Topics
Introduction
There is so much that you could do on a visit to the Peak District and to this area that we can only pick out some examples and leave you to investigate more fully if you have specific interests.
A web search will find you lots of features of interest, and also many sites listing even more attractions. Here are a few to browse.
Walking
There are good walks to be had, both shorter and longer, in the immediate area of the Retreat just by setting off walking from our front door. We have an enlarged 1:25000 wall-mounted Ordnance Survey map for your route planning, which shows the public footpaths and the CRoW land.
You can take shorter walks to the local climbing rocks listed in the climbing section below, which will bring excellent views as you rise up from the valley or see beyond the Roaches ridge across the Cheshire plain.
You can take longer circular walks such as along the Roaches ridge and on to Lud's Church, returning in the valley alongside the Black Brook to return to the Retreat. Or perhaps you would like a walk to Three Shires Head, the meeting point of the three counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire.
There are many more routes in our direct area. I recently took a short circular walk starting from the local village of Hollinsclough and going over Chrome Hill which is known locally as Dragon's Back. If you look at the photo that I took you can see why it is called that.
There are very many public footpaths and rights of way across the Peak District. The highest peak in the district is Kinder Scout at 636m, and there are several routes to explore in that area. Typically you might drive to Edale (about 40 minutes) and park there to begin your ascent of Kinder Scout. In that general area can also be found Mam Tor and Winnat's Pass.
Climbing
The Roaches are well-known with UK climbers for their gritstone climbing and bouldering and hardly need any introduction. "For many the atmospheric Roaches is simply the best gritstone crag in England”.
We are in the valley ‘behind’ the Roaches, so the Roaches are to our immediate west. From the retreat you can see walkers about a mile away on the top of the Roaches ridge and also see the Roaches trig point. We make a good base for a climbing group who want to sleep within walking distance of their climbs.
BMC information on the Roaches including parking etc
There are many other gritstone crags around us.
one mile to the east are Newstones, Baldstones, and Gib Torr
1.5 miles to the south are Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks
about 2 miles to the north is Hanging Stone
If climbing limestone is your thing you will not need to drive far to find some, with Harpur Hill Quarry only 9 miles away being probably the closest.
Cycling
This is a popular area for cycling, as there are many rural routes with outstanding views. Do come prepared to encounter hills! However there are also more level routes such as the popular Monsall Trail.
Browse some ideas for cycle routes (or make up your own)
https://epicroadrides.com/destinations/cycling-uk/peak-district/ (with GPX files)
https://www.komoot.com/guide/504668/cycling-in-peak-district
Even though much of your route may take you into wilder country, as a tourist destination the Peak District offers refreshment stops in key locations. e.g. having ascended the Cat and Fiddle Hill Climb you may appreciate the Peak View Tearooms. There are many country pubs, and also many farms which have diversified into visitor centres with cafes and made-on-site ice-cream parlours.
Popular Attractions
Popular destinations for day trips include the following. We include an estimate of driving time to help your planning.
Chatsworth House (40 minutes) A famous Grade I listed house and stables, a 105-acre garden, a 1,822-acre park, a farmyard and adventure playground.
Peak Wildlife Park (20 minutes) A wildlife attraction that combines conservation, education, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Eyam Museum (40 minutes) A small but interesting exhibition showing how the village fared when it “self-isolated” during the plague in 1665-1666.
Haddon Hall (30 minutes)
Towns and villages of interest
A directory of interesting towns and villages
See also
Buxton (15-20 minutes)
Matlock and Matlock Bath (45 minutes)
Bakewell (30 minutes)
Ashbourne (35 minutes)
Near to the Peak District
There are also places of interest within easy reach though technically outside the boundary of the national park. These can provide a contrast and a change of pace compared to staying within the park.
Alton Towers theme park (30 minutes)
Jodrell Bank radio telescope and visitor centre (45 minutes) is visible from the ridge of the Roaches
Concorde and other aircraft on display at Manchester airport (1 hour)
The Potteries, the Staffordshire ceramic makers based around Stoke-on-Trent area (40 minutes) are world famous, and there are several potteries museums and visitor centres. Examples include:
