Bakewell & Eastern Peak District Cottages

If you know little about the Peak District and Derbyshire you will more than likely have heard of Bakewell which is famed for its Bakewell Puddings (not Tarts) that are made to an ancient secret recipe. Sitting astride the River Derwent it is a lovely market town and one of the main gateways to the National Park.

Venture further into the Park and you will be overwhelmed by the fantastic landscape. This is beautiful countryside with deep, tree clad river valleys and amazing gritstone Edges. Just gaze at the view from Monsal Head with the River Wye spanned by the old railway viaduct. Or wander along the top of Curbar Edge and look out over wave after wave of Peak District hills.

There are picturesque villages galore usually gathered around the local pub. Ashford -in–the-Water is one of our favourites where we feed the ducks from the old Pack Horse Bridge. Foolow is another that’s worth a visit. Have a pint in the pub and laugh at the antics of the five white ducks on the village pond.

You might also have heard of Eyam where the villagers self- isolated themselves in the time of the Black Death plague. Spend a morning exploring the village trail that commemorates their heroism and then have lunch in the Barrel Inn in Bretton, high above the village from where the views are breath-taking. 

If you enjoy walking or cycling then you are in for a treat. There are footpaths and trails going off in all directions. The Monsal Trail that runs through the old railway tunnels all the way from Bakewell to Buxton is fantastic. The Limestone Way will take you out across the tops of the Peaks. Perhaps best of all is a wander through tranquil Water-cum-Jolly Dale where you can almost hear the silence. 

When your feet get tired and you want to hang up your boots then plan a day’s visit to Chatsworth House with its beautiful gardens, Emperor Fountain, children’s farmyard and wild adventure playground. Haddon Hall is more of a house than a stately home and it’s great to explore its medieval chambers, kitchen and chapel with one of the finest collections of Early English Furniture and tapestries.

All this has been about the Peak District but can we let you into a secret. If you drive over towards Chesterfield with its Crooked Spire Church and colourful market square you will find just as nice countryside and picturesque villages and it’s all a bit quieter. Barlow village in the rhododendron clad Cordwell Valley is a real gem.