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LONGSHAW ESTATE

THE FEATURE

Longshaw Estate with Longshaw Lodge is situated in excellent walking country on the moors above Hathersage and is open to the public. It was once the Duke of Rutland's shooting estate, but was purchased from the Duke by public subscription in 1927 and presented to the National Trust. The estate is very extensive, stretching almost down to Grindleford and including the area around Millstone Edge and Bole Hill, which has a fine cache of abandoned millstones.

The lodge was built about 1827 to provide a retreat for the Duke of Rutland's shooting guests, amongst whom were King George V and the Duke of Wellington. After it came into the hands of the National Trust, it was let for a while as a 'Holiday Fellowship' guest house. In 1969, it was converted into private flats.

 

The area surrounding Longshaw Visitor Centre was definitely settled in the Bronze Age, with ring cairns and hut circles surviving on the moors. Quarrying took place from at least 1466 when millstones were made at Yarncliffe Quarry. The moors are criss-crossed with ancient trackways, some of which have been eroded over time to form 'holloways'. There are two 18th century guidestoops on the estate, erected as result of an Act of Parliament, designed to make travel easier in remote places. This all makes for fine, interesting walking country and there are some superb walks both in the grounds and within close proximity to Longshaw Lodge.

 

Longshaw Estate's dramatic location and topography attracts many hundreds of thousands of visitors. As although seemingly remote it lies only ten minutes drive from Sheffield. The National Trust shop has been recently refurbished and new ranges of sales goods added, which include local produce. A speciality are the local hand-made chocolates. You can enjoy delicious cream teas and cakes made from local recipes. Hot snacks are also available and there is a children's menu.

 

Longshaw Pastures are well known for the sheepdog trials held there every September. The trials are of interest to both the country lover and city dweller and make a wonderful spectacle for the visitor and local person alike. The Longshaw Sheep Dog Trials claim to be the oldest continuous trials in the country. They started in 1898 and have run to the present day, interrupted only by the two World Wars. Eagerly awaited by enthusiasts, both local and national, they provide sporting entertainment and funds for charity. 

After the Second World War in 1945, when the trials re-commenced at Longshaw, the BBC were present to record the events. A popular long running television series followed, bringing 'One man and his dog' into the living rooms of millions of interested viewers.

 

 

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LONGSHAW ESTATE

Longshaw Visitor Centre (Tel. 01433 631708) situated in excellent walkining country, in the out-buildings of Longshaw Lodge. It is a popular place to stop and have something to eat, or to purchase a gift from the National Trust shop. The Moorland Discovery Centre is available for pre-booked groups. Large car park. Further information website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 


THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE

 

Provides a wide range of features  with heritage trails and detailed countryside walks, through some of the most scenically attractive countryside in the UK.

 

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A special new sub-section has been added to this website, based on the Discover Derby Supplement, published by the Derby Evening Telegraph during March 2005. The most recent additions are:

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GRINDLEFORD FEATURE

 

Situated in a beautiful setting with wooded hillsides rising up above the River Derwent, the village of Grindleford occupies a desirable spot. It is a busy place where several roads converge and, before the bridge, a ford crossed the river that for centuries had been an important crossing point.

 

Grindleford Feature


 

GRINDLEFORD WALK

 

 

There can be no doubt that this is one of the most attractive walks in the Peak District through beautiful Padley Gorge and Longshaw Estate.

 

 

Padley Gorge, a place of great beauty, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its plant and wildlife. The woods are one of the best surviving examples of ancient oak woodland in the South Pennines.

 

Grindleford Walk

 

All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.