After exploring Buxton, there are many destinations a short drive away. Local writer Darcus Wolfson shares four of his favourites.
1. Lud’s Church, Gradbach
Near Gradbach in Staffordshire is Lud’s Church, a deep, moss-covered rock chasm associated with local legends. Use the Gradbach public car park and follow footpaths through the woods. The walk includes rough, steep and often muddy sections; see the route guide for directions. Parking is limited, so avoid parking on the narrow surrounding roads.
2. Errwood Hall, Goyt Valley
Errwood Hall’s ruins lie in the Goyt Valley, a few miles from Buxton. The house was demolished in 1934, and a path climbs from Errwood Hall car park to the remains. Continue uphill to find the Grimshawe family’s small graveyard. The road to the car park has seasonal restrictions on Sundays and bank holidays; check Forestry England’s visitor information before driving.
3. Arbor Low, near Bakewell
Arbor Low is a Neolithic henge near Monyash, with the Gib Hill burial mound nearby. English Heritage explains how to visit: access crosses private farmland, and the landowner charges £1 per person. The route from the car park passes through fields with gates or stiles and can be challenging for wheelchairs or buggies.
4. Monsal Trail, Blackwell Mill/Bakewell
The Monsal Trail follows a former railway for 8.5 miles from Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell. Walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users share the traffic-free route. The National Park lists Bakewell, Hassop, Great Longstone and Millers Dale stations as easy-access points; the approaches from Wyedale and Monsal Head are not accessible routes.
To read more about the investigations of Darcus, visit worldofwolfson.co.uk
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