Welcome Information
We are delighted to host you and hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Below is some important information to help you settle in and make the most of your time here.
Edale’s cultural heritage includes historic landmarks like Edale Mill, a key site from the village’s industrial past. Built in the early 19th century, this water-powered cotton mill played a major role during the Industrial Revolution. Nearby mill cottages, including Dunelm Cottage, were built for workers and designed “back-to-front,” with their fronts facing away from the mill owner’s house to keep daily worker life out of view (i.e., The loos).
Ladybower Reservoir, nestled in the Upper Derwent Valley of the Peak District, is a striking piece of landscape and a symbol of twentieth-century engineering. Constructed between 1935 and 1943 to address the water needs of Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leicester, it occasionally reveals remnants of the villages of Ashopton and Derwent during droughts. It also holds WWII history as a training site for the “Dam Busters” raids.
Castleton is a village steeped in history, located beneath the ruins of Peveril Castle in the Hope Valley. Known for its deep caverns like Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton offers a glimpse into its mining heritage and medieval past.
The Heights of Abraham near Matlock Bath is a unique attraction featuring hilltop views, landscaped gardens, and natural caverns. Visitors can enjoy cable car rides, guided tours of the caverns, and scenic trails that showcase the region’s history and natural beauty.
Nestled on the banks of the River Wye, Bakewell is renowned for its Bakewell Pudding and charming market town atmosphere. With medieval architecture and regular local markets, it’s a delightful spot for a day trip.
Chatsworth House is one of England’s most magnificent stately homes, featuring Baroque architecture, expansive Capability Brown gardens, and an impressive art collection. It has been the home of the Cavendish family for over five centuries.
Buxton is a historic spa town known for its geothermal spring water and grand architecture. Highlights include the Buxton Crescent, Buxton Opera House, and Pavilion Gardens, offering a blend of relaxation and cultural experiences.
Beyond Edale, the Peak District offers a range of attractions. Castleton, just a 10-minute drive or a 2-hour walk over Back Tor Nook (The Millworkers’ walk), is renowned for its caverns, including Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern, where visitors can see the rare Blue John stone and impressive stalactites. Peak Cavern, also known as the “Devil’s Arse,” offers adventure and hosts concerts. Be sure to dress warmly. A hike up to Peveril Castle provides medieval ruins and great views over Hope Valley.
Chatsworth House, about 30 minutes from Edale, was a filming location for the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, serving as the setting for Pemberley. The stately home features expansive gardens, a notable art collection, and a working farmyard, making it a perfect day trip. Explore the grand interiors, stroll through the Capability Brown-designed gardens, or enjoy a riverside picnic.
A scenic drive along Monsal Pass offers stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside. Monsal Head provides an excellent viewpoint of the viaduct and limestone valleys, and the Monsal Trail follows a disused railway line through tunnels, bridges, and viaducts.
Stanage Edge, a popular rock climbing destination, also appears in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film as the backdrop for Elizabeth Bennet’s walk. For a taste of history, visit Buxton with its Georgian architecture and natural springs, or explore Bakewell, famous for its pudding.
Edale offers various cafes and pubs, including The Old Nag’s Head, known for its traditional ales and pick’n’mix sausages, and The Rambler Inn, which offers classic pub food. For snacks, coffee, cake, and pizzas, try Newfold Farm Cafe or the Penny Pot Cafe near the train station.
Nearby in Hope, The Cheshire Cheese Inn is a lovely quaint pub, which does a great Sunday lunch, and The Adventure Café makes amazing bacon and sausage butties, while the Curry Cabin offers great food, bring-your-own drink, and convenient takeout and delivery.
The Bank in Hathersage has a great atmosphere and environment and serves up a fab burger. Further out in Little Hucklow, The Blind Bull provides a rustic dining experience; it is the 5th oldest pub in England. We go there for special occasions.
Edale is a walker’s paradise, offering access to some of the most stunning trails in the Peak District. The village is the official starting point of the Pennine Way. We also recommend the Edale Skyline Walk. This 20-mile circular route offers breathtaking views as it follows the ridge around the Edale Valley, passing beauty spots like Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, and Lose Hill. It’s a challenging but spectacular walk.
