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Writer's pictureAmber Haslam

A Perfect Picture of Peak District Geology

If you’re looking to discover the geological wonders of the peak district, encapsulated in one place; this village is for you. Ecton is a tiny, picturesque village in the heart of the Staffordshire Peak District, settled along the river Manifold and the much-visited Manifold valley trail. It is home to geological limestone spectacles, stunning architecture, a rich mining history and breath-taking views across much of Staffordshire’s stunning countryside from the Manifold. This somewhat underappreciated little village is a complete picture of the areas magnificent geology and the influence that it has on life in the Peaks. Following are some much recommended spots in Ecton and the surrounding space that can be visited by foot and are well worth the walk.

Ape’s Tor

To begin with, I would recommend a visit to Ape’s tor at the top end of Ecton next to the Manifold river and trail. Ape’s tor is an exposed section of distorted limestone where you can clearly see the sedimentary layers that make up the land, and how these layer have been warped to form a downwards facing point overtime, as shown in the photo. This folding of the rock has been caused by compression within this section of the earths crust, causing the limestone to fold downwards into a syncline fold, shown on the left of the photo, and then an upward facing anticline fold as shown on the right of the photo. Ape’s tor is rare in the sense that there are not many places where such a fold within the geology is exposed and clearly visible. This spectacle is why it is part of the Manifold Geotrail, a mapped-out rote to exhibit the abundance of rocks, minerals and fossils along the scenic Manifold valley.


Ecton Copper Mines

In the 18th century, Ecton hill was famous for it’s copper mining and was once home to the deepest mine in Britain of around 410 meters. The mines of Ecton hill standout from the majority in the peak District that mined mainly lead and zinc, it is believed that in the peak of the mines workings it produced around 4000 tons of copper per year at a 40% profit rate. This mine helped produce great amounts of wealth for the duke and duchess of Devonshire, the owners at the time that lived at the infamous Chatsworth house, that could be reinvested into the Peak District. For example, the profits made, over £300,000, funded the building of the crescent which is one of Buxton’s most significant tourist attractions. As well as financially helping to shape the booming Peak district’s tourist industry, the mine employed around 300 workers and was one of the first mines in Britain to use gunpowder for extraction in the 1670’s. Furthermore in the 1800’s the copper from the mines was used to protect the underside of wooden British naval ships. Eventually, mining on Ecton hill ceased in 1891 due to a lack of demand but around Ecton village and upon Ecton hill there is still clear evidence of the areas rich copper mining history.


Ecton Hill

To get a more in-depth view of the previous mine workings and an outstretched view of Staffordshire and the peak district, you can take a challengingly steep but breath-taking walk up to the trig point upon Ecton hill itself(1211ft). On the walk up there is further evidence of Ecton’s mining past; there are many entrances scattered across the hillside to the old mines, piles of disregarded mining shale (laced with lead fragments) and the Boulton and Watt engine house; a piece of state-of-the-art technology for the time, located on the ridge of Ecton hill, that winded out ore from the hillside. This engine house is believed to be the earliest surviving example of such. However perhaps more significantly, for romantics like myself, is the stunning view from the crest of Ecton hill. It offers magnificent views down the Manifold valley, and the rest of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District. To the North-west you can clearly see the distinct peaks of Chrome hill and Parkhouse, these make a wonderful but difficult hike that I would like to write about in the future. Take your gaze northward to see axe edge, a stretch of rocky moorland above Buxton and westward to the Roaches, a rocky ridge that outcrops over the nearby town of Leek.

Architecture

Also from the top of Ecton hill you can see some of the fascinating and rare architecture in the Manifold valley, for example Radcliffe Folly in the right-hand foreground of figure 2. This is a castle like building with a distinctive copper spire, It was constructed in 1922 by Arthur Ratcliffe, a conservative politician for the neighbouring town of Leek, to be his home. What makes this piece of eccentric architecture so special is it’s bright turquoise spire made from copper that crowns the building, as copper spires are extremely rare. Radcliffe’s folly is a perfect example of how Ecton’s copper mining past has shaped its distinct character in the Manifold today. Also a short walk away from Ecton down the manifold toward Wetton take you past the stately home of Swainsley hall and its quaint little Dovecote which are definitely worth going to look at when in the area.

Wetton and Nan Tor Cave

Finally, if you continue to walk just a few miles further down the Manifold river from Swainsley hall, you will soon reach Wetton. Here there is a pleasant Café with seats by the river, accompanied by a swarm of eager, but adorable, ducks that are more than willing to say hello. Also just on the hillside above the Café is Nan tor, an easily accessible limestone cave with views down the manifold valley and over to the wonder of Thor’s cave on the opposite valley side.


This Beautiful little village of Ecton in Staffordshire paints a wonderful picture of how the magnificent geology of the Peak District has sparked a thriving thriving mining industry, that has supported the areas affluence, such as Ecton’s copper mines. The village is also a fantastic place for tourists and locals to see rare and magnificent geological features combined with picturesque views. Definitely a destination that should be on the op of the list of those interested in geology and what the land has to offer us!




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