Category: The White Peak

The White Peak is the central limestone area of the Peak District.

The Dark Peak, The Peak District, The White PeakLeave a comment

The Sleeping Dragon

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Our walk yesterday took us over five small hills in the area of the upper Dove valley, one of which was Chrome Hill.  From my photo, it’s easy to see why is it known locally as ‘The Sleeping Dragon’. The classic walk over Chrome Hill is to ‘walk the dragon’s back’ which is exactly what we did.  Stunning views can be enjoyed from the ridge back up the valley towards the moorlands of the Dark Peak to the north, and looking south down the Dove Valley over White Peak countryside towards Parkhouse Hill, Hitter Hill, and High Wheeldon. You can … Continue reading The Sleeping Dragon

History, The Dark Peak, The Peak District, The White PeakLeave a comment

Solomon’s Temple, Buxton

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Anyone who has been to the Buxton area has probably seen Solomon’s Temple high up on the hillside to the south of the town.  It is a lovely short walk either from Buxton town centre, or from the Pooles Cavern car park, or even nearer from the Buxton Country Park car park near to Grinlow caravan site.  You can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and be rewarded with fabulous views across the landscapes of both the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The tower was built in 1896 by public subscription and is thought to take its … Continue reading Solomon’s Temple, Buxton

History, The Peak District, The White Peak, Wild Flowers and TreesLeave a comment

Meadow Saxifrage in The White Peak

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The White Peak area of the Peak District is fully of beautiful wild flowers at present.  Meadow Saxifrage is just one of many different types of plants that love the limestone soils of this area. It’s Latin name is Saxifraga granulata and that is linked to its use in years gone by as a medicinal plant.  Granulata means ‘with grain’, while Saxifraga means ‘rock-breaker’.   Going back in history, it was believed that it had the power to break up gall stones and kidney stones.   Continue reading Meadow Saxifrage in The White Peak

History, The White PeakLeave a comment

A Victorian Post Box

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There are several Victorian post boxes remaining around the Peak District.  We found this one in the tiny hamlet of Hollinsclough set into the side of a barn.  We don’t know exactly how old it is, but roadside wall boxes first appeared in England in 1857 as a cheaper alternative to pillar boxes, especially in rural districts. Hollinsclough is a conservation village in the upper Dove valley, about eight miles south of Buxton.  The entire hamlet comprises just eleven houses, a Methodist chapel, the village hall, and the school. We pass through Hollins Clough occasionally on our open group guided walks in the Peak District. Continue reading A Victorian Post Box

Geology, The White Peak4 Comments

Ilam Rock – An amazing limestone pinnacle

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The limestone rock that forms parts of Dovedale is the fossilised remains of sea creatures that lived in a shallow, tropical lagoon about 350 million years ago. During the two ice ages, the limestone was cut into craggy shapes.  Dovedale is famous for its numerous limestone rock formations.  Ilam rock pictured here is one of the most spectacular, standing at about 25 metres high.  Others include Dovedale Castles, Tissington Spires, Reynard’s Cave, and Lion’s Head Rock. Ilam Rock can be seen on our ‘Dovedale Delights’ guided walk which is available throughout the year with a Personal Walking Guide Continue reading Ilam Rock – An amazing limestone pinnacle

Geology, Rivers, The White PeakLeave a comment

The wonders of Lathkill Dale after heavy rain

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Lathkill Dale is a very beautiful and fascinating place for many reasons.  Its geological history is outstanding.  It is home to an abundance of wild flowers.  What interested us the most however on our guided Nature Walk yesterday was the River Lathkill itself. The River Lathkill rises in different places throughout the year depening upon where the water table lies.  After prolonged periods of heavy rain, usually in the winter it flows gently out of a cave called Lathkill Head Cave which is towards the western end of the dale.  In recent years however the point where it has risen has tended to be much further to the … Continue reading The wonders of Lathkill Dale after heavy rain

Conservation and Environmental Issues, The White Peak1 Comment

Dew Ponds of the White Peak

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Dew ponds are a familiar sight to anyone who walks regularly in the White Peak area of the Peak District.  They were originally formed to provide a water source to farm animals in areas where water was not present naturally.  It is believed that they took their name, not from the fact that they collected the dew, but from a Victorian pond maker called Mr Dew. During the 70s and early 80s it is possible that as many as 50% of our dew ponds were lost due to infills and neglect.  Dew ponds are important habitats for wildlife.  In particular the great … Continue reading Dew Ponds of the White Peak