These days, most people know Hayfield for its cosy pub – The Pack Horse. But did you know, this pretty Peak District village was also the site of one of the most famous protests in British history?
Hayfield, the neat little gritstone township in the western shadow of Kinder Scout in the Peak District, plays an historic role in rambling folklore.
It was from here on April 24, 1932, at Bowden Bridge Quarry east of the village, that the famous Kinder Scout Mass Trespass set out to exercise the ramblers’ right to roam on the then-forbidden moorland. Five ramblers were later arrested and imprisoned for their part in the demonstration. A commemorative plaque was erected in 1982 to mark the 50th anniversary in the quarry – which ironically now serves as a car park for walkers.
Hayfield history
Hayfield was once an industrial centre, with wool, cotton, paper-making and textile printing mills using the fast-flowing waters of the Rivers Sett and Kinder. All these industries are long gone, but the fine Georgian parish church of St Matthew gives a hint of the former prosperity of this little Pennine township. The small square off Market Street is known as Dungeon Brow because the village lock-up was situated there.
One of Hayfield’s most famous sons was the actor Arthur Lowe, Captain Mainwaring in BBC TV’s long-running comedy Dad’s Army. He was a member of the village cricket team, and regularly brought members of the cast to play the village team on the delightfully-situated village cricket ground on Kinder Road.
Hayfield pub
Enjoy a pint at The Pack Horse in the centre of the village, or some quality home-cooked food at the Rosie Lee café on Kinder Road.
Hayfield walk
A popular walk from Hayfield is on the Snake Path up to the prominent Twenty Trees plantation, and outstanding views across the village and towards Kinder Scout.