Brassington and Beyond...
Brassington is in the Derbyshire Peak District, just outside the Peak District National Park.
Wirksworth is 4.5 miles away, Ashbourne 6 miles, Matlock 8 miles, Bakewell 12 miles, Carsington Water 2 miles.
Brassington
Brassington (or 'Brasson' to the locals) is an attractive and unspoilt conservation village on a south-facing hillside. It is a traditional Peak District village on the limestone plateau with many cottages dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It lies in a landscape marked by centuries of small-scale lead mining, from the medieval period to the nineteenth century.
Quite a number of houses in Brassington are listed, including Pail End and next door (where we live).
Local Food
There are two pubs (both serving good food):
- The Miners Arms
- The Gate Inn
White Peak Area
Pail End is an excellent base for exploring the White Peak area of the Peak District.
We suggest:
- Carsington Water: a multitude of footpaths to explore, with a visitor centre (shops and cafe). You can walk all the way round if you feel inclined (9 miles). It has been known for Pail End guests to start from here, walk to there, walk round, and walk back again (13 miles).
Mills, Valleys & Canals
- Cromford Mill: birthplace of the factory system and part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
- Exploring Lumsdale: a wonderful valley of ruined mills on the edge of Matlock.
- Walking along Cromford Canal with its industrial heritage, such as Leawood Pumping Station.
- Cycling along the old railway lines, the closest of which is the Cromford & High Peak Trail, which passes just above Brassington, and has yet more industrial history, such as Middleton Top Engine House.
