|
|
Print-friendly version
Alderwasley
Alderwasley is a village located deep within the Amber Valley of Derbyshire and the Peak District. Alderwasley is home to a variety of houses, farms delightful cottages and the traditional features of a Derbyshire village; school, church village hall and a popular local pub that are scattered around the area. One of the first farmsteads in Alderwasley, from circa 13th century, is Wiggonley Farm which is still thriving and has been tended by the Fletcher family for many generations. This farm is reflection on the traditional roots of the area that are still firmly based in farming, and the relatively unchanged landscape shows this well.
 The oldest building in Alderwasley was once a chapel dedicated to St Margaret and was built during Henry the Eighth's reign over England. Thomas Lowe constructed this chapel, which served as the local place of worship until 1850 when the fifth Francis Hurt of Alderwasley built a new church just to the west of Alderwasley Hall. This impressive building is a fantastic example of Georgian architecture and is now used as a school for those with special needs and is well received by the local community. From St. Margaret's and the nearby hilltop by Berry Hill Cottage there is an impressive array of splendid views to the north and west overlooking the Derwent Valley and Shining Cliff Woods. From the 'centre' of the village is a signposted footpath leads to Whatstandwell which is just a mile away and can be clearly seen against the skyline to the east. Francis Hurt built the first Crich Stand in 1788 on the site of a former wooden beacon tower, and this familiar landmark can be seen from almost every part of Alderwasley parish.
In a westerly the road ascends steadily to a farming complex upon the highest point of the village, where both the low and high road meet. A sharp left turn takes the high road past Moor Farm and Lane Head farm, and across a rolling landscape interspersed with wooded valleys and populated by horses and other livestock, and with stupendous views to the south and east. Here you will find the Bear Inn, a former coaching house from the turnpike era, which is Alderwasley's only public house. The Bear Inn is well known for it's excellent food, Sunday carvery, comfortable accommodation, and especially for it's spectacular location. From here Alport Heights can be easily seen just two miles away to the south west.
Just around the corner the road drops away to reveal a wonderous view of green rolling hills and open land that frames Alderwasley Hall and All Saints parish church, also including a landscaped parkland with cascading stream and a series of ornamental lakes, cricket field with a wooden pavillion, and a celtic cross mounted atop a tall twenty foot high column.
Alderwasley can be approached by two directions, both which offer spectacular views as you approach the plateau on which the village is based. The high road approach takes you over the winding hills from Wirksworth, with the low road (the A6) carries you south through the Derwent Valley and along the Cromford Canal and to the Derwent Arms. From here is a sharp climb up the woody Lambert Hill to the edge of the village.
|
|
