Sunday 24th December 2017- Eyam (The Plague village)

Eyam (Pronounced as Eem, so the locals tell me! they maybe having me on though! :)) 

Points of interest - This village has multiple points of interest so be prepared to take a little longer       than usual for the distance covered.

Distance - 4.7 miles of history, beauty, architecture and nature at its best.

Dog friendly- Yes, sometimes the dog may need to be on a lead depending if temptation gets the     better of them when they see sheep, or if you think they may jump in the muddy edge of the river       and get  a "bit" mucky! a couple of stiles but mainly gates or those handy lifter upperers that look like  a cricket bat that you pull up and the dog walks under. 

Terrain- Moderate but can a bit muddy and boggy in some places but well worth the cleaning afterwards.

Parking- Hawkhill Road- Start here if you like as there are decent loos and free parking, (decent loos always a winner with me, well any loos these days to be fair) Off the main street which is Church street running through Eyam, turn onto Hawkhill Road and you'll see the toilets first, the turn for the free carpark is just above the toilets (I say free, but you can give  a donation, which I would always give as its well worth it)

We've done this walk a few times and it is one of our favourites for a number of reasons..

1) Miners Arms Public House serving beers and food, also said to be haunted in one of the rooms, no, I haven't tried to find out if it is, if I saw a ghost I'd poop myself!

2) The history and information available about the plague absolutely enthrals me, there are plenty of information boards around the village, fill your boots.

3) The views are spectacular, from rolling hills to quarried landscapes, which before anyone says anything provide extra land masses for the wildlife

4) A couple of really nice decadent cafe's serving delicious sandwiches, beverages, ice creams etc. They are dog, cyclist, kid and walker friendly.

5) The national trusts "Eyam Hall" an absolute must to visit with real ale on tap (Dangerous I know)

6) A well stocked grocery store selling hot soup and ice lollies.

7) The Church yard- full of interesting stuff (see photos)

If you're starting your walk from the free car park above the free toilets follow these directions...

• Walk down the hill from the car park - check to the right of you and check out the "Hall Hill Troughs" these were established in 1558, providing water for domestic and agricultural use. The system is said to be one of the first public water supplies in the country. 

• Turn left at the end of the road and turn onto Church Street, please take a good look around there is so much history, you have the stocks to the right of you and Eyam Hall to the left, however take note of the "Brick House" The only house in Eyam made out of Brick as all other houses are made out of stone, was once an Inn called "The Stags Parlour" and was converted into a private residence in 1828

Eyam Hall

• A little further down the road just past the Red Brick house and on the opposite side of the road is the church, now I'm not a church goer myself but find church yards quite interesting, if you have time take  a look around all the interesting graves and the sundial clock on the outer wall.

• As you are walking through the village look out for "Plague Houses" where most family members died due to the plague.
• Pass the school on the left just after the church where you will see the nursery rhyme "Ring 'o ring 'o Roses" which relates to people who had the plague.
• Walk through the village keeping left passing the "Bull Ring" and some lovely cafes.

• Follow the road as it sweeps round to the left and a slight incline,
• When you reach the end of the houses choose the track to the left and ignore the road to the right of this, this is a good viewing point.
• Follow the track and pass the entrance of Riley Farm on your left, a short distance along this track you will see some beautiful scenery with old quarries and varied landscape. To your Left you will see "Riley Graves" worth taking a moment to visit.

• Follow the track up and continue ignoring any paths off until you come to a right turn into the woodland, turn right here.
• Walk through woodland for a short distance until you reach a dip, here turn right and continue down track, stay on the path until reaching the road.
• Cross the road and slightly to the left is a stile, go over this and continue straight down the field until you reach another road. Cross this road and take the lane straight ahead of you, there should now be a house to your right side called "Stoke Toll House

• Continue down this lane until you reach a bridge, just before the bridge turn right into the woodland keeping the river to your left, go through a couple of gates until you see where the path runs diagonally through the field, continue up the field until you reach the road (the same road you crossed earlier).
• Head through farm keeping main farmhouse to your left, pass the main building and then shortly after passing turn left and go through a metal gate and walk diagonally right toward a stone wall with a stile, go over Stile and stay on what can be quite a muddy path and through bushes.
• Keep following path until you are in an open field, follow path diagonally right across field until you pass some house on your left and you are on a tarmac track.
• Turn left at the track and notice the "Roman Baths" on the right.

• You are now in Stoney Middleton and if you have time you could visit the hexagonal church.
• Follow the road around to the left but don't turn left, turn right and walk up the road.
• At the next junction turn right up the hill, DO NOT TAKE THE ROAD MARKED "THE FOLD", take the road signed "Cliff Bottom"
• Follow Cliff Bottom heading up, take a look over the left side and look down to see the old octagonal toll house where you can now get fish and chips.
• Keep on up the hill going slightly right until you see a  stile on the left, go over this stile and begin the very steep walk up the grassy bank, when you reach the top you'll see the "Border Stone" this is where the people from Stoney Middleton would leave food for people from Eyam, who would in return put money in vinegar filled holes that you can see in the stone.
• Dogs on a lead again as there are usually sheep in this field.
• Continue walking, pass through another stile and keep going until you reach the village keeping your eyes open for more graves and points of interest.
• Now is a good time to have an ice cream, sandwich or a pint from one either of the 2 lovely cafes or the local pub, or have all 3 :-)