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explore the peak district

Activities

There are so many activities a short distance from Swainsley Farm. Take a look a some of the fantastic things to do.

walking
cycling
Pony Trekking & Riding
golf
Swimming & leisure centres
Fly Fishing
Coarse fishing
Rock Climbing
Caving
Outdoor Activity Providers
Water Sports
Air Sports
Special Interest

Walking

Park your car at Swainsley Farm and walk a different route each day, straight from the door!

The area has walking to suit all levels of ability, from short easy strolls to long, high, rugged trails. Each cottage has an OS Explorer map of the White Peak (2½ inches to 1 mile) and walking guides. Information about public transport, outdoor equipment shops, weather forecasts etc is also available.

We have a drying cupboard for wet gear and boot cleaning equipment. If you decide to wander further afield we can provide you with the Dark Peak OS Explorer map. Also available (and covering many of the best walks in the Peak District) are guides with large scale maps and clear, easy to follow descriptions in see-through weatherproof wallets. These offer carefully chosen circular routes to enable you to walk safely and with confidence.

Walking Trails

Manifold Trail

Swainsley Farm is located on the Manifold Trail a flat, paved surface for walkers and cyclists running for 9.5 miles through spectacular scenery. It follows the rivers Manifold and Hamps from Hulme End in the north to Waterhouses in the south. There are three tea shops en-route (the Junction at Hulme End, National Trust teashop at Wetton Mill and Lee House teashop 1 mile north of Waterhouses). There are a number of circular routes off the Manifold
Trail.

The Tissington Trail

This follows the old Ashbourne to Buxton railway from Mappleton Lane (just north of Ashbourne) to Parsley Hay (south of Buxton) a distance of 13 miles. The trail is along the higher ground of the lower Peak with spectacular views and in summer old cuttings are a riot of wild flowers. Tissington village is a wonderful place to stop for lunch or afternoon tea. Tissington Hall is open to visitors in the summer and there is a Well Dressing festival in May.

High Peak Trail

This trail links with the Tissington trail at Parsley Hay and runs for 17.5 miles south to Cromford Canal. There are many interesting places on the way including the National Stone Musuem and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth.

Monsal Trail

The trail uses part of the former Midland Line railway from Blackwell Mill (3 miles east of Buxton) to Hassop Station near Bakewell (8.5 miles). In May 2011 the National Park Authority opened four tunnels which are lit during daylight hours.

Pennine Way

The Pennine Way starts at Edale near Buxton and is a high level walking route to Kirk Yetholm just over the Scottish border (270 miles). Why not walk the beginning?

Links for walks, routes and maps.

 

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Cycling

The Manifold Trail runs below Swainsley Farm and provides excellent cycling through stupendous scenery. We have inside cycle storage (with a drying cupboard for wet gear) plus facilities for cleaning your bike. If you don’t want to bring your own bike you can borrow one of ours (adult only).

Each cottage has lots of books and maps with cycle trails and routes we also provide information about bus routes, taxis, bike repair shops, outdoor equipment shops and the weather.

Cycling Trails

Manifold trail

A flat, paved, winding trail following the Manifold and Hamps rivers through beautiful valleys (from Hulme End to Waterhouses, 9.5 miles). There are three
tea shops along the route. This is easy cycling but a circular route through hilly terrain can be planned for the more energetic visitor.

Bike hire: Brown End Farm (ST10 3JR) Tel. 01538 308313,

Tissington Trail

(5 miles from Swainsley Farm)

The former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line runs for 13 miles through lovely Derbyshire countryside. Its surface is relatively even and flat. Tissington
village (with its tea shop) is close to the trail.

Bike hire: Parsley Hay (SK17 0DG), Tel. 01298 84493  (www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/bike-hire-centres/parsleyhay)

Bike hire: Ashbourne (DE6 2AA), Tel. 01335 343156 (www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/bike-hire-centres/ashbourne)

High Peak Trail

(6 miles from Swainsley Farm)

Another former railway line running from Parsley Hay to Matlock (17.5 miles). It has a good flat surface and runs across the central, southern Peak. There
are many places to visit en route (National Stone Centre, Middleton Top Visitors Centre and High Junction Workshops, a Victorian railway workshop with
audio tour).

