South Ridge Farm

Heritage Site in Derbyshire

England

South Ridge Farm

High Nightam A farm looking over Chinley Head. — High Nightam Credit: Bill Boaden

South Ridge Farm, located in Derbyshire, is a heritage site that holds significant historical and cultural value. The farm is nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the Peak District National Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Dating back to the 18th century, South Ridge Farm served as a traditional working farm for many generations. Its well-preserved buildings and structures, including the farmhouse, barns, and stables, showcase the architectural style and techniques of the era. The farm's stone walls, thatched roofs, and timber frames are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

Visitors to South Ridge Farm can explore the various aspects of rural life in Derbyshire. The farm offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the daily routines of the farmers, their methods of cultivation, and the tools they used. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits that demonstrate the traditional farming practices, such as sheep shearing and milking.

The farm also hosts seasonal events and workshops, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences. These include activities like butter churning, bread making, and even tractor rides. Such events not only entertain visitors but also educate them about the importance of sustainable farming practices and the preservation of rural traditions.

South Ridge Farm is not just a heritage site but also an important educational resource. Schools and colleges frequently organize visits for students to learn about the agricultural history of the region. The farm's knowledgeable staff provides informative sessions, engaging students in discussions about the importance of farming and its role in local communities.

In summary, South Ridge Farm is a captivating heritage site that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. With its well-preserved structures, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the farm provides a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

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South Ridge Farm Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.374/-1.949 or Grid Reference SK0386. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

High Nightam

A farm looking over Chinley Head.

Bill Boaden

The A624 at Chinley Head

You can just start to see down the other side towards Hayfield. Peep-O-Day Farm on the left will get a view both ways.

Bill Boaden

Maynestone Road

The top of this road on Chinley Head. The farm ahead, Peep-O-Day Farm, will have a view both south to Chinley and north to Hayfield.

Bill Boaden

Field below Chinley Moor House

There are views down the valley to Hayfield.

Bill Boaden

Quarry near Chinley Head

Marked as disused on the OS map, the signs here suggest the quarry is still operational.

Bill Boaden

Pennine Bridleway to Hayfield

A leg of the bridleway which will descend into Coldwell Clough. Mount Famine is seen ahead.

Bill Boaden

Chinley Head

Peep-O-Day Farm is profiled against the low wintry sun.

Bill Boaden

Entrance to Birch Vale Quarries

The involvement of P Casey suggests that the quarry is now used for landfill and is no longer being quarried.

Bill Boaden

Track off Over Hill Road

Possibly a former miners track. It now assists sheep farming on the slopes up to Chinley Churn.

Bill Boaden

Over Hill Road

Looking north towards Lantern Pike. There is good uniformity in the dry stone walling.

Bill Boaden

Resting sheep by Moor Lodge

Bill Boaden

Private farm track

The 'private' sign is the only sign. The track leads to Piece Farm.

Bill Boaden

Crossing of paths in New Allotments

There is a view down to the Sett valley to the left.

Bill Boaden

Bridleway above Foxholes Clough

It is on the northern end of the Chinley Churn ridge, with a view to Kinder Scout in the background.

Bill Boaden

Bridleway to Hayfield

It will descend steeply very soon, but you cannot quite see the descent yet.

Bill Boaden

Foxholes Clough

A tributary of the River Sett, with the Kinder plateau in the background.

Bill Boaden

Bridleway down to Phoside Farm

Part of a longer descent to Hayfield which goes down via Foxholes Clough.

Bill Boaden

An Interesting Bench Plaque

For reasons entirely down to nosiness, if time permits I usually read the plaques on memorial benches, if that is the correct term for them. Usually they are just slightly jollier epitaphs than would appear on gravestones - which is fine - but occasionally you come across something a bit out of the ordinary, such as this (but for all I know, this appears on his grave too). The words on the plaque are: In remembrance of John Rowland A working class intellectual Listen for the song of his soul Why the working class bit gets mentioned raises questions. Was it because his intellect went unrecognised or unrewarded, due to his status, because he had to go against the grain in order to pursue whatever intellectuals do, or just that he overcome barriers to fulfil his potential I wonder? I also wonder when these kind of benches first became a thing. I then wonder, if a bench is particularly well-made, and therefore lasts a long time, whether the plaque will ever get replaced by another one, dedicated to somebody more recently deceased, at some point. In much the same way that censues are only released to the public a century after they were taken - due to the fact that the people who may have been keeping secrets which would be betrayed by the census information will all be dead by this point - I have always thought that gravestones should be removed 100 years after death. This is because by this point there will be nobody alive with an actual memory of the deceased, and therefore the grave no longer serves it purpose, as a place to mourn and remember the dead. This would then free up space, although it would make visiting cemeteries far less interesting I suppose. It is notable that our working class intellectual's plaque has no date of death mentioned, proving he might well have been very clever indeed. Staying one step ahead and seeing into the future maybe - therefore bypassing the upcoming 100 year rule, sitting pretty for centuries to come.

Ian Dodds

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South Ridge Farm is located at Grid Ref: SK0386 (Lat: 53.374, Lng: -1.949)

Police Authority: Derbyshire