There is so much to explore in the Peak District, it would be very easy to spend your holiday driving here, there and everywhere. However, the beauty of Hall Cottage and its location in Baslow is that you don’t have to be tied to your car. If you fancy a day out without hunting for a parking space, why not stride out of the front door and go local!
The Baslow Circular walk is a fabulous 7-mile route that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. Add a refreshment stop and a light lunch and it makes for a perfect day out! It’s also a great introductory walk to get your bearings and warm up your legs on what is a relatively easy route.
Walking boots on, off we go!
On leaving Hall Cottage, head for the village green, up Bar Road and you’ll be climbing up to Baslow Edge before you know it! The good news is that you’ll be walking on a tarmac and then gravel track alongside woodland, which makes it easy going, and the surroundings will surely help take your mind off the physical exertion! And the view at the top is so worth the effort that burning thighs will be quickly forgotten.
What to look out for
As soon as you reach the top of Baslow Edge do look out for Wellington’s Monument, which was erected in 1866 to celebrate Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
There’s a bench nearby if you need to rest your weary legs and have a drink. On a clear day the view is fantastic – you can even see Chatsworth House and the Emperor Fountain in the distance. You may also encounter the ‘coos’, a herd of Highland cows that graze near Wellington’s Monument or else along the bottom of the edge. The coos have become quite the tourist attraction – they even have an official Facebook group! Highland cattle have been in the area for around 40 years and their shaggy coats and big horns make them very photogenic creatures. They are used to people passing by and taking photos but do respect the fact that they may not necessarily want to cuddle up for a selfie!
Back to the walk and the route continues along the popular Curbar Edge, known for its incredible rock formations. The scenery is breathtaking and it’s well worth taking the time to stop and simply drink in your surroundings and the views. The route then takes you down off the edge towards Froggatt and a gentle amble along the River Derwent, which leads to the small hamlet of Bubnell and back into Baslow.
And for rest and refreshment….
The Chequers Inn just below Froggatt Edge, and directly on your route, is a good place to stop off for lunch or a short break.
Finish the day off back at Hall Cottage with a relaxing soak in the bath, a tasty meal and a good night’s sleep ahead of the next day’s adventure in the Peak District!