Activities
Walking
Back Tor Farm looks out across Kinder Scout - the highest point in the Peak District and a National Nature Reserve. There are many natural sites and man made artefacts to explore: Kinder Downfall, The Woolpacks, Aircraft wrecks, Hen harriers, White Hares.....
If you are looking for a more gentle country walk try Dovedale, the Monsal Trail, Ladybower reservoir or the Longshaw Estate.
Cycling
Cycling can be a great way to explore your surroundings. The Peak District National Park have 3 cycle hire centres: Ashbourne, Parsley Hey and Fairholmes Visitor Centre at Derwent. All three places are by traffic free cycle trails with gentle gradients - perfect for all the family.
For the more adventurous mountain biker you have bridleways right from the door. Try the Kinder Loop or the South Peak loop. For you roadies how about having a go at the iconic Mam Nick and Winnats Pass climbs?
Climbing/Caving
The Peak District has some very challenging and popular climbing routes including the internationally known Stanage Edge and the Roaches in the Staffordshire Moorlands. At 141.5m the Titan Cave in Castleton is the highest natural cavern in the UK. If you are new to climbing or caving how about an introductory lesson?http://gritstoneadventures.co.uk/courses/
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Birdwatching
With a diverse range of habitats ranging from high peat bogs, moorlands, grit-stone edges, dales, river valleys and ancient pastures, the Peak District provides a home for a great variety of birds and wildlife. We recommend the Derbyshire Dales NNR which covers the five valleys of Lathkill, Cressbrook, Monk’s, Long and Hay, offering fine examples of White Peak geology and wildlife and supporting several upland birds including the ring ouzel.
Stately Homes
Perched on hilltops, nestled in acres of their own land, Derbyshire and the Peak District houses some spectacular stately homes, historic houses and castles: Haddon Hall, Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey, Peveril Castle and of course the magnificent Chatsworth are just a selection of our favourites. Chatsworth hosts a varied calendar of events all year round including horse trials, sculpture trails and the wonderful ‘Christmas at Chatsworth’. https://www.chatsworth.org/
Market Towns and Villages
There are so many little picture postcard perfect villages just a short drive from Back Tor Farm:
Ashford-in-the-Water, Foolow, Ilam, Hartington and Tissington. Of great historical interest is Eyam - the plague village. When the bubonic plague was brought to the village in a consignment of cloth, the villagers chose to isolate themselves rather than allow the disease to be spread further.
If you fancy the hustle and bustle of a town on market day, visit Buxton, Bakewell or Ashbourne.
Golf
Why not enjoy a round of golf during your stay at Back Tor Farm. Sickleholme Golf Club is a picturesque yet challenging course set in the Hope Valley. Claim your £10.00 'stay & play' discount via your hosts.
Eating Out
Locally
There are two pubs in Edale - The Rambler Inn and the Old Nags Head. Both are muddy boot, dog and child friendly, serving rustic pub grub. Starting off in Sheffield the train brings live folk music and music lovers out to Edale for the evening.
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Also in the village are two cafes – the Penny Pot café and Newfold Farm café, both handy for a spot of breakfast or a well earned cuppa and cake after a day spent exploring the valley.
Newfold Farm cafe now opens on Friday & Saturday evenings as a "bistro' and also serves wood fired pizza during the Summer months.
Further down the Hope Valley we recommend the Cheshire Cheese in Hope. Quiz nights are Wednesdays at 9pm.
Café Adventure is great place for daytime snacks. They also have bistro nights fortnightly on a Friday. Check out their website and book early!
The relatively new Curry Cabin in Hope offers a great Indian menu and can be ordered as a takeaway or eaten in. You'll have to take your own alcohol though as they are unlicensed.
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In nearby Little Hucklow is the newly re-opened pub/restaurant The Blind Bull. We've heard good things about it so far. Monday night is vegetarian night.
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Special occasions
As well as being a great place for a Spa day, the Lose Hill House Hotel also offers their award winning Grafene Restaurant. Situated about two miles from Back Tor Farm, this is a wonderfully tranquil setting for a celebratory meal.
Part of the Haddon Hall estate and set within a beautiful grade II listed manor house, The Peacock at Rowsley offers a convivial place to meet for lunch, dinner or just a drink. The three rosette award menu uses produce local to the Peak District National Park.
For a very special treat and a much more formal dinner, Fischer’s at Baslow Hall is the place to go. The string of accolades are well deserved so you must be sure to book ahead. Take note of the dress code, but more importantly enjoy and sample as much as you can.
National Trust
The Trust cares for 37,000 acres of land within the Peak District National Park and has six properties to explore.
Photography
Whether you’re a budding photographer or just fancy seeing the sights and getting some top-notch snaps along the way, these fun and informative experiences are for you. Grab your camera and head out around some of Britain’s best landscapes
Book now with renowned local photographer Simon Watkinson and gain extensive knowledge and skills on photographing the landscape.
