Oakford Cottage Bed and Breakfast-Self Catering Cottage-Tea Rooms- Robin Hood- Whatstandwell-Peak District- Derbyshire

Views of the beautiful Derwent Valley..

oakford — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:33:32 +0000

Is the beautiful Amber Valley, with the river Derwent flowing through this beautiful Dale and World Heritage site!

Whatstandwell is a village on the River Derwent in Derbyshire, England. This is how Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, describe it…

It is about five miles south of Matlock and about four miles north of Belper. Whatstandwell railway station is located on the Derby-Matlock Derwent Valley Line, and the A6 trunk road crosses the River Derwent in the village.

On Burdett’s Map of 1791 it is shown as “Hottstandell Bridge”, probably a literal spelling of the local dialect. A mid nineteenth century Ordnance Surveymap shows it as “Whatstandwell Bridge” which was the name given to the railway station. The name derives from Walter Stonewell, who “held of the convent” the house next to the bridge which John de Strepul built at his own expense, in 1393.

The Cromford Canal also passes through the village, which was an important transport route to and from Arkwright’s Mill in the nineteenth century. The Friends Of Cromford Canal are currently seeking to reopen this navigation in full from Cromford to its junction with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. This area is part of the Derwent Valley Mills Heritage Site.

Whatstandwell is notable in that the road, canal, railway and river run parallel to each other for some distance up the narrow valley.

To the east of the village is the steep climb to Crich and the National Tramway Museum, while a short distance to the north is the former rope-worked incline of the Cromford and High Peak Railway. To the south, on the west bank of the Derwent, lie Shining Cliff Woods, which are a National Trustproperty — however there is no official access to this end of the woods.

The village has an active social group that holds several village events each year. Currently the flagship of these is the village ‘Beer Festival’ held on one of the first two weekends in July. This features local bands, a performance from the village primary school’s harmony group, games and a BBQ. The social group also organise a pantomime, horticultural show, children’s Halloween party, bonfire night, carol concert and publish a quarterly newsletter. Unfortunately the once annual raft race was abandoned due to lack of support and access issues.

Ellen MacArthur, the round-the-world sailor, grew up in Whatstandwell.

Whatstandwell is mentioned in the D H Lawrence novel Sons and Lovers, published 1913, in a scene in which Paul Morel and Miriam go on a day’s outing: “They went on, miles and miles, to Whatstandwell. All the food was eaten, everybody was hungry, and there was very little money to get home with. But they managed to procure a loaf and a currant-loaf, which they hacked to pieces with shut-knives, and ate sitting on the wall near the bridge, watching the bright Derwent rushing by, and the brakes from Matlock pulling up at the inn.”

All around this area are some really lovely hamlet and villages that are a must visit whilst you are in the area…Ambergate, Cromford, Wirksworth, Lea, Holloway, Middleton-by-Wirksworth as well as Whatstandwell itself.

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

Traditional Tea Rooms at Oakford Cottage..

oakford — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:29:32 +0000

Our traditional tea rooms are very popular with locals and tourist alike. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere relaxed and the views – well they can take your breath away!

Tea and scones, with homemade jam and cream…..watching the ducks, chickens and peacock as well as the views, just make that perfect afternoon a treat! The area around Robin Hood Hamlet, Whatstandwell and the Peak District are enjoyed by so many people and time and time again, they come back to our tea rooms to treat themselves.

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

Our area is so beautiful. The Cromford Canal and Derwent Valley..

oakford — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:25:39 +0000

The Hamlet of Robin Hood is nestled next to Whatstandwell, alongside the Cromford Canal….

Whatstandwell is located in a most picturesque and thickly wooded section of the Derwent Valley. But the traveller on the busy A6 only catches a brief glimpse of the village, probably seeing little more than the railway station, the hotel and the bridge over the River Derwent. Passengers on the train will almost certainly see even less as part of the route goes through a tunnel on the northern side of the village.

In the past there have been several attempts to trace the origin of the name, Whatstandwell, but most now seem to agree that it was named after Walter Stonewall. At the time when the bridge was built in 1391, Walter (or Wat) Stonewall rented a cottage where the bridge was constructed, which was mentioned in the agreement with the landowner. Prior to the building of the bridge, a ford crossed the river at that point.

All around this area are some really lovely hamlet and villages that are a must visit whilst you are in the area…Ambergate, Whatstandwell, Wirksworth, Lea, Holloway, Middleton-by-Wirksworth as well as Cromford itself.

