Walking
Excellent walking is available directly from the door of the cottages. Wolfscote Dale through to Dove Dale, Biggin Dale, and Pilsbury Hollow are favourites with everyone. We can offer you advice on walks in the beautiful countryside close by.
Cycling
Cycles can be hired at Parsley Hay Station on the Tissington Trail, approximately 3 miles from the village. From here you can cycle to Ashbourne on the Tissington Trail, or to Cromford on the High Peak Trail. Both trails are disused railway lines and are traffic free and therefore ideal for children. Cycles can also be hired from Waterhouses, approximately 10 miles from the village. From Waterhouses, you can cycle along the Manifold Track to Hulme End, passing the impressive Thors Cave en route. Some of this track is on a minor public road, but cycling through the Swainsley Tunnel is an experience not to be missed. For the more adventurous there are also cycle routes nearby, with Route 54 passing through the village.
In addition the Monsal Trail is just a few miles away—this 9 mile traffic free cycle route has just been opened up throughout its length, as the tunnels, closed for 55 years since the railway closed, have been surfaced and lit . Cycle Hire (and even electric cycles!) is available at various points along the length.
Historic Houses
Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is the most famous Historic House within the Peak District. The house and gardens are well worth a visit, and there is a small farm and adventure playground for children. www.chatsworth.org
Haddon Hall, a beautiful medieval manor house, originally the home of the Vernon family who were the Lords of the manor for Bakewell. www.haddonhall.co.uk
Theme Parks
Alton Towers, is approximately 15 miles away. www.altontowers.com
Gullivers Kingdom – attractions suited to younger children, 10 miles. www.gulliversfun.co.uk/matlock-bath
Local Towns
Buxton – famous for the Georgian splendour of the Crescent, the Victorian Pavilion Gardens, and the Edwardian Opera House.
Ashbourne – quaint market town with numerous shops for browsing and enjoying a nice cup of coffee at one of the local cafes.
Bakewell – beautiful market town, which holds a busy livestock and busy, general market on a Monday. Also don’t forget to sample the delicious local Bakewell Pudding.
Leek – old mill town, with majestic Memorial Clock Monument at head of main shopping street. Meander around the various antique shops, or visit the popular Wednesday market.
Other attractions
Heights of Abraham – country park and caverns set in 60 acres of woodlands -10 miles away. www.heightsofabraham.com
Carsington Water – reservoir offering sailing, walking and cycling, children’s adventure playground – 8 miles away. www.carsingtonwater.com
Blue John Cavern – informative tours in illuminated limestone caverns where the famous Blue John stone is mined. www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk
Crich Tramway Village – restored period village which is the home of the National Tramway Museum www.tramway.co.uk
Hartington Village Web Page www.hartingtonvillage.com