Monyash: A Marvellous White Peak Village
The lovely village of Monyash in the Derbyshire Peak District is an absolute gem, with pretty stone cottages lining quiet lanes and a country inn overlooking a village green.
It is located in the White Peak at the head of the beautiful Lathkill Dale, surrounded by rolling fields and gentle hills.
Planning a visit? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from top attractions and walking routes to practical tips for making the most of your trip to this beautiful Derbyshire village.
An Ancient Settlement
There has been a settlement here since Neolithic times. The impressive stone circle and henge at nearby Arbor Low was constructed around 2000BC by the early inhabitants of the area.
The Romans later developed lead mining in the area and constructed a road which forms the southern boundary of the parish. Monyash grew in importance due to its location at the intersection of a number of trade routes.
The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Maneis’. The name Monyash comes from the Old English words ‘Mane’ and ‘Eas’, meaning many waters. The name arose because of the unusual band of clay running beneath the village, deposited during the last Ice Age. This clay bed allows pools of water to collect in the area, uncommon in a limestone region.
The villagers of Monyash used this to their advantage, creating ponds and wells to allow access to fresh water all year round. In the past the village had no less than five ponds and twenty wells. One such pond, Fere Mere, still remains in the centre, and is a picturesque feature.
Monyash continued to prosper as a community over the centuries. The surrounding land was rich in lead and the area became a centre for lead mining, as well as limestone quarrying and farming the lush grazing land. In 1340 Monyash was granted a charter to hold a weekly market and a three day fair.
By the mid 1800s Monyash was a large, busy village, double its size today. Among the trades listed within the village population were: blacksmiths, cobblers, butchers, wheelwrights, wool merchants, joiners, dressmakers and shoemakers, as well as a village policeman. There were five pubs in the village, a garage and a Post Office, and over 100 children in the local school.
Marvellous Monyash Today
Monyash today is a smaller, more peaceful settlement, but with a thriving community spirit. The economy is now based largely on farming.
The lovely church of St Leonard’s dates from as far back as 1100, at which time it was a small building most probably used by the Early Britons in the area to worship pagan gods. Over the centuries it has been added to and developed, and it is now a large church, Grade II listed.
There is also a Quaker Chapel, or Friends’ Meeting House, in the village; Monyash was a centre for Quakerism from the 18th Century thanks to the residence of John Gratton who lived there for 34 years. The village also has a Methodist Chapel, built in 1835.
The one remaining pub, The Bull’s Head, is one of the oldest buildings in the village and is renowned for its great food and good beer. There is also a popular café next door, The Old Smithy tea rooms.
Walks in Marvellous Monyash
Surrounded by stunning countryside and with numerous footpaths across the White Peak landscape, including the long-distance trail The Limestone Way, Monyash is a great place to walk.
To enjoy this beautiful landscape to the full, try our 4 mile circular Monyash Walk from Monyash village through Lathkill Dale!
Monyash Walk through Lathkill Dale
This 4 mile circular walk starts from Monyash village and takes you through the beautiful Lathkill Dale.
Where to Stay in Monyash
Monyash offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From The Bull’s Head pub to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- The Bull’s Head – traditional pub with rooms
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Monyash Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring Lathkill Dale. The wildflowers in the dale are particularly spectacular in spring.
- Getting There: Monyash is accessible by car via the B5055, located between Buxton and Bakewell.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the village green.
- Don’t Miss: Fere Mere pond, the historic St Leonard’s Church, and the Bull’s Head pub.
- Explore: Lathkill Dale and the Limestone Way offer excellent walking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monyash
Is Monyash worth visiting?
Absolutely! Monyash is a lovely village with pretty stone cottages, a picturesque pond, a fascinating history, and beautiful countryside on its doorstep.
What is Monyash famous for?
Monyash is famous for its name meaning ‘many waters’, its picturesque Fere Mere pond, its historic St Leonard’s Church, and its proximity to Lathkill Dale.
What does the name Monyash mean?
The name Monyash comes from the Old English words ‘Mane’ and ‘Eas’, meaning many waters. This is due to the clay band beneath the village that allows pools of water to collect.
How old is Monyash?
There has been a settlement here since Neolithic times. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Maneis’.
What is Fere Mere?
Fere Mere is a picturesque pond in the centre of Monyash, one of many that existed in the village’s past due to the clay band beneath the village.
What walks are near Monyash?
Monyash is a great base for walking, with numerous footpaths including the Limestone Way. A popular 4 mile circular walk goes through Lathkill Dale.
For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.
ℹ️ Tourist Information
- Bakewell Visitor Centre 4.4 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
🍺 Local Pubs
- The Royal Oak, Hurdlow 1.5 miles
- The Ashford Arms 3.5 miles
- Lathkil Hotel 3.6 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop 4.4 miles
- Hassop Station Café & Monsal Trail Cycle Hire 4.9 miles
- The Yondermann Cafe 6 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- Jacksons Farm Holidays 1.1 miles
- Bruntmoor Cottage & Shepherd Huts 1.4 miles
- The Royal Oak, Hurdlow 1.5 miles
- Manor House Farm Cottages 1.9 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Haddon Hall 5.3 miles
- Eyam Brewery – Craft Beer Inspired by the Peak District 5.7 miles
- Peak Rail 7.1 miles
- The Buxton Crescent Experience 7.1 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