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

A walk around Whatstandwell.

oakford — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:19:55 +0000

THE WALK

For anyone interested in wildlife and industrial history this is a walk not to be missed. Even if you are not interested in either subject, this is a great walk with plenty of variety.

Completed in 1794, the Cromford Canal stretched 14.5 miles to Langley Mill, where it joined the Erewash Canal. With a tunnel and two aqueducts, the canal was built to carry limestone from quarries at Crich to the iron foundry at Butterley. It was extended to serve Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills, and it became very busy and profitable as a result. Today it supports an abundance of wildlife and because of its value as a natural habitat, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The High Peak Junction Workshops date from the earliest days of the railway, being built between 1826 and 1830. They remain virtually unchanged since their railway days, with tools, railway artefacts, joiner’s bench, forge and bellows. The cast iron, fish-bellied rails on either side of the inspection pit could be the oldest length of railway line in the world still in its original position.

The construction of The Cromford and High Peak Railway was considered to be an engineering masterpiece which attracted railway enthusiasts, not only from this country but all over the world. Now no longer used, it has been converted into the High Peak Trail.

After leaving the trail the walk goes through attractive woodland and countryside along the Derwent Valley Walk, before retuning to Whatstandwell.

WALK DETAILS

Length: 5.5 miles.

Start/Finish: Canal side at Whatstandwell.

Location: Take the road signed for Crich at Whatstandwell, the suggested parking spot is on the left a few yards from the main road – just before crossing the canal bridge. If parking is not possible, try the car park at High Peak Junction (see point 2 below). Whatsandwell is on the A6 between Belper and Matlock; it is also on the railway line linking Matlock and Derby making this an ideal walk for rail users.

Terrain: Relatively easy along good paths, with a steady ascent up the High Peak Trail, a few descents, but nothing difficult.

THE ROUTE

1. From the car park, walk to the left along the canal towpath for approximately one and a half miles to High Peak Junction.

2. At High Peak Junction turn left, and walk up High Peak Trail, after half a mile turn to the left where you see a footpath signed for Alderwasley.

3. Almost immediately the path bends to the left to a ‘T’ junction of tracks. Go to the right and where the track divides, turn right along the edge of the wood.

4. Go through a stile and turn left down Intake Lane. Continue down the lane without deviating to right or left to reach Longway Lane.

5. Cross the lane and go through the stile on the opposite side into a field. Walk up the slope, heading slightly to the left to a stile at the top of the field.

6. After going over the stile follow an enclosed path uphill into a wood, where you continue in the same direction along an obvious track.

7. When the track reaches the top of the hill, the route soon takes you to the right along the edge of the wood.

8. Leave the wood by a stile into a field, where you keep close to the wall on the left to pass Watfield Farm and buildings.

9. Go through the stile by the farm gate and continue ahead for 200 yards down a lane, passing Yew Tree Cottage on the left. Turn right by three waymark indicators and cross a stile.

10. Walk diagonally down the field to a stile that leads you along an enclosed path past Watergate Farm.

11. Cross the farm drive and a tiny field on the right, go over a stile and walk diagonally up the next field (You could keep to the left to slightly shorten the route, but it is not so good underfoot).

12. After going over the stile at the top of the field, keep close to the field boundary in the next field. On reaching a gate and squeezer stile in the corner of the field – do not go through the stile.

13. At this point, turn left and walk downhill through a series of fields, keeping close to the hedge on the right.

14. Pass the rear of Hankin Farm, and then follow the path down the righthand side of Lambert Hill Cottage.

15. Continue straight down the path past the cottage. Where the drive bends sharply to the right, continue forward to follow a well trodden path through an area of woodland.

16. Turn right at the wall at the bottom of the woodland. On reaching a minor road, go straight across and walk diagonally down a small field to the A6.

17. Cross the bridge over the River Derwent and go up the road towards Crich. There is no pavement for a short stretch. Turn left by the canal bridge back to the starting point of the walk.