To find specific walking trails, visit the Edale Visitor Centre, located near the Old Nag’s Head pub, where maps and route information are available. Popular routes include the hike up to Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder. For a gentler walk, the circular route to Mam Tor offers beautiful vistas over the Edale Valley and Hope Valley. You can spot Dunelm Cottage, Mill Cottages, and The Mill.
For more walking inspiration, the Peak District National Park website and the Ordnance Survey app are great resources for downloadable maps and trail guides. Maps are also available at Dunelm Cottage, and a series of published walking leaflets can be found at the Penny Pot Cafe. Don’t miss Phil’s Favourite Walks. His leaflet is also included in our welcome pack.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Embark on the CAM Tour, a family-friendly walk that takes you through scenic valleys, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. Perfect for all ages, this trail offers interactive learning stations about the local flora and fauna.
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3.5 hours
Climb to the iconic Mam Tor, also known as the "Shivering Mountain," and enjoy panoramic views of the Hope Valley and surrounding landscapes. This circular walk includes historical landmarks and diverse wildlife.
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 5 hours
For the adventurous, the Kinder Scout Summit Trail offers a rewarding challenge with stunning vistas from the highest point in the Peak District. Traverse rugged terrains and experience the raw beauty of nature.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Edale Valley. This walk is perfect for families and those looking to relax amidst serene meadows, charming streams, and abundant wildlife.
We’ve prepared a welcome basket with tea, coffee, and cookies for you to enjoy. You’ll find a complimentary Peak District tea towel designed by Louisa Milton a talented local designer (and our daughter!), as a memento of your stay. There will be a postcard of a local artist and stamp included in the welcome pack for you to send to family or friends to say “Wish you were here, having a great time in Dunelm Cottage!”
There are 2 designated parking spaces directly in front of the house and in front of the outhouse. Please ensure you park within these spaces to avoid blocking other people’s driveway.
The black (general waste) and green (recycling) bins are located in front of the outhouse. Please help us by sorting your waste and using the cream recycle bucket provided. Wednesday for the black bin and Friday for recycling.
The property features central heating powered by wood pellets. Extra electric heaters are placed around the house for additional warmth. Instructions for the heating system (Feeding the Beast!) are available, and the wood pellets are stored in the wooden shed in the yard.
There is also a wood burner in the top bedroom. If you choose to use it, please clean it out afterward. You can use coal or logs, and the chimney is swept annually for safety.
If you require the electric car charger, please contact Ben for activation (fees apply).
There are many beautiful routes to explore. You’ll find a selection of OS maps in the boot room and a booklet of Phil’s Favourite Walks (short, medium, and long routes). Many of these walks are lesser-known, so they’re often free from heavy tourist traffic. Check out the Penny Pot Café leaflet, in the welcome pack popular with walkers and hikers.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and we hope you feel at ease here. You’re welcome to use the equipment & crockery in the cupboards and the Welsh dresser. Please don’t put the sharp knives in the dishwasher. Essentials like washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, and washing machine tablets are provided.
The bathroom is stocked with Faith in Nature products, including shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, and shower gel. Please avoid taking the bottles home. Please note: As it’s an old house, the water drainage system can be slow, so please take care not to let the shower overflow.
We love dogs, and they are welcome here, but we kindly ask that you keep them off the furniture and out of the upstairs areas. Please do not leave your dog unattended in the property and be sure to clean up after them in the garden. Thank you for your cooperation!
You can find cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink, including a broom, dustpan and brush, mop, and vacuum cleaner (located under the stairs in the kitchen).
Laminated manuals are available next to the appliance. Please see QR codes for:
This is a non-smoking property.
Please vacate the property by 10 am on your day of departure. We appreciate your help in keeping the house clean and tidy for the next guest.
We hope you enjoy your stay at Dunelm Cottage. If you have any issues or feedback, please contact Ben at Wanderhost. We value your feedback and strive to improve the experience for all our guests.
Turn right outside the house to find a post box at Mill Cottages. Alternatively, turn left, then take the first right over the railway bridge (don’t forget to wave to the train driver!). It is on the left 50 metres from there.
Newfold Village Store offers local produce and essentials.
We hope you enjoy your stay at Dunelm Cottage.
Best wishes,
Phil & Josie