowsley, which operates through Darley
Dale from Matlock. They have a mix of both Steam and Diesel locomotives
on their trains, with which to ply their regular all year round
service. The Railway can be used as a great means to explore the very
beautiful surrounding countryside.
The towns of Matlock sit within the Limestone region, and as such, they
have had a long history of mining and quarrying, for both Limestone and
Lead. The miners even extracted Silver from the Lead ore, such was the
high content of this precious metal. Throughout the steep sided gorge
of the river Derwent, there many mines and caverns, and some are
indeed, open to the public.
During the late Summer and into Autumn, Matlock Bath puts on a
beautiful annual display of Illuminations, including fireworks and
music at the weekends. Here, the town is built onto the hillside, and a
steep walk will take you to the Heights of Abraham, and the Victoria
Tower, where you will find the most breathtaking views. Here, it's easy
to see how it got its name, "Little Switzerland".
The visitor will also find walks through the Derwent Gardens, beside
the river, or, the famous Lovers Walks. There is also the Mining
Museum, the Aquarium and the Petrifying Wells. There are many shops
here too, along with cafes and restaurants.
Itinerary :
Once again, Matlock and Matlock Bath are towns reached via the A6
Southeast from Buxton on the route towards Derby. The distance is about
20 miles and is well served by buses along this route.
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