Town crier to announce launch of new Hartington Village Trail

Peak District National Park Authority chair Tony Favell and Hartington Parish Council will unveil new information panels, while leaflets, local history displays, tea and cakes and a Village Trail prize draw will be available on Saturday, May 12, from 1pm to 5pm in the Village Hall. The official opening will be at 2pm.

Villagers themselves got together to help create the new Village Trail that leads visitors back in time and encourages them to support local businesses for the future.

The trail leaflet features a self-guided map, illustrations by local schoolchildren, and 11 points of interest put together by community groups, exploring the village’s rich heritage from the 1200s to the present day.

Aimed at families, adults can enjoy the fact-packed potted histories, and children, led by “Detective Duck,” can test themselves on a treasure-trail of questions.

Hartington Parish Council, community groups and Hartington Primary School worked with Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire Dales District Council staff to create the leaflets and two information panels.

The pupils, who have been studying village history, produced artwork for the panels, one on a plinth built by local master dry stone waller Trevor Wragg in the centre of the village, the other on the school wall.

Peak District National Park ranger Rose Clarke, who helped steer the project, said: “We wanted to produce a guide that would be fun for families, help them learn about the Peak District’s special qualities, and encourage them to stay longer and visit local shops, cafes and pubs.

“People can pick up the free leaflet in and around Hartington, or in national park visitor centres, and use it to explore the village in greater depth.”

This is a pilot project for a series of new Peak District Village Trails produced by villagers themselves. It is funded by the Peak District Sustainable Development Fund, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Hartington Parish Council and local businesses.

Hartington Village Trail is available online at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/villagetrails