Page 175 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 16: Around the Peak District 173

Above left Walkers beside the River Dove, in
Dovedale Wood 5. The path goes St Ann’s Well, in the town centre, is still Dovedale Above right Edale Parish Church, at
through the wood before a right turn valued. The baths are now a shopping the heart of the village
starts a very steep winding descent centre, still with beautiful Victorian tiles.
to the bottom of Dovedale itself, to a ª Leave on A6 north, turn right onto
stone pillar known as Ilam Rock 6. A623. At Sparrowpit, take left to Edale EAT AND DRINK
Turn right, and cross a footbridge (B6061). At junction keep left for Barber
to the main path down the dale’s east Booth, then left again towards Chapel- ASHBOURNE
side. Compared to the windswept en-le-Frith. Turn sharp right for Barber St John Street Gallery & Café
hills, it feels sheltered here. On the Booth and car park on left in Edale. inexpensive
A former magistrates’ court has been
walk through the woods, look out turned into a contemporary art gallery
for cave entrances and natural land - 4 Edale and licensed award-winning café
marks, such as the rock arch to Derbyshire; S33 7ZA serving homemade food with a
Reynard’s Cave 7, the stone towers Nestling in a broad valley, pretty Edale Mediterranean slant, cakes and local
artisanal bread. Special dietary needs
of the Twelve Apostles 8 (through is a magnet for hikers as the start of the are catered for.
the trees), Lover’s Leap 9 and the Pennine Way, the 412-km (256-mile) 50 St John Street, DE6 1GH; 01335 347
picturesque Stepping Stones 0 to footpath to Scotland – but there are 425; www.stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk
the west bank. Here, the Dove turns, many shorter walks in the area. Visit the AROUND ILAM AND DOVEDALE
below another hill, Thorpe Cloud q. Peak District National Park’s Moorland
Follow the path back to the Dovedale Centre, for maps, information and The Manifold Inn moderate
This classic stone coaching inn, on
car park, and beyond it, take the walking routes. The Rambler Inn and the route from Ilam to Buxton, has a
footpath to the right back to Ilam. Old Nag’s Head pubs are favourite garden terrace and serves good pub
ª Go up hill to Stanshope, through the spots for a restorative drink after a hike. food including roasts, steaks, set buffet
village and at next junction left through ª Retrace the route back to the meals, and lighter options – it also has
Wetton. Take left fork at bottom of hill, B6061 and turn second left for Edale rooms and a two-bedroom cottage.
Hulme End, Hartington,
next right, then left signed Hulme End. (Winnats Pass) to Castleton. SK17 0EX; 01298 84537;
After tunnel, turn left for Hulme End, left www.themanifoldinn.co.uk
again at junction and right at Manifold 5 Castleton BUXTON
Inn (B5054). Take left to Sheen and Derbyshire; S33 8WQ
Longnor, then B5053 and A515 to Winnats Pass, a spectacular gash in the Pavilion Gardens inexpensive
Occupying the magnificent Victorian
Buxton. Park near the Crescent. landscape, leads to lovely Castleton, conservatories in Buxton’s grand
overlooked by the romantic ruins of park, this café makes the most of
3 Buxton 11th-century Peveril Castle (open mid- its space and light. Choose between
Derbyshire; SK17 6BD Mar–Oct daily; Nov–mid-Mar: Sat & Sun), the main café, or the Art Café above,
Famous for its mineral waters since which gave Castleton its name. This old decorated by local artists. The menu,
designed around local produce, runs
Roman times, Buxton was transformed stone village is also close to dramatic from breakfasts and snacks to larger
in the 1780s, when the fifth Duke of caves (open daily) from which minerals dishes for lunch.
Devonshire decided to create a stylish such as Blue John, a unique local St John’s Road, SK17 6BE; 01298 23114;
spa here in imitation of Bath, and purple fluorspar, were mined for www.paviliongardens.co.uk
commissioned Neo-Classical buildings centuries. The best caves to visit are AROUND BUXTON
such as the elegant Crescent and giant Blue John Cavern at the top of Winnats The Woodhouse moderate
domed Stables, now Derby University. Pass, Peak Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern Take the A6 east, then the B6049
Buxton remained popular in the 19th and Speedwell Cavern, a “drowned north to Tideswell to find this bistro
century, gaining the lovely Pavilion mine” reached by boat. Further down and tea room. A choice of thirty
Gardens and the ornate 1905 Opera the valley, Hope is another attractive teas and, from Thursday to Saturday,
a varied bistro menu. Bring your
House (www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk) – village, with a fine 14th-century church. own wine.
the centre of the Buxton Festival of ª Continue down the Hope Valley Queen Street, Tideswell, SK17 8PF; 01298
Music and Arts (July). The water from Road (A6187) to Hathersage. 871 133; hndsbistro.co.uk
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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