Nestled deep within the dramatic landscape of the Derbyshire Dales, Eyam is a village steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It's a place where time seems to slow, where the past mingles with the fresh, invigorating air of the Peak District.
If you're looking for a holiday that combines fascinating stories, stunning walks, and a truly relaxing escape, our charming East View cottage in Eyam is the perfect base for your adventures.
Eyam is, of course, famous for its extraordinary act of self-sacrifice during the Great Plague of 1665-66. When the plague arrived, the villagers, led by their rector, William Mompesson, made the courageous decision to quarantine themselves to prevent the disease from spreading to neighbouring communities.
Walking through Eyam today, you can't help but feel the weight of this history.
Visit the poignant Plague Stones, where money was left in vinegar-filled holes, and explore the tranquil St. Lawrence's Church, where the story unfolds.
The Eyam Museum offers a fascinating insight into this remarkable period, bringing the village's past to life.
These stones represent a poignant part of the village's history. Here is one walking route that that incorporates some of these historical markers.
The "plague stones" primarily refer to the boundary stone, which served as a place of exchange between Eyam villagers and those from neighbouring areas during the 1665 plague. During a self imposed quarantine money, disinfected with vinegar, was left in holes in the stones in exchange for supplies.
Begin your walk in the heart of Eyam. This allows you to first immerse yourself in the village's atmosphere and history and consider visiting the Eyam Museum before starting your walk.
Possibly start with a coffee and cake at one of the very good cafes before heading from the centre of the village towards Stoney Middleton on the Stoney Middleton Heritage Trail.
This path takes you along a route that would have been used during the plague and passes one of the boundary stones with an information board. From here you can either retrace your steps back to Eyam or continue down to Stoney Middleton where you can choose a number of routes to make a circular walk back to East View.
For a shorter walk, head up the A623 main road and stop at the recently completed Cupola Café and visitor centre that serves great coffee, cakes, drinks and food.
To return back to Eyam cross the road outside the Café and walk up a footpath that emerges part way up The Dale, road into Eyam. Alternatively for those who prefer a more surefooted route you can walk up the road and turn right up The Dale to return to Eyam.
Note the footpath does become narrow and in places routes close to the top of some steep drops.
Keep an eye out for caves and often there are climbers on the rock faces to the right of this path. The views across the valley are also stunning looking up the valley towards the Darlton Quarry and down the valley towards Goddards Quarry and Curbar Edge.
This is a lovely walk in dry weather but can be slippery on the descent into Stoney Middleton in the wet when walking poles would be beneficial and, without stops, can be completed in two hours.
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