Sparrowpit, near Buxton, Derbyshire

Eldon Hill quarry

Rolling hills

Place photograph

5.2

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

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Cost

Big-sky

Feel

HillsFarmlandRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.2

Quarrying for road and building aggregate removed part of Eldon Hill and created a new hill beside the road. The nearby permissive path crosses the limestone landscape and offers views towards Mam Tor.

The appeal is the visible contrast between a worked limestone hill and open Peak District walking country. The National Park Authority documents both the quarry’s impact on the landform and a short permissive path across the hillside; access to the quarry workings themselves is not verified.

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Sparrowpit, near Buxton, Derbyshire

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The experience

A short walk in the Eldon Hill landscape, with the quarry’s effect on the hillside as its defining story. Use the Peak District National Park Authority’s permissive-path directions; access into the quarry itself is unverified.

Things to do

Walk the permissive path

Follow the National Park Authority’s short route across the hillside. Its directions pass a pond, track, wall gate and dale; it describes 1 km of new access.

Notice the quarry-shaped landform

Look across the hill for the effects of aggregate extraction: the National Park Authority says quarrying removed part of Eldon Hill and created a new hill beside the road.

Look towards Mam Tor

The National Park Authority identifies views of Mam Tor from the permissive-path area.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow time for the 1 km of new access; walking time is not specified by the source.

The Eldon Hill permissive path

01
Start via the A623 at Sparrowpit, using the National Park Authority’s route information.
02
Turn right at the pond and follow the path above the road.
03
Turn left at the track and continue to a gate in the wall.
04
Head leftwards down to the dale and back up the hillside; follow the official map and directions.

Verified history

The Peak District National Park Authority reports that Eldon Hill was quarried for aggregate used in roads and buildings. The extraction removed a chunk of the hill and created a new hill beside the road. The Authority also records the old English name as Elveden, meaning “hill of elves”, linking it to underground caves; this is presented on the source page as a name explanation, not as evidence of supernatural activity.

Folklore & legend

The National Park Authority notes an old English name, Elveden, glossed as “hill of elves” and associated with underground caves. Treat this as a traditional name explanation, not a verified account of elves or other supernatural events.

Hidden details

The roadside hill made by quarrying — The National Park Authority says quarrying removed part of Eldon Hill and created a new hill at the roadside. Compare the altered profile with the surrounding limestone landscape from permitted paths; do not enter quarry workings.

When to go

· No source-backed recommendation available.

The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal highlight or seasonal access pattern.

The wider Eldon Hole trail has rougher sections that can be difficult in wet conditions; appropriate footwear is advised. Check current conditions and route access before setting out.

What to look for

Look for the altered hillside and the new roadside hill formed by quarrying. From the permissive path, the National Park Authority notes views of Mam Tor. Stay on permitted paths and do not enter quarry workings.

The story

Quarrying and changes to the limestone landscape

Best time to go

Check conditions before setting out; no source supplied establishes a particular best season.

No source supplied identifies a best time of day or season. Check weather and ground conditions before walking.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Sparrowpit, Buxton SK17 8EP

Website

buddlepit.co.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

5.0 · 1 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A Peak District National Park Authority permissive path provides access on foot across Eldon Hill; its page describes 1 km of new access. This does not establish access into the quarry itself. Follow the official route information and keep clear of quarry workings.

Parking

The National Park Authority lists roadside parking and identifies the start as via the A623 to Sparrowpit. Parking availability is not guaranteed; check locally before travelling.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

Check before visiting; livestock may be present on the wider Eldon Hole walking trail, according to AllTrails.

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Accessibility

The National Park Authority describes six pedestrian gates and a track and hillside. This is not a step-free route; further accessibility information is not supplied.

Cost

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