Towers and Spires - Black marble, one ash, many ashes, eight pinnacles and my magpie

From Ashford in the Water on the River Wye, a pleasant riverside path leads southwards and then climbs to the edge of Bakewell.

Bakewell (home of the famous delicacy Bakewell Pudding) is a bustling market town with medieval roots and a number of fine buildings including All Saints Church, the Old House Museum and the Rutland Hotel (visited by Jane Austen and featured in ‘Jane Eyre’).

The walk continues taking in Haddon Hall - which became Thornfield Hall for the BBC film of Jane Eyre and is open to the public.

A climb from the valley is rewarded with excellent lofty views back towards the Hall and its wooded surroundings. Then it’s downhill to the river Lathkill and the tiny hamlet of Alport – a busy lead mining area two hundred years ago, though hard to believe today. On into Youlgreave, where the Church is worth a visit and has stained glass work by Burne-Jones

From Youlgreave, through a deep wooded valley, our route climbs to regain the high ground, which eventually becomes part of the Limestone Way, leading back into Lathkill Dale and the attractions of Monyash.

A large mug of tea (even an ‘all day’ breakfast or how about an ice cream?) at The Old Smithy will set you up for the walk’s next stretch to Magpie Mine, perhaps with a diversion into Sheldon, and finally across fine open country back to Ashford.

A note on flexibility:

This walk has been designed to satisfy different walking appetites – strollers and striders by incorporating distance/time flexibility.

The walk is two days of up to 10 miles per day.

There are optional circular walks at points along the route, which could extend the walking day. If you choose to stay an extra night, you could take the time to explore Bakewell and Haddon Hall or visit Chatsworth House and Gardens.

The choice is yours and we are always happy to provide information.