When it comes to days out from Greater Manchester, the Peak District can be hard to beat. Located right on our doorstep, it's a place where you'll find breath taking moorland walks, stunning waterfalls and picturesque villages.
Castleton is one of the most popular villages to visit in the Peak District, and it's easy to see why with its charming cottages and intriguing caves. Yet a stone’s throw away from this tourist hotspot is another beautiful village which is ideal for those who are looking to escape the crowds.
Hope lies one and a half miles east of Castleton, at the point where Peakshole Water flows into the River Noe in the heart of the Hope Valley. The village is overlooked by Lose Hill and Win Hill to the north, while to the south stands the Breedon Hope Cement Works, which can be seen from miles around - and you may even recognise it from Channel 4's ident.
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The village is served by the Hope Valley line which runs between Manchester and Sheffield, so it can be reached by train in less than an hour. Alternatively it is around an hour’s drive away from Manchester.
There’s been evidence of people living in the area of Hope since ancient times, with tools found dating back to Mesolithic and Neolithic times. In a hamlet near to the village are the remains of a Roman fort, Navio, and you can still see sections of the central and boundary walls.
One noticeable feature of Hope is the interesting spire of the village church. Dating from the 14th century, St Peter’s Church has a short broached spire, giving the church a stumpy appearance. On the south side of the church are some impressive carvings of gargoyles, while in the grounds are two ancient stone crosses, one of which is Anglo-Saxon and stands at seven feet high.
To soak up even more history, a visit to The Cheshire Cheese Inn is a must. This cosy pub dates back to the 16th century and was used as an overnight stopping point when salt was carried from Cheshire across the Pennines to Yorkshire.
Guests would pay for their lodgings in cheese and you can still see the original cheese hooks inside the pib today. Step inside and you’ll find plenty of character and historical features, with open fires and an oldie-worldie atmosphere. The pub has an extensive menu, with plenty of traditional dishes available along with extensive vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Have a wander around Hope and you’ll find several cafes and independent shops, including the Hope Chest Deli where you can pick up a snack to take with you on a walk nearby. Or tuck into a sweet treat at the Hope Tea Rooms.
Of course the Peak District is known for its incredible walks and there are plenty to do from Hope. Take a hike up Win Hill for some breathtaking views, which is just over one and a half miles from the village, or climb up Lose Hill which is under two miles away.
If you’ve travelled by train then you can follow a four mile route to Edale, where you can pick up the Hope Valley line. It’s around four miles away and you can reach it via crossing the Great Ridge.
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