Hayfield is a pleasant village which sits beneath the Peak Districts highest point Kinder Scout (636m). There are 6 pubs in the village & an elegant Georgian church. Hayfield grew up around the textile industry, weaving wool & calico printing.
The village has great historical significance as the nearby Bowden Bridge Quarry was the starting point for the ‘Mass Trespass’ in April 1932. A number of walkers marched to Kinder Scout in protest against the large open spaces being closed to the ‘man on the street’ & only rich landowners were allowed. This paved the way for setting up Britain’s 1st National Park in 1951 which allowed access to all & also sought to preserve the unique habitat for future generations.
The Kinder Downfall is also nearby, which is the highest waterfall in the country. It is also renowned for its blow-back effect: when the wind blows, the fall’s water is forced back against the rock & the water appears to run uphill!
