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Blackclough Activities
Local attractions
Blackclough is within easy access of the old spa town of Buxton (4 miles)
with its Opera House, Pavilion Gardens and caverns. There are numerous
stately homes and National Trust properties, including Chatsworth within
easy reach. Alton Towers is 17 miles away; Jodrell Bank 22 miles and the
museums of the Potteries, Lead Mining and the attractions of Matlock and
Matlock Bath are similarly accessible. The famous Peak Park Well Dressings
feature in one or two villages each summer weekend and Castleton, with
its caverns and Blue John stone is a delightful summer and winter tourist
spot. For more information there is a detailed visitors guide at Blackclough,
or visit www.derbyshireguide.co.uk
Walking
Blackclough is ideally situated for walking, with footpaths radiating
south towards Three Shires Head, the Roaches and Grad Bach, eastwards
to the Cat and Fiddle and Axe Edge Moor, Shutlingsloe and Macclesfield
Forest, or to the west towards Chrome Hill and the upper reaches of the
River Dove, and the beautiful Wye Valley. Blackclough is circled by areas
designated as sites of special scientific interest, and ornithologists
and geologists come from afar to the moorlands area.
Cycling
There are numerous books of cycle rides in the Peak Park for both mountain
and road bikes, many of the routes passing close to Blackclough. There
are six mountain bikes available to hire at Blackclough. For those preferring
flatter, scenic routes, Parsley Hay is about 7 miles away and is the point
where the High Peak and Tissington Trails (converted railways tracks)
converge. Run by Derbyshire CC, there is a wide range of bikes to hire
at Parsley Hay. (Tel 01298 84493)
Bird watching and Leek Moors SSSI
The Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of Leek Moors, notably
its scenically dramatic landforms, wild open country and outstanding assemblage
of upland breeding birds, surrounds Blackclough on all sides. There is
a high density of breeding golden plover, and exceptional numbers of snipe.
Birds such as the Merlin, Ring Ouzels, black and red Grouse, Curlew and
Snipe require the large area and minimal disturbance afforded by the site.
(Red kites and lapwings have been sighted this year, and two Whimbrel
above neighbouring Knotbury). www.rspb.org.uk
Geologically, this SSSI is renowned for its Millstone Grit features. Nearby
outcrops show a sequence of shales about the coal, and the adjacent Orchard
Farm is internationally important for the geological study of Carboniferous
rocks. Parts of Axe Edge moor above Blackclough are covered by blanket
peat, and dominated by cotton grasses, heathers and rushes.
Climbing, caving, and hang gliding
The nearby Roaches, which are visible down the valley from Blackclough,
are well known for climbing opportunities. Caving and hang-gliding are
similarly closeby.
Horse riding, pony trekking and Go Ape
Northfield Farm at nearby Flash offers hacking and trekking on an hourly
or daily basis (01298 22543). Go Ape in Buxton offers a 2-3 hour forest
high wire course
Painting, photography, team building away days and training camps
The separate detached barn at the end of Blackclough has been upgraded
and is now available, at a minimal extra costs) as a classroom/ workshop.
It has been used by for painting classes, photography, textile design workshops.
The England Badminton squad use it regularly as a base for their team building
and fitness training. A wide range of organisations have used Blackclough for
training camps and team building breaks – it is a relaxing, but stimulating
environment for creative thinking, away from it all.
Local pubs, shops and restaurants
The Knights Table (formerly Travellers Rest) is the local pub. The local shop,
Flash Bar Stores and Coffee Shop (01298 22763) stocks local fresh eggs,
oatcakes veg etc and will take orders. There is good WIFI and Lyndsey does
great breakfasts. The website http://www.flashbarstores.co.uk features a webcam on the A53.
