Longnor - Gateway to the heart of England

by Lucy Byrne (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

I didn't expect to find United Kingdom

Nestled neatly away in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, in the Southern Peak District, is the quaint and charming village of Longnor. I’ve visited this majestic place since I was a child, every time getting lost in the wonderful feeling of excitement, adventure and apprehension; wondering what awaits me as I cross the invisible line between town and country. Take the plunge and step across that border, start to breathe in the smell of the maturing manure and tune into to the orchestra of rural life, hear the cows, the sheep and even the heavy ticks of the farm tractor trudging along the old dirt tracks. Get caught up in the wild winds rushing through the long grass or gaze at the buzzards soaring overhead, start to smile as you reminisce over an idyllic childhood full of happy holidays and dream like memories. It’s a special place ideally located atop the Dove Valley, on the crossing point of many of the essential arteries of the region. Dive in to the history books and see that it dates back to the Middle Ages, listed in the Domesday Book as Longenalre, trace the legend that has it having more pubs than houses or try the local art of well dressing. Explore its central position which resulted in it becoming an essential passage for Drovers, a place to stay on their way from the higher peaks to the local towns and live stock markets. Take a step back and survey the scene of the old market square (which to this day still has three working pubs) surrounded by animals, left, right and centre. Be evoked by the rustic noises and smells that would have been so immense, so vivid and so potent that you can’t be surprised that a strong pint of ale was required at the end of the day. Look closely down the cobbled streets and back alleyways and you can still see the faint signs of the villages past. Head north on Buxton Road and come across the old grain store, still present with its pulley system sticking out the side of the roof, ever ready to load up the carts with goods. Step back into the modern day and see it’s perfectly located for many different pursuits, offering visitors a true sense of Britishness. All around the stunning scenery allows you to get lost in the wildernesses as you hike across vivid landscapes ranging from the rouged terrain of Kinder Scout to the story book stepping stones of Dovedale, whilst never being too far away from either a quaint essential British pub or a famous cream tea. Alternatively, if hiking the 268miles of the Pennine way isn’t for you, while away your days getting lost in the wonderful world of Jane Austin. Pop down the road and you’ll come the magnificent awe-inspiring Chatsworth House, home to Pride and Prejudice’s aloof, yet dreamy Mr Darcy. Here you can immerse yourself in the history of the Devonshire Family, the real life Lords and Ladies of the elite upper class, climb the stunning staircases and stare at the family portraits hung on the walls, getting lost in the romance of England’s finest stately home. Or amble across the road to the serene little town of Bakewell and truly experience a picture postcard English retreat, home to the Bakewell Tart. Be sure to try the traditional recipe, none of this white icing and glace cherry, a good old fashioned flaked almond top is all you need to quench your famished taste buds. If whiling away you time dreaming of high society isn’t for you then travel south to Carsington Water or North to Stanage Edge to experience some of the best inland sailing or breath-taking climbing that England has to offer respectively. Regardless of your intentions Longnor is a must for any travellers list, a place where one can reconnect with history, get lost in the beauty of classical literature or escape reality astride hill tops with nicknames such as the dragons back bone or winking man; knowing all the while that a pint still awaits you at the end of the day.