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

Walking the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.

oakford — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:09:27 +0000

Walking the Derwent Heritage Way

The northern section : Ladybower Reservoir to Matlock and WhatstandwellExplore the Derwent valley on foot and you will experience magnificent scenery, heritage and wildlife. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way is a 55mile long waymarked walk. It follows the River Derwent through the Peak District National Park, via Chatsworth and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site to join the River Trent near Shardlow. This is a basic route description to be used in conjunction with the Derwent Valley Heritage Way leaflet and Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 1, 24, 259 and 260 covering the Dark and White Peak, Derby and Nottingham respectively.Please make use of the public transport services and leave your car at home, call TRAVELINE on 0870 608 2608 or call 08457 48 49 50 for information on trains. Heatherdene to Leadmill and Hathersage 6miles The Derwent Valley Heritage Way starts at Heatherdene. This is north of Bamford on Ashopton Road (A6013) on the banks of Ladybower Reservoir. Bus links are good from Sheffield and from the station at Bamford on the Sheffield and Manchester Line. Follow the path climbing from the A6013 into and through Heatherdene car park and on towards the dam wall. Cross the dam wall and follow the road down hill to your left. After about 250m branch off on the track that was the old reservoir construction railway, now the Thornhill Trail. This heads southwards, crossing the lane to Thornhill to emerge on Water Lane. Here turn left before following the path on your right across a field, towards the railway. Pass under the railway and you arrive at Hope Road (A6187). Bamford station and a bus stop are a 5 minute walk away. Follow the A6187 towards Hathersage, turn left and walk over Mytham Bridge. The bus stop is at the toll gate, for the station go towards Bamford (to your left) and the station is signed. Cross Hope Road and Shatton Bridge over the River Noe, take the path on your left into the fields. It climbs a bank before joining the Derwent riverbank. The path follows the river all the way to Leadmill Bridge, where you cross the River a short distance to the south of Hathersage. For Hathersage cross Leadmill Bridge and take the footpath across the fields on your left. The path emerges onto Dore Lane. For Hathersage follow Dore Lane to your left, for Hathersage Station turn right. Hathersage and Leadmill to Baslow 7 miles From Hathersage station cross Station Road and follow Dore Lane to the Lodge. Here take the footpath to your left across the fields to Leadmill Bridge. From Leadmill Bridge follow the lane which leads to Harper Lees and Grindleford on the east side of the river. For Grindleford Station and Padley Chapel follow the path up through Coppice Wood and turn right at the track after crossing the railway. From Grindleford station follow the track to the left (west) take the second path that crosses the railway to return to the path in Coppice Wood, descend to the River and the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. At Grindleford Bridge follow the path to the east of the river, this climbs through Froggatt Woods before following Spooner Lane south into Froggatt village. Cross Froggatt Bridge to follow the path going south on the west side of the Derwent, to New Bridge. Cross the A625 carefully and continue on the west of the river to Calver. There is a bus stop here at Calver Bridge. Take the underpass to cross the A623 in Calver. The path follows the river on the west bank, emerging on Bubnell Road. Follow this southwards into Baslow, crossing the bridge to the church. Cross the road near the church and follow School Lane and Eaton Hill to avoid the busiest traffic. There is a bus stop by the church and at Nether End in Baslow with services to Sheffield, Matlock and Bakewell. Baslow to Rowsley 5 miles From the Green at Nether End in Baslow cross the stream to follow the path into Chatsworth Park. Follow the path to Queen Mary’s Bower and cross the river. Follow the west bank of the river walking southwards to cross the road by the cattle grid above the old mill. Follow the lane to Calton Lees. Fork left at the junction in Calton Lees village and follow the path heading south to Rowsley. The path becomes a farm track emerging on Church Lane, Rowsley. Buses are frequent to Bakewell, Manchester, Matlock and Derby. Rowsley to Matlock 5.5 miles In Rowsley follow the A6 to your left, cross the river then cross the A6 carefully opposite the Industrial Estate. Follow Old Station Close and a concessionary footpath is signed heading south along the east bank of the river. This takes you to Peak Rail at Rowsley South, here follow the path to the right (west of the tracks). The path crosses the meadows to Churchtown. Follow the path just past the church to the B5057, a short section of road walking will bring you to Darley Bridge. Cross the river and follow the Gated Road to Oker. Follow the path from Aston Lane cutting across the fields to Cawdor Quarry and on to Matlock Station. There are regular trains to all stations on the Derby line. Buses serve Derby, Nottingham, Bakewell and Manchester. Peak Rail operates from