Hartington

Hartington is in the heart of the White Peak

Hartington Village

This is an extremely popular village during the day, but reverts to a quiet village in the evening. Many people come just to park up as it is the start of many excellent walks, has three teashops, two pubs, a couple of gift shops, two grocers and newsagents, one with cash and lottery machines.

The village is famous for its duck pond and Cheese factory (and well known cheese shop) where genuine Stilton cheese (it can only be made in certain restricted areas) and other local cheeses are produced and sold. There is also a fine Norman church, and a magnificent Jacobean Youth Hostel.

The Bus Stop, also on the Market Square, serves Buxton and Ashbourne in different directions and surrounding villages. This route is regarded as one of the most beautiful bus routes in the whole country. In recent fuel crises, our guests have thoroughly enjoyed reverting to the use, sometimes for the first time for many years, of our wonderful bus service (with about 10 buses in each direction every day, plus further services offered across country)

For us, however, our favourite feature is the main approach to the village, down a three mile long dale, with limestone cliffs towering above on either side. A really impressive entrance! (On a bicycle it is just the sort of 'swoop' that cyclists are so fond of). The River Dove is only a few hundred yards away and a very popular walk starts in the village, over some lovely meadows to the River, then along the stretch known as Beresford Dale (passing the fishing temple where The Compleat Angler was written by Isaac Walton and Charles Cotton) onto Wolfscote Dale.

The walk down this dale beside the River Dove leads you to the most famous dale of the Peak, Dovedale. The Dove and Dovedale are renowned for their beauty. These Dales offer interest and lovely scenery and are just as attractive on a crisp, snow-covered winter day as in summer sunshine.

The Stepping Stones in Dovedale

There are numerous footpaths and bridleways in the immediate vicinity, offering unrivalled walking in the best part of the White Peak. The highly popular Tissington Trail, which runs for 17 miles , is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and is just 1 mile from Hartington. Two further trails, the High Peak Trail and the Manifold Valley Trail (both of similar distance), are within 3 miles. These three tracks are ideal for family cycling as is the network of quiet minor roads which can be accessed at numerous points along the trails. These former railway lines have much else to offer, not least quality views, but also interesting viaducts, steam beam engines and a small old railway workshop is worth a visit. There are plenty of places to hire cycles, one just 3 miles away is on the Tissington Trail

The cottages are situated in a wonderfully central area in the Peak District, are are in fact situated roughly in the middle of that part of the Peak District known as the White Peak. This is the area of rolling countryside, dales, streams and rivers limestone villages and dry-stone walls, which give the area so much character. (The Dark Peak is mainly moorland). Hartington's central position within the White Peak is confirmed by its equal distance, namely 11 miles, from Buxton, Matlock, Bakewell, Ashbourne and Leek, all towns on the perimeter of the White Peak at different points on the compass. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are also similar distances from the cottages. Alton Towers is under 30 minutes drive away. The Potteries is within easy reach.

Those seeking places to visit and find activities beyond those in the immediate vicinity of Hartington will find a wealth of historic houses, delightful villages and towns and a wide range of scenery and outdoor activities.

Chatsworth
House

Hartington Cottages are within easy reach of many splendid historic houses. Chatsworth House is the spectacular home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire set in a magnificent deer park and boasting activities for all the family. Haddon Hallis a Jacobean mansion that has been scarcely altered since its building. Calke Abbey houses the collected paraphernalia of centuries of hoarding and is preserved in its unique 'as found' state by the National Trust.

You may also choose to visit Hardwick Hall, Lyme Hall or Kedleston - all within easy reach.

Ashbourne

Hartington is centrally located to visit the market towns of Ashbourne, Leek, Buxton, Ashbourne, Bakewell and Matlock - each having something special to offer.

Ashbourne is a lovely market town with a good range of shops, art shops, antique shops etc. Buxton has fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings, a fine park and a range of collectors fairs in the Pavilion Gardens or entertainment in the newly restored Opera House. Bakewell is, of course, home of the Bakewell Pudding and well worth exploring.

The former spa town of Matlock has a lot to offer and the spectacular location of Matlock Bath is the setting for a mining museum, cablecar rides, showcaves etc.

Nestling in the hollows of the Peak Park are numerous villages well worth a visit and offering something special to the visitor.

High Peak
Trail

The varied landscape of the Peak District makes it ideal for the walker, the cyclist or for those seeking more adventurous pursuits. There are opportunities for climbing, caving, watersports, hangliding, mountain biking etc.

Family attractions that you might consider are the theme parks of Alton Towers or the American Adventure. There is the National Tramway Museum at Crich, The National Stone Museum and Arkwright Mill at Cromford - so many things to list that you will appreciate the range of information provided in the cottages to help you make the most of your visit to this wonderful area!