Upper Hulme is a small hamlet about 5 miles from the market town of Leek but within an easy and very
pleasant drive across the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands to the Peak District National Park and its many
attractions.
Locally, the renowned walking and spectacular rock formations (excellent climbing and scrambling) of the Roaches
and Ramshaw rocks are within 2 minutes drive of Old Chapel Cottage but a 15 minute walk through the hamlet is the
nicer option if you have the energy!
Leek (nearest town for shopping, banks, restaurants, market day Wednesday, antiques) is worth a visit, Buxton
(Opera House, antiques) approx 10 miles away, as is Alton Towers. Another family attraction within easy reach is the
Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath.
The Peak District and Staffordshire Moorlands area provide many areas of interest catering for a broad range of tastes
and activity levels; there is a golf course in Leek (with 2 more at Buxton plus driving range); the Manifold Railway line
has been reclaimed to provide cycle trails (cycles can be hired) as well as walks through the scenic Manifold valley. Dovedale,
possibly the most well known and beautiful of the Derbyshire Dales, is within easy reach (walking, fishing).
Tittesworth Reservoir is close by (walking, childrens activities, tearoom) and Carsington Water (walking, water sports)
within approx a half hour drive. The village of Cheddleton is the venue of the Cheddleton Railway Centre with a locomotive
display hall and steam trains running at weekends and in school holidays.
Dimmingsdale is a Forestry Commission woodland (known as ' little Switzerland') providing wonderful walks and views
of the Staffordshire Moorlands .
The area is rich in historic houses; Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall, Eyam Hall, Calke Abbey and gardens.
Stoke on Trent is approx 10 miles away - the Potteries shopping centre, ceramic outlet shops such as Emma Bridgewater,
Wedgewood etc, and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
Just along the quiet lane on which the property stands - about 200 metres - is the Ye Olde Rock Inn serving
good pub food and traditional beers. More restaurants, takeaways, shops etc are available and plentiful in
nearby Leek.
A little further afield is the pretty village of Longnor with the High Peak & Tissington Trails a couple
of miles or so beyond - easily accessed from the Royal Oak at Hurdlow which serves food all day, every day, except Mondays!
Cycles can be hired at Parsley Hay about 3 miles down the A55 from this pub - and the trails are flat too!
The cultural capital of the Peak is Buxton which offers, amongst many other attractions, world-class entertainment
at its famous Opera House and is within 20 minutes' drive of the cottage. Castleton, Chatsworth, Haddon
Hall, Bakewell, Tissington and Dovedale are all within a delightful, memorable drive too.
LINKS TO RELEVANT SITES
Let's Stay Peak District - holiday webguide & tourism website for the area:
Friends of the Peak District - charity that protects against inappropriate development:
