Archive: this guide was written in 2015. Routes and conditions may have changed since the writer’s visit. Check public access and current conditions before visiting.

In 2015, guest writer Darcus Wolfson explored some of Buxton’s alleyways:

A hidden path that runs between houses and forms a shortcut between two streets is commonly known as an alley or alleyway. There is a bewildering array of regional variations such as gennel, gimmel or snicket. Regardless of where you are from and what you call it, an alley is an undervalued treat. It is a twilight world that is neither one street nor the other; a no-man’s land that can save you both time and exposure. Discovering them for the first time can be a pleasing revelation. Buxton has some fine examples that we shall now reveal.

5) Harpur Hill Road to Amberley Drive

Providing a welcome alternative to the daunting ascent of Harpur Hill, this cheeky little number beckons you up its steps into a panel-fenced boulevard. It soon opens out into the heart of a maze-like housing estate. Just across the road from the steps is an entrance to Sherbrook Woods and I imagine that this alley is frequented mostly by dog walkers from the estate, where it is a prelude to leafy freedom.

Two views of an alley between houses, including steps and a paved path

4) Hardwick Mount to Holker Road

This narrow alley near Trinity Church offered a shortcut between Hardwick Mount and Holker Road, avoiding part of the climb.

Editor’s note: The original guide called this route Trinity Passage. The council’s conservation appraisal mentions Trinity Passage and the Hardwick Mount–Holker Road path separately.

Two views of a narrow passage between stone walls

3) Nunsfield Road to St. Peter’s Road “Cinder Path”

Locals sometimes refer to it as the Cinder Path. This sombre alley rises gently from the suburban giant that is Nunsfield Road to the top of Fairfield, bypassing the need to walk along part of the A6. It offers access to several smaller courts en route. It could be considered a double-alley as the thoroughfare continues across Nunsfield Road and down to the stream called Nun Brook.

Two views of a tree-lined path and a paved alley with a handrail

2) High Street to Ash Street

On our 2015 visit, this narrow passage between High Street and Ash Street backed onto two pubs. We noticed litter including an abandoned television and a shopping trolley. Bordered by tall houses, it felt like a secret passage.

Two views of narrow alleys between buildings and garden walls

1) Green Lane to Milldale Avenue

King of alleyways in Buxton, this one has it all. Just up the road from tourist attraction Poole’s Cavern, it’s actually very easy to miss. You can walk past its secluded entrances a few times before even noticing it. This only adds to its enigma, of course. Walking through, you are overwhelmed by both the handsome alley itself and the excellent view of the town’s landscape that it offers. On my visit, it was an uncluttered path, fringed by tidy hedgerows and gardens, with not so much as a discarded crisp packet in sight.

Two views of a path between trees, walls and fences
Is there an impressive route in Buxton that we’ve missed? Perhaps you’ve compiled your own similar guide to alleyways in a different town? If so, we would be interested to know – get in touch via our Facebook page or Twitter.

Check out part 2 where we reveal a further 5 superb ginnels in Buxton.

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.