SEE AND DO
The Peak District and Staffordshire Moorlands have some stunning scenery and so varied. Here are just a few of our favourites, there will be a Welcome Pack in the Hut which will contain walking and cycling maps. Places to visit and ideas for days out.
Dovedale and Ilam
The picturesque village of Ilam nestles beside the River Manifold it has Alpine style cottages, a Tudor Gothic church and is set against the backdrop of Bunster Hill and Thorpe Cloud.
Dovedale is known for the River Dove and it’s impressive limestone ravines, but the most iconic part of a trip to Dovedale has to be the picturesque stepping stones…Cross and climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud, giving fantastic panoramic views of the Peak District. If you are planning on walking to the top of Thorpe Cloud bring a good pair of walking boots with you.
A less challenging walk follows the riverside path, there’s lots of great wildlife and woodland to explore.
Ideas for walks and places to eat will be in your Welcome Pack.
The Roaches
A Peak District gem loved by hikers and climbers alike. The impressive gritstone ridge is famous for the 'Winking Man' rock formation and
Doxey's Pool, a stunning pool of water where a Blue Nyph’ is said wait just under the surface, ready to grab children and pull them in!
Another highlight just a few minutes’ walk from the top of the Roaches is Lud’s Church. This deep, moss-clad gritstone chasm is filled with just as much myth and legend as Doxey Pool.
Tea rooms and pub nearby.
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Carsington Water
Carsington Water is a large reservoir surrounded by wildflower meadows and native woodlands, ponds and reedbeds. A lovely place just to relax by the water’s edge. Make time to look round the Visitor centre with its shops and exhibition area or get some birdwatching advice from staff in the RSPB shop, where you can watch for buzzards, kingfishers and lapwings. The more adventurous can hire a sailing dinghy, or a mountain bike. Walk or cycle the 7 mile circular route around the reservoir. Suggestions for longer routes in the Welcome Pack. Open daily all year.
Good local pubs and restaurants make a great day out.
Manifold Valley & Thors Cave
Across the road from our farm is the Manifold Track, a favourite for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, follow the route of the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway from Waterhouses to Hulme End. Watch out for the rivers of the Manifold and Hamps as they disappear beneath the porous limestone and reappear in Ilam Country Park. Climb the steps to Thor's Cave (250 ft above the track) for magnificent views across the valley.
Cycle hire available in Waterhouses. Tea rooms along the way and pubs at Hulme End and Waterhouses.
