A Visit to Flash
The little Peak District village of Flash in Staffordshire has the distinction of being the highest village in England, and anyone who has ever visited on a snowy or windy day will be able to confirm that wholeheartedly!
Flash is surrounded by wild open countryside on the southern slopes of Axe Edge Moor, south west of Buxton. Flash Head, just east of the village, is the source of the Rivers Dove and Manifold, which flow into beautiful Dovedale and the Manifold Valley respectively.
In the other direction the River Dane rises to the north west of the village and runs down to the popular beauty spot of Three Shire Heads, where Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire meet at a collection of picturesque pools, waterfalls and stone bridges.Â
This little village has an interesting history. Although an entirely respectable community now, its isolated location led to its reputation as being something of a lawless place in olden days, frequented by rough characters. Flash was known for illegal activities such as cock-fighting, prize fighting and counterfeiting, and for many years counterfeit money was known as ‘Flash money’. According to some sources the counterfeit money manufactured in the village was exchanged at Three Shire Heads; when the police from one county closed in, the ring was simply moved a little way into the next county.
The village today is a peaceful, scenic place to visit, with pretty houses on quiet lanes, surrounded by stunning scenery. Many of the old farmhouses were built in the longhouse style, with the living accommodation at one end and the space for livestock at the other. The village pub, the New Inn, lays claim to the title of the highest village pub in England, and just outside the village you’ll find Flash Bar Stores, the highest shop in England.
Combine your visit with a walk into the wonderful surrounding countryside and you won’t be disappointed!
How Do I Get to Flash?
Flash is located just off the A53 between Buxton and Leek. The postcode for Flash Bar Stores is SK17 0TF.
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