Hathersage is a bustling little village at the eastern entrance to the Hope Valley under the frowning gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge.
There are many reasons to visit this beguiling corner of the Peak District, not least for its many links to the Brontës.
Charlotte Brontë and Hathersage
There are many connections with Charlotte Brontë in and around the village. She often came to Hathersage to stay with her friend Ellen Nussey and is thought to have based the town of “Morton” in Jane Eyre on Hathersage. North Lees Hall (private), a fine embattled Tudor tower house to the north-east of the village is thought to have been Charlotte’s model for Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester’s home.
The Eyre family also features strongly in the beautiful brasses in the Parish Church of St Michael, which is most famous for allegedly being the last resting place of Robin Hood’s loyal henchman, Little John. Outside the south door of the church between clipped yews is what is reputed to be his 13 foot long grave.
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Hathersage Pool
If the weather is fine and you fancy a dip, then the popular open air Hathersage Swimming Pool on Oddfellows Road in Hathersage is well worth a visit, and the Outside shop on the main street is one of the finest outdoor stores in the country.
You can enjoy lunch or a coffee under the constantly changing lights of a working traffic light in the café at the award-winning David Mellor Design Museum and Country Shop just south of Hathersage.
Hathersage walks
While in Hathersage, it is worth taking the walk out towards the awe-inspiring Stanage Edge, which is much favoured by rock climbers.
Other walks include:
