Cottages, Apartments & Lodges in Biggin, Buxton, Derbyshire, England
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Welcome to Biggin: A Charming Limestone Village
Even though this village is over 1,000 feet above sea level, the quiet limestone village of Biggin can be entered by a gentle descent from all sides, particularly from the main Buxton – Ashbourne route, as it spreads unevenly over a shallow saucer. The village has a strange layout in that the council houses (now mainly owner-occupied) are separated from the rest of the village by a few hundred yards, and it seems it is the policy of the Planning Authority (the National Park Authority) to keep it that way and to refuse in-fill, which would seem to most to be more logical.
Explore the Tissington Trail and White Peak Cycle Route in Biggin
The village is currently well known for its proximity to the Tissington Trail, just at the top end of the village—an extremely popular former railway line running southwards and downwards for a total of about 15 miles to Ashbourne. The White Peak cycle route, which is also part of Sustrans Route 54, primarily consists of off-road routes, whether bridleways or former railway trails. It passes through the village, linking two bridleways at each end of the village.
Walking and Nature Trails: Biggin Dale and Beyond
Biggin is superbly situated for walking with numerous footpaths and bridleways in the vicinity. At the bottom end of the village at Dale End, Biggin Dale begins. The Dale is a National Nature Reserve, through which a footpath runs on its way to the River Dove, meeting the Dove at Beresford Dale. Biggin Dale, a little over one mile long, is usually dry, although in wet winter weather, water boils up usually about halfway along its length. Three-quarters way down, there is an old lead mine, which children in particular like to explore. It's about 50 feet in length. There are some lovely wildflowers in the Dale, particularly in spring when cowslips and gorgeous early purple orchids can be seen.
Stay at Biggin Hall: A Historic Country House Hotel
Biggin Hall is a really imposing building with a fine exterior and lovely wooden-panelled interior. A number of years ago, it became a Bed and Breakfast establishment, and in the last three decades, has been gradually moved upmarket into a Country House Hotel by the owner, James Moffett. Here non-residents can visit for cream teas, lunches, and absolutely amazingly good value and high-quality evening meals, when space permits.
A Working Village: The Community of Biggin
Until recently, most villagers in Biggin were employed in agriculture, although a number work at the nearby brickworks, and until recently, others worked at the Hartington Creamery, famous for its Stilton Cheese. There are quite a number of dry stone wallers living in the village, including one who has been National Dry Stone Walling Champion two years on the trot, who now, together with his son, who won the amateur National Drystone Walling championship, accepts commissions for work abroad, particularly in the United States.
Living in Biggin: A Community of Long-Time Residents
Biggin has so far not gone down the route of second homes and holiday cottages, with the majority of residents probably having been born in the village, otherwise the houses being occupied by local residents. There are substantially more families than in other villages, and this village can truly be described as a working village, as is reflected in the custom of the Waterloo Inn.
Historic Sites in Biggin: A Look Back in Time
There are some Nissan huts situated just on the lower side of the Tissington Trail. These are now used for various purposes, one currently as a recording studio, but they were erected as prisoner of war camps, either during or immediately after the Second World War. (German prisoners were not repatriated immediately after the cessation of hostilities.) The presence of these prisoners does not seem to have caused the village any undue concern, and indeed they proved useful in the terrible winter of 1947, when they helped with the snow drifts that were up to 10 feet high.
There is a pinfold still to be seen in Biggin, close to the village hall. It has, in fact, recently had its walls rebuilt. The pinfold was where stray sheep and cattle would be kept and only released upon payment of a fine.
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