Exploring the Peak District - Baslow

Baslow, Derbyshire

A few tweets from the Sheffield Telegraph @shftelegraph and +Lesley Draper inspired me to use the local bus services to further explore the beautiful Peak District.

We decided to catch the bus to Baslow (either the 215 or the 218) from the Sheffield bus interchange. I was expecting an old run down TM Travel bus to pick us up and maybe a few other passengers and slowly make its way out to the Peak District.

I was quite impressed when a modern bus arrived, not only does it include usb ports to charge phones, but the the bus journey is well illustrated down the length of the bus. I couldn't help myself walking down the bus to read about the different stops, maybe spotting ideas for another day out. The bus interchange is quite modern with plenty of reminders that apps are available to help plan your journeys. (The journey itself took around 40 minutes and cost less than £5 return)

The route of the bus journey also provided a chance to see parts of Sheffield I am less familiar with and to relax, with the added benefit of not having to worry about driving should we find a nice pub later on.

So, we hopped of the bus in the middle of Baslow. There is a notice board with a nice looking map, to help you find your bearings. I'd recommend heading to Baslow Edge (pictures below), but it was also quite nice not having a plan and just wondering around the village.

After admiring the weir (should have taken a photo...) we enjoyed some of these sights:

and relax...

crossing the bridge

Derbyshire / Peak District - walking towards Baslow Edge

Derbyshire / Peak District - Walking to Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge - shame about the fog

Having found some directions on Google to Baslow Edge, we enjoyed a slow walk up a steady incline. With nice views on the way and plenty of fresh air, the only downside was the fog - hiding the full scale of the views. There is a well positioned bench at the top - for those who like to sit and take in the view, or catch their breath....

Having been recommended:

• The Devonshire Arms, Baslow
• Rowleys, Baslow
• White Lion, Great Longstone

 After walking back down from Baslow Edge and into the centre of the village, we decided to try the Devonshire Arms. (You can see it from where the bus drops you off)

The Devonshire Arms is quite a large venue and seemed very busy on a Sunday. We tried our luck and managed to get a table for two with no trouble at all. The pub looks to be a successful business, with a busy bar, a stylish dining area and even its own coffee and cake shop.

I went for the 12 hour roast sirloin of beef (see below), it was also served with a selection of vegetables (red cabbage, peas and green beans.) The meals are well presented and I would class this as my first fine dining Sunday lunch. It was a delicious meal, served with a monstrous Yorkshire pudding (see photographic evidence below), the meal was perfectly accompanied with a pint of Chatsworth blonde (an award winner, don't you know.)

The Devonshire Arms - Sunday Lunch - 12 hour roast sirloin of beef

Cappuccuino

Chocolate brownie with chocolate ice cream

After such a nice lunch, we decided to fit in dessert as well. I went for the chocolate brownie and chocolate ice cream, delicious. But my partner found the real treasure - a peanut butter ice cream, which is actually made by the pub. Hands down, some of the best ice cream we have ever tasted. Compliments to the chef!

We had some hot drinks before leaving (around 0 - 4 degrees at the moment, feels like winter!)

So after a fun day out, some fresh air, great views (nevermind the fog) and enjoying some great food and drink - it was time to hop back on the bus and return to the City. The bus services run every hour and there are plenty of other destinations to explore, including Bakewell and Chatsworth House. We are looking forward to further exploring the Peak District, considering possible places to live and enjoying any pubs en route. Hopefully this blog post will encourage others to use the bus services on our doorstep, but ultimately to enjoy the adventures and delights of the Peak District.

If you have any favourites, recommendations or comments, please share them below. 

The Devonshire Arms