Matlock Riverside Station to Darley Dale and Rowsley South Stations (tel 01629 580381). Matlock to Whatstandwell 6.5 miles From Matlock Station cross the river and the road (A6). Walk through Hall Leys Park, crossing the Bentley Brook to remain on the east bank of the river. Continue until the riverside path ends. At this junction there are 2 options. A footbridge over the Derwent offers easy walking along the A6 pavement to Matlock Bath (left after crossing the river). For the recommended but strenuous option (breathtaking views over the Derwent Gorge) take the path climbing under a railway bridge, pass under the iron arch on the right and climb the steep ridge to the High Tor summit. From here descend past the Cable Car station to Matlock Bath Station. Cross the river and follow the A6 along the pavement, past the Pavillion and Masson Mills. Before the traffic lights in Cromford follow the concessionary path, left along Church Walk to emerge at Arkwright’s Cromford Mill. Cromford station is close by and signed. Cross the road and follow the Cromford Canal past High Peak Junction onto Whatstandwell. Here the station is adjacent to the canal as is a bus stop.The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been developed by the Derwent Valley Trust. The Trust was established to secure recognition of the valley as The National Heritage Corridor to promote its landscape, wildlife and heritage in a sustainable way. The Trust works through partnerships with organisations that share its vision including local authorities, the Peak District National Park, local businesses and societies. The southern section : Matlock to Derwent MouthExplore the Derwent Valley on foot and you will experience magnificent scenery, heritage and wildlife. This is a basic route description to be used in conjunction with the Derwent Valley Heritage Way leaflet and Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 1, 24, 259 and 260 covering the Dark and White Peak, Derby and Nottingham respectively. Please make use of the public transport services and leave your car at home, call TRAVELINE on 0870 608 2608 or call 08457 48 49 50 for information on trains. Matlock to Whatstandwell 6.5 miles From Matlock Station cross the river and the road (A6). Walk through Hall Leys Park, crossing the Bentley Brook to remain on the east bank of the river. Continue until the riverside path ends. At this junction there are 2 options. A footbridge over the Derwent offers easy walking along the A6 pavement to Matlock Bath (left after crossing the river). For the recommended but strenuous option (breathtaking views over the Derwent Gorge) take the path climbing under a railway bridge, pass under the iron arch on the right and climb the steep ridge to the High Tor summit. From here you descend past the Cable Car station to Matlock Bath Station. Cross the river and follow the A6 along the pavement, past the Pavillion and Masson Mill. Before the traffic lights in Cromford follow the concessionary path, left along Church Walk to emerge at Arkwright’s Cromford Mill. Cromford station is close by and signed. Cross the road and follow the Cromford Canal past High Peak Junction onto Whatstandwell. Here the station is adjacent to the canal as is a bus stop.Whatstandwell to Belper 6 milesFollow the Cromford Canal towpath from Whatstandwell to Ambergate. Here follow Chase Road to join the A6. Cross the A6 by the River Amber Bridge, Ambergate station is close by and take Holly Lane by St Anne’s Church, crossing to the west of the Derwent. Follow the path that climbs parallel to Holly Lane through the Woodland Trust wood called The Birches. This brings you out at a road junction. Follow Whitewells Road for half a mile before descending through the fields on a path to Wyver Lane. Follow Wyver Lane into Belper, crossing the Derwent and following the road past the impressive North and East Mills. Cross the A6 at the traffic lights and climb up the cobbled street of Long Row. At the top turn right along Green Lane and continue until you come to King Street. Climb up to Belper Market Place, or descend King Street for the town centre and station and bus station on Chapel Street. Belper has good public transport services.Belper to Little Eaton 4.5 miles From Belper station follow signs to the town centre and walk up King Street to the Market Place. Walk through the Coppice Car Park at the back of the Market Place and follow the path down to Coppice Brook. Cross the brook and then follow the path upwards to your right which brings you out on a path by a goal post. Keep climbing onwards past a playground and you emerge onto the junction of Bargate and Holbrook Road. Turn right along Holbrook Road, crossing to follow the track southwards to Wildersley Farm. From the farm follow the path southwards, crossing Shaw Lane to Makeney. In Makeney follow the pavement along the road to Duffield Bridge. By The Bridge Inn follow the path to the east of the river, meeting the road beyond Peckwash Mill. Continue along the road to Rigga Lane is reached on the left. Climb Rigga Lane for 100m before taking the path on the right to cross Rigga Quarry on a stone bridge. The path emerges on Vicarage Lane, descend towards Little Eaton. Follow the lane above the church which becomes a path to The Town. Cross the Bottle Brook to Alfreton Road following it southwards. There are frequent buses into Derby from Little Eaton.

