Eyam Walks
This popular village in the Derbyshire Dales has a fascinating history and some lovely walks to try. Eyam is known as the 'Plague Village' because of an outbreak of bubonic plague in 1665. The villagers chose to isolate themselves rather than let the infection spread.
This walk visits some of the interesting sites in the village including Eyam Hall, the 'Plague Cottages', the Parish Church and Eyam Moor.
The walk starts from the National Trust car park in the centre of the village. From here you can visit the Jacobean style manor house of Eyam Hall. The hall dates from the 17th century and has attractive gardens to explore. You then head along Church Street and pass the so called 'Plague Cottages' where the first victims died. Soon after you come to the 14th century parish church of St Lawrence and the graveyard where the victims were buried. You can then head north out of the village, to Eyam Moor, passing the Plague Stone on the way. This is quite a challenging climb but with great views of the surrounding Peak District scenery from the high points. The moor is also home to Wet Withens stone circle.
Other Walks around Eyam
- Derwent Valley Heritage Way - You can pick up this long distance trail just to the east of the village. Following the riverside trail north will take you towards Upper Padley and the splendid Longshaw Estate. Head south and you will come to Curbar.
- Curbar Edge - A couple of miles south east of the village you climb to this wonderful viewpoint. From the elevated position on Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge there are magnificent views over the Eastern Moors of the Peak District. The area is also covered with interesting rock formations. Look out for red deer on the moors and birdlife such as the Ring Ouzel, in the air.
- Padley Gorge Trail - A couple of miles east of Eyam Moor you can pick up the Padley Gorge Trail through a stunning wooded valley. The trail runs along the lovely Burbage Brook with its pretty waterfalls, rocky boulders and wooden bridges.
- Longshaw Estate - Near Upper Padley you will also find the Longshaw Estate. The estate is perfect for walking with fabulous views of the Peak District, ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. In the park there are pretty ponds, a waterside path along Barbrage Brook and the lovely Big Moor where you should look out for red deer. There are also excellent facilities with a tea room, shop and the Moorland Discovery Centre.
- Hathersage - The pretty village of Hathersage is just a few miles north of Eyam. It has several long distance trails running past it and a number of challenging climbs to try.
- Eyam Circular Walk - A circular walk around the village, visiting Eyam Edge, Bretton Moor and the village of Foolow.
- Stoney Middleton - Enjoy a short walk through the pretty Coombs Dale on this route from the village of Stoney Middleton, just to the south of Eyam
- Froggatt Edge Circular Walk - Enjoy splendid views over the Dark Peak on this climb to the gritstone escarpment of Froggatt Edge
Eyam Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Eyam Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Eyam OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Eyam Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
The Miners Arms is a good choice for some refreshments after your walk. The historic pub dates all the way back to 1630 and is located in the village centre. They do very good food and also have an outdoor area for finer weather. You can find the pub at postcode S32 5RG for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The expansive moor is a fine place for a dog to stretch its legs The Miners Arms mentioned above is also very dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the west of the village there's a bit of a hidden gem at the Swallet Waterfall. The secluded little spot contains the 2nd highest waterfall in the Peak District and can be reached on footpaths from the village. See the Eyam Waterfall Walk for more details.
Just to the south west is the neighbouring village of Great Longstone. The historic village includes a 13th century church and a fine 17th century pub. Our circular walk from the village climbs to the splendid limestone ridge at Longstone Edge, just to the north of the settlement.
For more walking ideas in the area see the White Peak Walks and Peak District Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Eyam Hall. The Hall was built around 1676 and so post-dates the 1665/6 plague outbreak that the village is best known for. The Hall has been in the occupation of the Wright family for over 300 years.
Plague cottages. The green plaque in front of the house with the bush in front of its black door (not the plaque that can be seen in the photo) reads: 'Mary Hadfield, formerly Cooper, lived here with her two sons, Edward and Jonathan, her new husband Alexander Hadfield, and an employed hand, George Viccars. George Viccars, the first plague victim, died on the 7th September 1665. Edward Cooper, aged 4, died on the 22nd September 1665. Jonathan Cooper, aged 12, died on the 2nd October 1665. Alexander Hadfield died on the 3rd August 1666. Mary alone survived but lost 19 relatives.'
Plague Stone, Eyam. These stones were where food was left by outsiders for plague-stricken Eyam villagers during their self-imposed quarantine. There are two others around the village, marked on OS maps; this one is at approx. SK213768
Boundary Stone. Boundary stone between Eyam and Stoney Middleton. When the villagers of Eyam underwent self-imposed quarantine in 1665-6 to stop the Plague from spreading out of their village the stone was their only point of contact with the outside world. Food was left here for them and to pay for it they put coins into the holes drilled in the stone and filled with vinegar to kill any germs.
The Square.The centre of the village is known as The Square
Eyam Museum. This interesting museum provides information about the village since prehistoric times, but with particular reference to the Plague in the 1600s. You can find it at Hawkhill Road with a postcode of S32 5QP.
Village Church. The Church contains detailed displays and accounts of when the village went into voluntary quarantine when "The Plague" was imported in infected cloth from London in 1665.
Eyam Moor cairn. The remains of the cairn are just a few metres to the north of Wet Withens stone circle. The cairn was partially destroyed by workmen building the turnpike road to Hathersage in 1759. In 'Blacks Guide To Derbyshire 1881' the Eyam Moor Barrow is described as being 90ft in diameter and 35ft high. It is in a poor state of preservation but is a useful navigation aid for anyone visiting the nearby stone circle, being more visible.