Scrivener's books in Buxton, Derbyshire. What an interesting find! This is not just the largest second-hand bookshop in Derbyshire. The
proprietor Alastair Scrivener has brought together a number of people skilled in the crafts of bookbinding, book repair and restoration, calligraphy, even bookcase building. Watch them at work, browse the
huge selection of books, then retire upstairs for tea and cake in the cafe upstairs. Hang around for long enough and they may even take you on as an apprentice.
www.scrivenersbooks.co.uk
+44(0)1298 73100
42 High Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6HB
Google map: bit.ly/cPYmfT
Gorgeous glassily calm natural pool with beautiful views of the nearby Roaches crags, the rolling hills of the Staffordshire Moorlands and, on a clear day, the Cheshire Plain.
Seemingly bottomless, this is the perfect spot for an outdoor dip while travelling through the White Peak or the rugged, much underrated Moorlands (although not suitable for children, as there are no shallows - the sides of the pool are sheer and it is not possible to stand up once in the water).
Legend has it that years back, a foolhardy local jumped in for a late-night swim, after one too many beers, and was dragged into the depths of the pool by the resident mermaid, never to surface again. Careful, sober swimmers shouldn't have this problem but if in doubt wear a wetsuit to counteract cramp and don't even think about taking the plunge without some sensible soul staying put on dry land to keep an eye on you.
The last time we visited, my companion jumped in despite warnings from a solitary canoeist, whose cheery advice ("well, don't say I didn't warn you...I'm not pulling you out if you get into trouble...") did not put him off.
Once you're out and drying off, make your way back over to the other side of the A53 and have a nice cup of tea, a sit-down and crucially, a scone, at Tisha's Teas, on the Gradbach road.
Between Upper Hulme, Upper Elkstone and Heathylee. Coming from Buxton, turn off the A53 just after The Winking Man pub, and follow the road. You'll pass the pool after approx 1.5 - 2 miles, on the right - park in the layby opposite. To get to Tisha's Teas; heading back to the A53 from the Mermaid's Pool, go straight over the crossroads at the A53 and follow the road down to the left - the tearooms are on the left (gorgeous views of the Roaches).
Enjoy locally brewed real ales and good food at one of the most beautiful spots in the Peak District. The pleasant beer garden is lovely in the sun, while the simple stone floored Stables Bar’s real fire makes it cosy in winter. A good range of German beer is available. 7 bedrooms in the hotel make it a great place to stay. Spectacular views from across the road, and lovely walks in the area, especially along the old London-Manchester rail line.
Buses 4 (Mon-Fri) and 173 (daily) stop outside, while the hourly Transpeak Manchester-Derby bus and Sheffield-Stoke bus 218 both drop on the A6 for a short walk along Monsal Dale to the pub. Located on the B6465 off A6 near Bakewell. Phone 01629 640250, Website: www.monsalhead.com
An eco-friendly farm with camping and self-catering accommodation. The wind turbine, ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting make this a great green stopping place in the middle of the peaks.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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