In and Around the village of Hayfield, Peak District

Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club campsite is on our "favourite sites" list and one we keep going back to. The nicest thing about this site is its proximity to the village of Hayfield. The site is set at the side of the river (well, more of an ambitious stream really). This means that ducks and moorhens are regular visitors to the campsite, but it also unfortunately means there are midges in season. For how to enjoy camping and live peacefully with midges, see earlier blog "Midges in Scotland".

From the campsite, follow the river for a short while, past the children's adventure playground, and you are soon in the village itself. This is a typical Derbyshire village which is little changed from how it would have been in the good old days - charming houses and cottages set higgledy piggeldy on little lanes, more pubs than you can shake a stick at, friendly natives, lots of natural wells - at least eight, and a choice of places to stay - B&B and pub accommodation, all reasonably priced. No visitor goes hungry in Hayfield. Our favourite eating places are the tremendously friendly and olde worlde George Hotel and the equally welcoming and more trendy Sportsman Inn.

These two pubs get our vote for three reasons: (1) They do affordably accommodation, which means non-camping family and friends can stay nearby (2) They allow dogs INSIDE (hooray and thank-you!) (3) The food and service is outstanding.

Now, the George Arms has the best Lamb Rojan Josh in the world ever according to Mr AP - better even than his favourite Indian restaurant in Nottingham, which had better remain nameless. In fact all the food at the George is excellent - freshly cooked, generous portions, good value for money and served with a huge smile.

The Sportsman is located on the hill above the Hayfield C&CC campsite and is about a 10 minute walk up to it, and about 5 minutes back down, but take a torch as the route back is very dark once the evenings draw in. This is a very popular pub both with walkers and campers, and they even have somewhere to tie up your horse, should you find yourself in possession of one.

There's just sooooo much more to say about Hayfield, that it will be continued in the next blog ........

Above image: View of Hayfield C&CC site from above

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