From the rugged moorland plateaus of the north, to the dramatic limestone valleys of the south, the Peak District is a sprawling stretch of countryside full of beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. Scattered throughout this National Park are dozens of villages, each one with its own unique features and history.
Sitting on the slopes above the Manifold Valley and located eight miles east of Leek is the tiny village of Butterton. With just one pub and a population of just over 200 people, it feels untouched by the outside world.
Butterton belongs to a small group of villages in the UK, known as the ‘Doubly Thankful’ villages. The reason behind the name is that the village experienced no casualties during both world wars.
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It may be small, but this village is bursting with character. At the heart of Butterton is a cobblestone street - with a difference. It’s actually a ford where the Hoo Brook flows along the street.
A popular place for photos, it’s easy to see why as the cobblestones glisten in the sunshine - it’s more picturesque than your average ford.
The winding lanes themselves are lined with pretty sandstone cottages. But the sight which dominates the village is St Bartholomew’s Church, built in 1871. It’s Grade II listed and features an impressive spire, which was added in 1879.
There’s only one place to go to after wandering around the cottages and neat gardens of Butterton: the village pub. The Black Lion Inn is a cosy, traditional pub serving up tasty dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. The pub also has rooms you can book, making it an ideal base to explore the area from.
As well as a selection of holiday cottages, you can also book a stay at Stoop House Farm, an 18th century farmhouse which offers you the ultimate rural escape.
Butterton is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and in fact the village’s name stems from the ‘good pasture’ on its doorstep (Butterton means butter and hill). Just a stone’s throw away from the village is the Manifold Way, an eight-mile stretch of a former railway line which is now used as a footpath and cycle track.
South-east of the village is Thor’s Cave, one of the most spectacular caves in the Peak District. Located high on a limestone crag, it has a huge entrance which perfectly frames the surrounding scenery.
You can pick up the Manifold Way, and other walks in the area from Wetton Mill, which is around one and a half miles from Butterton. Here you’ll find parking, toilet facilities and a tea room.
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