Notes from the host
Ford Wetley Cottage
Chosen by the National Guardian Newspaper as 'Top 50 Places to stay', Ford Wetley Cottage is nestled alone in wooded grounds in the magnificent Staffordshire Peak District National Park, the self catering holiday cottage is the ideal place to retreat to. Escape the hustle and bustle, kick back, put your feet up or put your boots on and go exploring! The choice is yours, in fact you’ll be spoilt for choice. Ford Wetley Cottage is situated about quarter of a mile outside the picture postcard hamlet of Ford. Away from the main house and secluded by trees, just the rolling fields and sheep around. It’s the perfect place if you want some privacy. The cottage enjoys its own formal garden and is set in an acre of land, sometimes home to our miniature Shetland ponies Breeze and Storm, and sometimes they live in the surrounding fields where you can wander to visit the friendly pair. You are welcome to explore our field which including two little brooks with waterfalls and woodland. Perfect to let dogs off the lead. This area is fenced off for our younger visitors safety. There is garden furniture, a fire pit, BBQ for those hot summers and if you are bringing your bikes a secure place to store them. (On prior arrangement) Plenty of parking space for five cars. PLUS NEW EV Charger, bring your own lead. (Download and app and pay by card) charge your car up ready for the next days adventures.
The Cottage sleeps 7 in beds, plus pull out bed and cots. It comprises of three tastefully decorated en-suite bedrooms with very comfortable and tasteful linen and duvets. There is one double room with a travel cot and a low pull out bed ideal for a child which sits on the floor, one King Size room on the ground floor with a shower and toilet and one family room with a double bed plus a full size single bed. Each room has an en-suite shower or bath room, all with luxurious Molton Brown Hand Soap and Moisturiser sets. All come with freshly laundered bed linen, towels and very comfy beds, all with toppers to make you feel relaxed and get a great nights sleep, you’ll be well rested. The King size bedroom is on the ground floor with a large shower, toilet and sink so perfect for the elderly or those not so steady on their feet. A rustic farmhouse kitchen is well equipped with everything you could possibly need and a wooden table to sit around. The stunning oak floored, exposed stone lounge is well equipped with two large leather sofas, 2 comfy chairs, Flat Screen TV, Hi FI, an extensive range of books, games, toys and plenty of DVDs and a lovely log burning stove. Perfect to curl up in front of and enjoy a well earned drink.
Outside you have your own garden front and back and through a gate, an acre of wooded grounds, there are streams, waterfalls, and a camp fire, all for you to explore. This area is fenced off so perfectly safe for children. There is virtually no road noise as the cottage is at the end of a dead end lane, only the sounds of nature! There is parking for several cars and a barn to store bikes can be made available on request. (advise in advance for key). A garden table, chairs and umbrella make the perfect place to enjoy a BBQ of some of the fantastic local fair. Perfect for children and the nature lovers. We can organise a HOT TUB provider to bring in a tub for an extra cost, please ask about hiring.
PLUS NEW EV Charger, bring your own lead. (Download and app and pay by card)
All guest receive a Hamper of milk, bottle of wine, free range eggs, a selection of nibbles and jams and a basket of logs to get you going with the fire. The cottage is equipped with washing up liquid, dish washer tablets, washing tablets, kitchen towel, tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and oil for cooking. Towels, T-towels and freshly ironed bed linen is provided. All heating and electricity are included. At festive times extra attention is made with Easter eggs for children and beautiful Christmas decorations and champagne and mince pies on arrival.
DOGS - well behaved dogs are allowed, (no puppies under 12 months please) there is a fee of £40 for 2 dogs maximum . PLEASE NOTE that dogs are not allowed to be left alone in the cottage (unless locked in a crate with water) or to go in the bedrooms or on sofas. They must be kept downstairs and out of all of the bedrooms to help us keep our high standards of cleanliness. Please pay dog fee cash on arrival or add to your booking.
The cottage is very close to Alton towers within a 20 minute drive away.
We now have Super Fast fibre broadband WIFi, with a speed of 80 mg free of charge for use at the cottage throughout your stay.
PLEASE NOTE that we DO NOT accept third party bookings, for instance bookings from companies, charities or organisations on behalf of other people.
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For the active, you can hire a kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board at Tittisworth Reservoir. A rowing boat at Rudyard Lake. There is Go Ape at Buxton and electric mountain bike tours can be arranged locally, a climbing guide can be arranged to take you to the Roaches.
Why not hire a local chef to cook you a tasting menu at the cottage. Please enquire.
The Roaches: Roaches (or Roches) is a wind-carved outcrop of gritstone rocks straddling the parishes of Leekfrith and Heathylee in the Peak District National Park about 4 miles north of Leek, Staffordshire.
The name Roaches has evolved recently from 'Roches' as the area used to be known only 100 years (or less) ago. 'Roches' is the french word for rocks.
The Roaches are particularly popular with climbers because of the diversity of the climbing routes there. Also there are many miles of paths to satisfy the most seasoned rambler.
The Roaches area includes Hen Cloud, so named because with a little imagination it looks like a roosting hen and Ramshaw Rocks which includes the weird rock formation called the Winking Man.
For many years, from the 1930s to the early 2000s, Wallabies roamed the Roaches. Some say they are still out there. They had been released from a private zoo. 3 Yaks were also released at the same time but they died out in the 1950's.
Bakewell Market Town: Bakewell in Derbyshire and the Peak District , is a beautiful, small, market town situated on the River Wye which is crossed by a 13th century 5 arched bridge still open to traffic. The famous Bakewell pudding was invented accidentally at the Hotel, when a cook misinterpreted instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry and what should have been a tart was now a pudding. Bakewell puddings can be bought at several shops in the town centre.
There are lots of unique shops, cafes and restaurants to visit and Market day every Monday and farmers market on Saturdays once per month.
The Manifold Valley and Trail: Great for Cylcing/Walking/Climbing
The Manifold Trail is a multi-user route along the Manifold valley following the former Leek and Manifold Light Railway. This trail is an easy route and is suitable for children and the elderly. The Tissington trails has been open since the 1930s when the railway closed, and is probably the earliest case of a disused railway line being converted to a walkers and cyclists route.
Waterhouses official car park is just off the main Ashbourne to Leek road, the A523. Here you will find cycle hire and toilets.
En-route high up in the cliff you can see Thor's cave. Worth a climb up for views of the valley. Further on is Wetton Mill where toilets and refreshments are available. There is another cave to explore above the cafe.
The cottage has working smoke Alarms and CO Carbon Monoxide alarms too for your safety.