Bike Hire: Middleton Top (DE6 2AA), Tel. 01629: 01629 533298

Parsley Hay (SK17 ODG), Tel. 01298 84496  (www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/bike-hire-centres/parsleyhay)

Monsal Trail

(14 miles form Swainsley Farm)

This trail was extended in May 2011 when the National Park Authority opened-up four tunnels (lit during daylight hours). It runs for 8.5 miles between
Coombs Road (Bakewell) to Blackwell Mill (Chee Dale near Buxton). Hassop Station has good parking and a coffee shop and there is a pub near the viaduct at
Monsal Head.

Bike hire: Hassop Station (DE45 1NW), Tel. 01629 810588   (www.hassopstation.co.uk)

Blackwell Mill (SK17 9TE), Tel. 01298 70838   (www.peakblackwellcyclehire.com)

Mountain biking.

There is an extensive network of bridleways (usually marked by blue arrows) for the rider who likes more challenging terrain following ancient packhorse
routes over moorland countryside.

     

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    Pony Trekking & Riding

    Packhorse trains were the juggernauts of the past and many Peak District horse-riding routes and bridleways still follow these ancient trade routes across
    the moors and dales. Annual activities in the National Park of interest to the horse rider include Flagg Point-to-Point races, Chatsworth Horse Trials,
    Lyme Park Horse Trials, Bakewell Show and the Hope Agricultural Show.

    Riding & trekking Centres

    * British Horse Society Approved

    If you wish to bring your own horse(s) please enquire – we may be able to arrange livery close-by.

     

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    Golf

    The Peak District is well served with golf courses:

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    Swimming & local leisure centres:

    • Buxton 01298 766142 https://www.leisurecentre.com/buxton-swimming-and-fitness-centre
    • Leek Leisure Centre (undergoing refeb until early 2026. 01538 373603 https://www.leisurecentre.com/brough-park-leisure-centre
    • Ashbourne 01335 343 712  https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/ashbourne-leisure-centre/
    • Bakewell 01629 814 205  https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/bakewell-swimming-pool-and-gym/
    • Matlock 01629 581 322  https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/arc-leisure-matlock/

    Fun Pools

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    Fly Fishing

    Since the days of Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton in the 17th Century, the waters of the Peak District’s rivers have attracted anglers from all over the country. The famed Beresford Dale stretch of the river Dove is sometimes available on day ticket.

    Cressbrook and Litton Flyfishers provide day ticket fishing on the River Wye in beautiful Monsal Dale. This magical stretch of water covers three quarters of a mile and extends to both banks.

    The Peacock at Rowsley offers approximately 7 miles of dry fly fishing on the River Wye between Rowsley and Bakewell. Contact the Peacock Hotel on 01629 733518.

    Peaks Fly Fishing offers a book of tokens enabling visitors to try some beats on the Dove, Manifold and Hamps rivers.

    Other contacts for day tickets are:

    The Manifold River below Swainsley Farm has wonderful fly fishing for the expert (brown trout & grayling). It is not open to the public, however it may be possible to arrange for our visitors to sample fishing on the Manifold – please enquire.

       

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      Coarse fishing

      • Basford Fishing Pools T. 01782 550522
      • Turners Pool, Swythamley T. 01260 227225
      • Danebridge Fisheries T. 01260 227293
      • Rudyard Lake T. 01538 306280, M. 07718808881
      • Birch House Lakes, Ednaston T. 07375411510
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      Rock Climbing

      The Peak District was one of the birth places of the modern sport and still acts as a magnet for climbers from all over Britain. Most climbs are short and
      severe and offer a real test of technique – some of the world’s top mountaineers have cut their teeth on gritstone outcrops and limestone tors such as
      Stanage Edge, High Tor and the Roaches. See section Outdoor Activity Providers.

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        Caving

        Under the gleaming white limestone crags of the White Peak lies another, beautiful world, unseen except by the caver.

         

        Show caves and mines :

        Adventure caving:

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          Outdoor Activity Providers

          A list of some of the companies offering courses and instruction on rock climbing, caving, orienteering, canoeing etc.
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            Water Sports

            There are many opportunities for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wind surfing:
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            Air Sports

            There are a number of specialist centres offering taster sessions or full courses of instruction:

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              Special Interest – something different!

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              EXPLORE SWAINSLEY FARM

              Our three holiday cottages

              the coach house holiday cottage

              The Coach House

              3 BEDROOMS  I  SLEEPS 6/7 + COT     READ MORE $
              the haybarn holiday cottage

              The Haybarn

              2 BEDROOMS  I  SLEEPS 4/5 + COT     READ MORE $

              old byre holiday cottage

              The Old Byre

              1 BEDROOM  I  SLEEPS 2 + COT      READ MORE $