Things to do in Hayfield
Hayfield village is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and is today a thriving community with annual events like the crowning of the May Queen, Wells' Dressings in the summer, the Country Show and Sheep Dog Trials in September. From April to September if you feel like a lazy afternoon you can often watch the local cricket teams playing on the village pitch.
There are four pubs in the village itself where you can usually get something to eat, and three others if you feel like a little longer walk. There are also a couple of tea rooms and a fish and chip shop, a general store and post office, a chemist, a hairdressers, a picture gallery, a newsagent, a florist and gift shop, and a butchers. From the bus station at the start of the Sett Valley Trail you can travel to Buxton, Glossop, Marple and Stockport. Hayfield has been used as a location in the BBC television series called The Village, and you may find it interesting to spot the places featured in the programmes. You can watch the latest films at the nearest cinema, the Marple Regent, an unusual experience as this independent picture house is quite unlike the multiplex cinemas of today.
Hayfield is situated on the edge of the Peak District at the southern end of the Pennine Chain. It was the starting point for the Kinder Mass Trespass in 1932 which led to the opening of National Parks in the UK and the Right To Roam. Lovely walks are on the doorstep, ranging from gentle rambles along the Sett Valley Trail to energetic hikes over Kinder Scout to Edale. The scenery is stunning, and there are fine walking trails, bridal paths, and cycle routes to explore.
Other Local Activities
The Peak District is a perfect place for the photographer, or for an artist, with its varied landscapes and ever changing lighting.
The fisherman can find places to get day tickets, such as Errwood Reservoir in the beautiful Goyt valley between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, or closer to Hayfield near Chapel-en-le-Frith at Bowden Hall Lake.
For the watersports' enthusiast, Errwood has a sailing club and Carsington Water, which is about an hour away from Hayfield on the way to Ashbourne, offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. This is also a good spot for fishing and for bike hire.
You can also hire bikes on The Monsal Trail, The Tissington Trail and The High Peak Trail, all situated close to Buxton.
If you are a golfer there are a number of local clubs nearby, including Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Disley, Glossop and Buxton.
The natural geology of the Peak District makes it a mecca for climbers, and those who don't suffer from claustrophobia may want to go pot-holing!
Mam Tor, near Castleton, is popular with paragliders and traditional gliding can be done at Great Hucklow.
Hayfield is on the Pennine Bridleway, so horse-riding is a favourite pastime of many who live in the area, and it is not at all unusual to hear the sound of horses' hooves outside Ramblers' Rest.
If these activities are too energetic for you you might just want to do some sightseeing by car. There are lots of interesting local places, for instance a trip to Castleton to see the picturesque village and its ruined castle and caves; a visit to the spa town of Buxton with its lovely architecture, Opera House and beautiful Pavillion Gardens; Lyme Park with its stately home and extensive grounds in Disley; you can take a boat trip on the Peak Forest Canal from Whaley Bridge or Marple; or have an outing to the Chestnut Centre near Chapel-en-le-Frith where amongst other wildlife you can watch otters at play.
Venture a little further afield and you can visit Chatsworth House with its historic house and grounds; the tudor country house of Haddon Hall, and Bakewell where you can sample the famous tarts; Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham; Holmfirth where Last of the Summer Wine was set; scenic Dovedale with its connection to The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton; Tatton Park, another historic estate famous for its annual flower show; or, if you fancy something a bit scarier, a day on the rides at Alton Towers; alternatively, you could relax at the open-air swimming pool in Hathersage.
If you get tired of the country life, there is nearby rail access to either Manchester City Centre or Sheffield, both about an hour away by road from Hayfield.
But you will probably find that you are perfectly happy to stay in the village and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Ramblers' Rest and the surrounding area.
You may find the following links useful:
www.peakdistrictcycleways.co.uk
www.dlgc.org.uk (paragliding)
www.derbyshiresoaringclub.org.uk (hang-gliding)
www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk
www.sheffield.gov.uk/leisure & tourism
www.regent-marple.co.uk (cinema)
www.boarclayshootingground.co.uK