Little Eaton to Derby City Centre 4 miles As you leave Little Eaton follow the cycle route towards the A38 and A61 roundabout. Take Ford Lane just before the roundabout. At the end of the Lane follow the path along side the Railway, this climbs onto the A38 embankment. Follow the pavement across the railway bridge, descending the next steps to the underpass where you pass under the A38. From here the path heads across the flood meadow to Haslam’s Lane, Darley Abbey. Turn right along Haslam’s Lane and pass through the Darley Abbey Mills and cross the Private Toll Road (you may have to pay a toll) to Darley Abbey Village. Continue southwards, passing the Darley Abbey Inn. Rather than heading straight on into Darley Park, climb up New Road to see a little more of Darley Abbey’s heritage. The upper path through Darley Park provides dramatic views over the parkland. Toilets and refreshments are available at the terrace. The path descends to join the Derby Riverside Path at Handyside Bridge. From here the Riverside Path follows the west bank of the River Derwent right through Derby city centre. It passes directly by the Derby Silk Mill, the River Gardens and the bus station. The railway station is signed from the route and is a short walk along Railway Terrace.

Derby to Borrowash 5.5 miles From Derby station turn right and follow Railway Terrace along to the Riverside Path. Follow the Riverside Path on the south bank of the Derwent through Pride Park and Alvaston Park towards Elvaston and Borrowash. A bridleway heads south to Elvaston Castle Country Park about half a mile before Borrowash Bridge for those wanting to explore the grounds. Other wise follow the Riverside Path all the way to Borrowash Bridge. Here cross Borrowash Bridge and follow Station Road (B5010) into Borrowash for regular buses to Derby

Borrowash to Derwent Mouth 6 miles From Borrowash follow Station Road south to get to Borrowash Bridge. Cross Station Road (B5010) and follow the path along the south bank of the river. This heads across the fields to Ambaston. Here follow Ambaston Lane south to join London Road at Shardlow. Follow London Road eastwards (left) and you will discover Shardlow’s fascinating history if you visit the Heritage Centre by the Clock Warehouse. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way follows the Trent and Mersey Canal from opposite the Heritage Centre, following the towpath through the village to the east, passing Derwent Mouth Lock. Continue to Derwent Mouth, where the River Derwent flows into the River Trent. Here the Derwent Valley Heritage Way reaches its end point. Return to Shardlow for buses to Derby and Leicester.

The Derwent Valley Heritage Way can be walked as a complete route, or in sections

Starting Point	End Point	km	miles	total miles
Ladybower, Heatherdene	Hathersage	9.5	6	6
Hathersage	Baslow	11.5	7	13
Baslow	Rowsley	8	5	18
Rowsley	Matlock	9	5.5	23.5
Matlock	Whatstandwell	10	6.5	30
Whatstandwell	Belper	9.5	6	36
Belper	Little Eaton	7.5	4.5	40
Little Eaton	Derby city centre	6.5	4	44
Derby city centre	Borrowash	9	5.5	50
Borrowash	Derwent Mouth	10	6	55

The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been developed by the Derwent Valley Trust. The Trust was established to secure recognition of the valley as The National Heritage Corridor to promote its landscape, wildlife and heritage in a sustainable way. The Trust works through partnerships with organisations that share its vision including local authorities, the Peak District National Park, local businesses and societies. Visit the Derwent Valley Trust website www.nationalheritagecorridor.org.uk

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

Crich Tramway Village in the Derbyshire Dales

oakford — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:40:18 +0000

You may have a keen interest in trams, transport or history or may just be looking for a unique place to visit, whatever your interest there is lots to see, explore and discover and the village makes an ideal family day out in the heart of Derbyshire.

Trams run to and fro every few minutes as visitors ride over the cobbles of our period street, past the original facades of historic buildings from the around the country before heading up the valley to views that will take your breath away. Hand over the old penny you are given on entry and you are free to ride the trams all day.

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

Our Spa is fabulous after a lovely walk in the Peak District!

oakford — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:49:08 +0000

If you are booked into our holiday cottage, End Cottage, you have exclusive use of our wonderful hot tub. If you are booked into our bed and breakfast and there is no residents at the time in End Cottage, we can arrange for you to have some time in our hot tub.

It really is great to relax in at the end of a wonderful walk in our beautiful area and throughout the peak district. It really is a treat, whatever the weather!

The following areas within the peak district are also worth considering whilst staying at our bed and breakfast Oakford Cottage or self catering accommodation End Cottage…

Peak District Villages

Villages In The Peaks

Tea on the terrace

oakford — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:02:37 +0000

Oakford Cottage

oakford — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:01:44 +0000

End Cottage – Self Catering – Sleeps up to 6

oakford — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:19:49 +0000