Padley Gorge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Padley Gorge |
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Padley Gorge
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| Geography | |
| Location | Peak District, Derbyshire |
| River | Burbage Brook |
Padley Gorge is a beautiful, deep valley located in the Peak District National Park, in Derbyshire, England. It sits between the village of Grindleford and the main A6187 road.
This amazing gorge is covered with trees and has a lovely stream flowing through it called the Burbage Brook. This stream once marked the border between Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Today, the border follows the Hathersage Road, which is the A6187.
Padley Gorge starts near Grindleford Station. It's a popular spot for walkers and hikers. The road leading to the railway station is a handy place to park your car if you want to explore the area.
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Exploring Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. Many walking trails use the gorge as their main path. It's a great way to see the natural beauty of the Peak District.
Nearby Places to Visit
Just a short distance from the top part of the gorge, you'll find the Fox House. This is a well-known pub and hotel located on the road to Sheffield. The famous Longshaw Estate is also very close by. Its lands actually include parts of Padley Gorge itself.
To the north and east of the gorge, you'll discover open moorland. Here, you can find ancient stone circles, like the Stoke Flatt stone circle on Froggatt Edge. There are also signs of old farms from the Bronze Age at a place called Swine Sty.
A Special Place for Nature
Padley Gorge is part of a very important area called Yarncliff Wood, Padley. This whole area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was given this special protection in 1972.
Why Padley Gorge is an SSSI
It's considered the best example of a special type of woodland in the Peak District. This woodland, made up of oak and birch trees, once covered many of the rocky edges of the gritstone uplands.
The SSSI status also protects some very rare types of Umbilicaria lichen. These small plant-like growths are hard to find in the Midlands region of England.
Wildlife in the Gorge
Padley Gorge is also a vital breeding ground for several interesting birds. You might spot the beautiful pied flycatcher, the musical wood warbler, or the shy hawfinch. It's a great place for birdwatching!
A Popular Spot for Visitors
Padley Gorge is a very popular place for tourists and locals to visit. People love its natural beauty and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. As of May 2020, it had a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, showing how much visitors enjoy their time there.
