Calver

Calver village is the ‘bigger’ sibling of Curbar in the Peak District. It’s ideally situated in the beautiful Hope Valley region with quick access to Sheffield and Bakewell. The village is more than meets the eye. Most who pass through Calver never truly see what it has to offer. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit.

Calver is far less known in the peak District than the incredible gritstone edge backdrop that towers over the village – Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge. A hillside crag that stretches across several locations and can be seen from over 3 miles away. Join thousands of people every month in hiking there or simply drive up to the top. To the West of Calver, the village of Stoney Middleton is home to a unique limestone crag that runs through the village with surrounding quarries that have been disused (except for a Tom Cruise Mission Impossible movie), making them prime spots for climbing.

Most people driving through Calver experience Calver Sough, a crossroad area that connects Hope Valley, Sheffield and Bakewell with a BP garage and Spar for motorists. While that may not sound idyllic for a countryside village, the busy spot actually retains a level of charm. There is a large grass and flower display, sports field, and stunning buildings including a local cafe, pub, and houses along the crossroads. This area is how most passer-by’s depict Calver but it’s only the outskirts. The real beauty is hidden further into the village.

Just beyond Calver bridge linking to Curbar, the more remote neighbour, you’ll find the distinctive Calver Mill standing tall beside the river Derwent. The grade 2 listed building has some interesting history. It used to be a water-powered cotton spinning mill before getting into financial debt. After being used as a facility during the second world war, it began producing stainless steel. But today, it’s a place to call home with flats for residents.

Calver Weir is an ‘S’ shaped, Grade 2 Listed structure constructed in the 19th century to supply water essential for cotton spinning operations at Calver Mill. But it also plays a vital environmental role. By holding water back to a height of 3.5 metres and length spanning 106 metres, it maintains the water levels critical for sustaining the wetlands at Calver Marshes. Without the weir, these wetlands would gradually drain and ultimately dry up, causing significant harm to local biodiversity. The clever design minimises the destructive force of flowing water that has destroyed previous weirs. Enjoy diverse wildlife such as dippers, kingfishers, grey wagtails, goosanders, mallards, coots, moorhens, brown trout, bullheads, brook lampreys, water voles, harvest mice, and numerous plant species.

If you want to visit the heart of Calver village, head over to Main Street. This is where you’ll find most residents live with rows of cottages, a hairdressers and the nearby Calver Methodist Church. A memorial lamp post stands out as the centrepiece in the middle of the road. Despite its name, Main Street is much more peaceful than Baslow Road coming into Calver.

Calver tends not to be an overnight stay with tough competition from holiday cottages in Curbar and hotels in Baslow but it’s packed with places to see and things to do in the surrounding area.

There is a Regatta outdoor shop by Calver crossroads for any keen walkers looking for value based walking clothing and gear. It also benefits from a gift shop, petrol station, and some small food places.

Start next to Calver Bridge. From Peter Hill/Calver Mill gallery, head down Old Mill Lane and up through Derwent Valley Way or cross the bridge and head up Dukes drive (for the view in the above image) for a few minutes until you reach a signposted gate on your left. Follow the river up past Calver Weir to the A625 bridge heading to Froggatt. You can then cross to the other side of the river and head back. Or, go straight on through the wetlands to Froggatt bridge, and go right (east) through Froggatt and Curbar’s residential hillside (Riddings Lane). Go back down Dukes Drive or continue down The Bent road until you reach the crossroad to The Green where you’ll find a cool little well surrounded by cut millstones. Follow Curbar Lane back down to your right shortly after until you reach The Bridge Inn pub and Calver Bridge.

Curbar Edge is a magnificent gritstone edge that serves as one of the best backdrops of any Peak District village, and can also be seen from Froggatt, Calver and Baslow. Enjoy a 30 minute stroll along the top to Froggatt Edge with incredible landscape views overlooking Hope Valley and towards Bakewell. To the other side heading to Sheffield, you’ll find Dark Peak moorlands that turn into a sea of brown in autumn. There lies Barbrook Stone Circle, but more importantly, Little Barbrook, a discontinued reservoir that remains protected for wildlife there to flourish. If you’re an experienced swimmer who’s going with someone, stay above the deep water, and are careful not to disturb water vole nests, it’s a nice spot for a bit of wild swimming for adults.

Stoney Middleton, nestled amidst striking limestone cliffs and lush greenery, is great for gentle strolls or adventurous rock climbing. Local history is full of dramatic tales of heartbreak, murder and even plane bombings. The village boasts a unique octagonal church and ancient roman baths, offering an authentic glimpse into Derbyshire’s heritage with trails and listed buildings.

Baslow is crowned by some as the poshest village in the Peak District. Whether it’s the grandeur of Baslow Hall, proximity to Chatsworth and Bakewell, or the quality traditional pubs and hotels, it stands out as a village people like to visit for special ocassions. Don’t miss the historic bridge and Baslow Edge, where panoramic views of the village and surrounding countryside await you after a relatively easy hillside hike.

Explore the majestic Chatsworth House, one of England’s finest country estates. Home to the Cavendish family, it was built in 1552. The house is intricately decorated with centuries-old art collections from around the world and used to host everything from royal galas to those injured in WW2, but now visited by the public for its elegant architecture, lavish interiors, and breathtaking gardens. Wander through expansive parkland, learn about the rich history, and experience seasonal events that pull you into a bygone era of opulence.

Delight in the charming market town of Bakewell, famous for the delicious Bakewell pudding and bustling weekly markets on a Friday. The only official town in the Peak District, it’s home to quaint shops, historic stone buildings, and picturesque riverside walks along the River Wye, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, culinary delights, and local character.

Eyam is known for its heroic past battling with the plague. Relics of the past remain for all to see, including Eyam Museum where you can learn more. The picturesque village has quite a traditional look and feel, attracting lots of visitors for a vibrant atmosphere.

By car (recommended): Use your GPS or Google Maps to find Calver, Hope Valley, S32 3XH. Free parking is available around the village and most shops have their own off-road car parks. By Calver Sough, there’s limited spaces going down Polly Froggatt Lane and a car park at the Spar for a quick stop. Derbyshire Gift centre has more space and usually a preferred option.

By train: Take Northern Rail Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly and get off at Grindleford station, which is less than an hour’s walk away. From Mount Pleasant bus stop, it’s just 4 minutes on the 65 bus to Tideswell but it only comes every 2 hours. Get off at Shaldon just outside Froggatt Edge garage in Calver Sough area.

By bus: Take the 257 Andrews of Tideswell bus to Calver Sough from Sheffield Interchange or Broomhill in around 55 minutes. This is also a main connection bus between Peak District villages such as Stoney Middleton, Bakewell, and Hathersage.