A Bookshop, Two Cafe's and the Tissington Trail
Not quite an artists date...but close enough for now
An artist date is a concept created by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way. Julia recommends that once a week, you treat your inner artist to a fun, engaging experience that will spark your inspiration. The only ones on this “date” are you and your creative self. The artist date is a way to devote time to your creative self and should be done solo. It may be walking through an art supply store or visiting a museum—anything you find creative and enjoyable.
Hello my friend.
A very warm welcome to my little corner of Substack today. Thank you for stopping by. Come on in and make yourself comfortable. Let me make you a warm drink.
Today’s publication comes to you from the Derbyshire Dales, a few days away last weekend.
We camped up on a gorgeous little site near Fenny Bentley. The site is attached to Washbrook Farm which is elevated, affording us a stunning view of the dales below. With a few sheep for company and pitches enough for about ten vans, it was perfect.
We travelled up on Friday morning, with a detour to the High Peak Bookshop and Café first.
Amidst the rolling hills of the Peak District, our hidden gem blends sips, sweets and stories! Bookworms and coffee connoisseurs, prepare to embark on a whimsical adventure through the enchanting world of High Peak Bookstore & Café.
And it truly is a hidden gem. Situated just south of Buxton, the bookstore was once a garage owned by the Bagshaw Brothers and used by the locals for their fuel. In 2001 it became a bookshop known as Brier Low Bar bookstore.
In 2016 the bookstore was taken over by the daughter of the owner who retired. She added a café and it became known as High Peak Bookstore and Café.
In memory of the old garage there are photos of the Bagshaw Brothers at the fuel pumps along with some old memorabilia on the wall of the café. The old pump is still there near the entrance to the store.
It’s impossible to visit a bookstore without purchasing a book or two isn’t it.
My choices were Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and Little Women by Louisa May Allcott, making their way into my growing collection of classics.
A visit to the High Peak Bookstore and Café is not complete until one has sampled the delights of their café. Warning - if you plan to drop by be prepared for a wait as there is always a queue for the café. Worth the wait though.
The café has a varied menu but somehow I am always drawn to the same thing each time we go. Bakewell Fog and Derbyshire Oat cakes and chutney. The café won’t give away their recipe for the Bakewell Fog, but it tastes just like Bakewell Tart. De-lic-ious!
Camp set up and kettle on we settled in for a lovely quiet afternoon in the van, with a book and quiet conversation, and the occasional glance across the field towards the dales below us. A perfect way to while away a Friday afternoon.
The campsite is situated conveniently next to the Tissington Trail. So, dressed in our wet weather gear the following morning we headed out on a gentle stroll along the trail towards Tissington, the next village along.
The once beautiful views across the dale were replaced by a fine mist, drenching the ground and all those in it.
The Tissington Trail was once a railway line running for thirteen miles between Buxton and Ashbourne. The line opened in 1899 but in 1971 it was bought by the Peak District National Park who turned it into a traffic free trail for cyclists and walkers. Many of the old railway features still stand, including the former platforms and signal box.
In the summer one can often spot wildflowers along the old track but it is just as beautiful in February, with many signs that Spring is on its way. The peace and tranquillity, with the occasional fellow walker or cyclist, made for a perfect walk.
Tissington village is the most charming of Derbyshire villages. With its six ancient wells, a duckpond, a 12th century church, a candle shop which was once a blacksmiths, and of course a delightful tea room.
At it’s heart is the Jacobean house of Tissington Hall. The hall was built in 1609 and has remained in the hands of the Fitzherbert family since it’s beginnings. It remains a family home to this day. The village is managed by the Tissington Hall estate.
Of course, on a wet day one must visit the tearooms. A warm welcoming little space to relax for a while and enjoy a hot drink.
Not quite an artists date in the true sense of Julia’s definition, but bookshops, cafe’s and a walk are as close as one can get whilst being in the company of someone who appreciates life’s simple pleasures.
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Until next time.
Debbie xx
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Wow what a cute looking place with plenty of history. The bookshop cafe sounds lovely!
So glad you visited the ‘book barn’ near Buxton; we love going there (especially for the plethora of different sorts of bird food!) 🌱