A Taste of the Peak District

Accommodation, activities and attractions of the Peak District of the UK

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Bamford village is perched high on a hillside with extensive Peak District views. To one side is the imposing Bamford Edge whilst on the opposite side of the valley lies Win Hill and the other hills surrounding the Hope and Edale valleys.

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Bamford is situated at the base of high moorland a short distance to the south of Derwent valley reservoirs. Most visitors to the Peak District will drive straight through in their eagerness to reach Ladybower, Derwent and Howden reservoirs and the associated moorlands. It is worth exploring Bamford for a while, perhaps take lunch in one of the local pubs or spend time admiring the views.

Bamford edge towers above the buildings of the village and is one of the lesser visited quality climbing venues of the Peak District. This is because it is privately owned and permission must be sought from the gamekeeper (see the Rockfax guidebook for the number). Climbing is allowed only during part of the Autumn, the winter and early spring.

When the reservoirs were constructed early in the 20th century, the villages of Derwent and Ashopton were submerged. The inhabitants were rehoused at Yorkshire Bridge whilst the dead were reburied at the Church in Bamford. The Church (of St. John the Baptist) is a William Butterfield design.

Like a number of the Peak District villages, Bamford was a mill town. The old cotton mill has seen several industries come and go and is now luxury flats.

Spring Bank Holiday sees the Bamford Sheepdog trials.

Close to Bamford, the A57 passes over the worryingly named Cutthroat bridge. The story goes that in the 16th century, local found a man lying by the bridge with face and neck wounds. Being friendly souls in Bamford, the traveller was taken to Bamford Hall but unfortunately he died a few days later. Parking for a couple of vehicles is available at the bridge, but there is a larger parking area a few hundred yards closer to Sheffield. The Bridleway from Cutthroat Bridge leads up to Whinstone Lee Tor and onto the Derwent moors. Another bridleway can be followed, parallel to the road back to Ladybower reservoir, and is a much safer route than the road whic has no pavement.

For self-catering accommodation in this area of the Peak District click here, for bed and breakfast click here or for hotels (centered on Sheffield) - click here.