"Everything was clean and neat, shelves with earthenware, pewter and brass". Surprisingly, Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, was not describing a house, but Harboro Rocks cave which he visited with friends in 1751. Here he found a lead miner and his family living with their five children. Yet Rainster Rocks was occupied even earlier for it was an important Roman settlement. Often climbers come here for the short steep routes, while from the top of the cliffs above, where you'll find a rock in the shape of a chair, there is an extensive view, truly a seat among the gods.
LOCATION: South Peak District
START: Brassington signed from A5012. Just before the village turn left to Wirksworth Dale Picnic Area
Grid ref: SK234547 Postcode: DE4 4HA
DISTANCE: 5.5 miles
GRADE: Moderate
TIME: 3.5 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - White Peak Landranger 119
REFRESHMENTS: Brassington
EN ROUTE: High Peak Trail, Longcliffe
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News