Heroic Peak District & Black Death Tour

Service Description

Our Plague Tour starts from the Ashford Hotel in the chocolate box village of Ashford in the Water. A quick explore of the village provides a look at Sheepswash Bridge and the stone pen. The route then takes lovely minor roads out to Great Longstone. Quiet roads then climb out of the village high onto the moor with stunning views looking southwards back down to Ashford. The top of moor presents a more desolate landscape yet revealing panoramic views to the north and the sound of skylarks above. The route descends through ever more present stone field walls with the village of Foolow being approached. However before this, a narrow old lane is joined which meanders invitingly towards Eyam. At Eyam learn the history of the village its isolation from the plague and visit the houses and graves of the villagers affected. Many opportunities exist for a coffee or more!. Retrace your steps a little and it is back towards Foolow and the wonderful Bulls Head. The quiet road follows below the hill to Great Hucklow and then perhaps enjoy a detour to the lovely gastro pub in Little Hucklow the Blind Bull. Minor roads bypass Tideswell and through to Litton and the very traditional Red Lion. There will soon be amazing views down the valley into Cressbrook and its Dale. The wonderful Dale and its fabulous scenery is entered and the River Wye followed to be crossed at a footbridge to join the Monsal Trail. The cycle trail is left close to Thornbridge Hall and it is then only a short retraced route back to the Hotel. Distance - 19 miles Theme - Historic Sites Grade - Intermediate Blue Tour Duration - 3 hours Surface - Minor Roads, tracks, cycle routes, it may be necessary to dismount for a short section and negotiate a few steps on the trail. Refreshment Stop Options - Ashford in the Water, Great Longstone, Eyam, Foolow, Great & Little Hucklow & Litton Tour Ref - 30