Archive: this guide was written in 2016. Routes and conditions may have changed since the writer’s visit. Check public access and current conditions before visiting.

Due to popular demand, local horror writer Darcus Wolfson brings us a second guide to the alleyways of Buxton:

Luckily, due to the rather relaxed and patchwork nature of Buxton’s town planning history, I am pleased to be able to offer you another thrilling selection of secretive routes through suburbia. However, before we embark on this urban journey, I recommend that you look at the top five alleys in part one, if you have not already done so. The first five remain the premier choice. The next five are a continuation for those of you who are eager for more ginnelling.

Several local people told me that they call these paths ginnels.

On with the exploration!

10) West Road to Spencer Road “One Ash”

A petite yet charming track from one lengthy suburban road to another, this ginnel is worthy of mention for its mystery nickname. Whilst here, a nice lady called Polly suggested to us that there was once a solitary ash tree situated here. For a budding horror writer like me, the ash tree is a symbol of mystical significance. Today, this alleyway seems a bit mundane so perhaps the magic left along with the tree.

Two views of lanes between stone walls and buildings

9) Green Lane to Temple Road

Revisiting alleyways can bring back memories. I have only seen a live badger twice, and both occasions were down this ginnel.

Two views of a stone-walled path, one beside a school

8) Lascelles Road to Marlborough Road

I stumbled upon this snicket while looking for something else. In 2016 its opening was easy to miss, and I found undergrowth and mud along the route.

For a current walking route using this path and the path alongside the railway, see Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Lightwood walk.

Two views of a leafy footpath, one showing steps

7) Palace Road to Lightwood Road

This passage runs behind the railway station, providing a route between Palace Road and Lightwood Road. On my visit, it felt more open than it had in the past.

Two views of a narrow signed footpath under trees

6) Terrace Road to Hardwick Square West “Jacob’s Ladder”

A few readers suggested including this well-known path near the town centre. The route climbs from Terrace Road towards Hardwick Square West.

Two views of a sloping path between railings and buildings

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The original guide described Darcus Wolfson as a local writer, filmmaker and paranormal investigator whose work drew inspiration from the Peak District.

Wolfson published Hidden Places on Earth in 2013, according to his author profile.