09-02-2025
The hidden gem Peak District village that's full of tales of romance and tragedy
Walking hand in hand through a picturesque country village with a loved one is a pretty perfect way to spend Valentine's Day.
The Peak District has more than its fair share of scenic villages and towns where you can enjoy a day out or a romantic weekend away, with the likes of Bakewell and Castleton being among the most popular.
Yet venture off the beaten track to one of the national park's smaller villages and you'll discover a place full of tales of love and tragedy, set against a breathtaking backdrop.
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Located just south of Eyam is the village of Stoney Middleton. It's backed by dramatic limestone cliffs, intriguingly-named Lovers Leap, giving you a hint at the romantic stories associated with the village.
In recent years Stoney Middleton has made the headlines thanks to a few famous faces that have stopped by. In 2021 Hollywood star Tom Cruise filmed scenes at nearby Dalton Quarry for the film Mission Impossible 7. Then in 2023 Liam Gallagher popped to the village's Grade II-listed chippy for a bite to eat, located inside the former Toll House.
But with Valentine's Day nearly upon us, it's the tragic love stories of this Peak District village which come into the spotlight.
Perhaps the most striking is the tale of how the cliffs came to be known as Lovers Leap. It's said that in 1762 Hannah Baddeley leapt from the outcrop after being rejected by her lover William Barnsley.
Luckily for Hannah her petticoats acted like a parachute, slowing her fall and allowing her to survive. A pub carved into the cliffs was named The Lovers Leap and today the site is occupied by Curry Cottage, an Indian restaurant where you can even book the private cave-like dining room.
Stoney Middleton also played a role in the tragic tale of the lovers Allen and Clara, who were murdered by miners at Winnats Pass near Castleton.
They were on their way to elope to Peak Forest and stayed overnight at the former Royal Oak, a historic pub in the village. But their conversations were overhead and the next day when they set off on their journey, they were intercepted at Winnats Pass where a group of miners murdered them and stole their valuables.
Although the pub is no longer there, the fish and chip shop stands opposite the site, so while you tuck into your chippy lunch you can imagine how the dramatic events unfolded.
Just north of Stoney Middleton lies the village of Eyam, infamously known for its self-isolation during the bubonic plague in 1665. The plague killed 260 people, causing heartbreak for many.
One of the most poignant tales associated with Eyam's quarantine is that of star-crossed lovers Emmott Sydall, who lived in Eyam, and Rowland Torre, a resident of Stoney Middleton, who were separated by the plague.
They would meet daily at a distance at nearby cave Cucklette Delf, but one day Emmott failed to appear, succumbing to the disease. Rowland continued to visit hoping that she would appear but once quarantine ended he learnt the heartbreaking truth.
To help visitors dive deeper into the tragic love stories of Stoney Middleton and the surrounding area, trail maps are available to purchase at The Cupola, a cafe-turned-restaurant and visitor centre which provides the perfect base for exploring Stoney Middleton.
The heritage trail maps cost £3 and visitors can choose between the 'purple walk' , a one hour and 15 minute tour of the village's key landmarks; the 'green walk', a one hour tour of Eyam; or a combined walk which takes around two hours and 15 minutes.
The Cupola, The Dale, Stoney Middleton Hope Valley, S32 4TF
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