Hartington is a charming village on the B5054 road in the centre of the White Peak part of the Derbyshire Peak District. The surrounding area is beautiful and unspoilt. We were in the car, but the region is popular with walkers – visiting Crowdecote, Pilsbury Castle, the River Dove valley, Wovescote Dale, Beresford Dale and the famous Dovedale.
The village is centred around the duck pond with old limestone buildings surrounding the ancient market square. There is no longer a market but there a collection of artisan shops such as the Cheese Shop, a pottery, an antique shop, gift shops, cafes and pubs.
One of the features is Well Dressing a lovely tradition practised in the Peak District. Apparently, this custom started in order to offer thanks to the gods for the reliable clean water supply after surviving the Black Death of 1348. The one in Hartington is built over the water pump in the centre of the village. The Well Dressing and Blessing takes place on the first Saturday of Wakes fortnight in early September. The design is by a local artist. The wooden boards are soaked with “puddled” clay, then taken to the Village Hall where “petalling” takes place. As you can see by the photo, the result is wonderful.
So, Hartington is definitely a tourist dream!
