Hayfield - Countryside & Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Hayfield's countryside and village, with Explorers sent by the Exploration Society to follow an old map, crack the clues and find the true hiding place of the Spanish Armada's gold bullion in the Sett Valley.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll set off from the Sett Valley Trail and Village car park, then explore roads, pathways, footpaths between houses and gardens, the churchyard, Market Street and the village green before looping back to the car park near the village hall and pedestrian crossing.

The Trail route does involve some steps, so it has been marked as suitable for light pushchairs, but sadly not wheelchair users. There is also a section that descends steep steps, along with a slight hill and some steep hills.

Some roads have light traffic nearby, Church Street has few footpaths so vehicles use the road, and there is a roadway at the bottom of the steps where care is needed.

There is also a short optional diversion into the memorial gardens nearby.

Getting There

By car: Start at the Sett Valley Trail and Village car park, Station Road (SK22 2ES). Park here and start on foot from the car park.

By public transport: Make your way to the Sett Valley Trail and Village car park on Station Road (SK22 2ES) to begin the quest. The route loops back to the car park near the village hall and pedestrian crossing.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available within the village, so Explorers can make a comfort stop before or during the hunt.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt. 🐾

The route uses roads and pathways, includes hills and steps, and has some sections with light traffic nearby. Keep dogs close on Church Street in particular, as vehicles use the road and there are few footpaths.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting in the Sett Valley is hungry work. Refreshment stops are available within the village, and the map text points Explorers towards great pubs and restaurants.

If you're bringing your own provisions, picnic tables are available in the suggested car park area.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Hayfield village centre

The route explores the beautiful village of Hayfield, from roads and pathways to the churchyard, Market Street and the village green. It's described as a quirkily quaint village near the Sett Valley Trail, with great pubs and restaurants, so it's well worth slowing the pace once the gold-hunting is done.

The Sett Valley Trail

Close by is the start, or finish depending on which way you are going, of the Sett Valley Trail. This 2.5 mile walk follows a former railway line from Hayfield to New Mills, where you can find spectacular views if you visit the Millennium Walkway.

Woolpack Bridge

Woolpack Bridge dates from 1837 and is the third bridge on this site, after the other two were swept away by floods. When the bridge was rebuilt on ground found to be quicksand, huge bags of wool were suggested to support the new structure - a splendidly odd bit of local engineering intel for curious Explorers.

Twenty Trees

Known locally as 'Twenty Trees', this isolated copse of beech trees stands on a vast windswept hillside. It is a favourite subject for the many photographers and artists who live in Hayfield, in all seasons.