Around 45 minute drive from Manchester city centre sits this majestic little spot worthy of an afternoon of quiet contemplation, picnic and photography. In the middle of a mini heatwave a few weeks ago, we decided to go for a relaxing drive through the peak district. I've done this on many occasions and the P of A follows roughly the same route with minor exceptions. On this particular occasion though the sat nav decided to take an unexpected (or expected depending on whether you beleive in the Gods of fate) break, leading us to drive Satnavlessly for around 20 minutes. The first 19 minutes of the 20 were uneventful, but not the last. Unbeknown to us we were traveling slowly up a very large hill. Suddenly we discovered the rather large drop from the edge of the right handside of the road and a pub on top of the hill, its car park and entrance rather concealed (due to the drop incline)
What greeted us as we entered the car park took our breath away. Lined alongside the edge were a string of benches overlooking what can only be described as a painter's dream landscape. A sea of green with a river running through a valley like formation. There's a cute cafe run by locals right next to it where you can buy home made icecream. Unfortunately It was shut this time but I've bookmarked this place so I can return later in the summer. So should you! read more