A sociable walk at an easy-pace.
Immerse yourself in the history and remote landscapes of Eyam – Derbyshire’s Plague Village. Instead of fleeing the village when the plague arrived from London in 1665, villagers, led by clergyman like William Mompesson, embarked on a remarkable journey of self-sacrifice to contain the spread of the disease. Visit sites like the Riley Graves where one woman buried her husband and six children in eight days, and the Boundary Stones, where food from the outside world was left, and where we will picnic on some of the 17th century ingredients which kept villagers alive at a time when they would have otherwise faced starvation.
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Step into Derbyshire’s history with our Eyam Walking Tour and Plague Picnic – an unforgettable journey through one of England’s most remarkable villages which culminates in a plague picnic that replicates the 17th century ingredients which kept villagers alive during their lockdown.
Once a thriving lead mining community, Eyam was transformed in 1665 when the plague struck, and its incredible story of courage and resilience emerged.
During a single devastating year, Eyam lost more than 260 villagers. Their story is now widely recognised as an enduring testament to self-sacrifice and compassion.
Join our expertly guided walk to visit Eyam’s most significant sites. Uncover gripping tales of individual villagers, and learn how the plague swept through this tiny community. Your guide will reveal the grisly details and enduring lessons of a village united in the face of tragedy.
Highlights of the tour include:
Discover how Eyam’s extraordinary response to the plague influenced modern strategies for disease control – including the ‘lockdowns’ experienced during the recent Covid pandemic.
This isn’t just a walk; it’s a compelling adventure that brings history to life.
Lace up your boots and follow your knowledgeable local guide on a journey you’ll never forget!
| The Walk | An Immersive walk to discover the history and remote landscapes of Eyam – Derbyshire’s Plague Village. Visit sites like the Riley Graves where one woman buried her husband and six children in eight days, and Mompesson’s well, where food and supplies from the outside world were exchanged for payment. |
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| Walk Date | Wednesday 15 July 2026., Wednesday 22 July 2026., Wednesday 19 August 2026., Wednesday 26 August 2026., Wednesday 2 September 2026 |
Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >
We meet at Hawskhill Road Car Park, Eyam, Hope Valley S32 5AD
Parking (currently) costs £2 for the day and the machine takes coins.
Please note: as you come up Hawkshill Road, the Hawkshill Road Car Park is the second car park on the right – just past the Derbyshire Dales Car Park which has toilet facilities.
Please see a Google Map showing the location here>.
Need a Lift?
If you’re staying or arriving reasonably nearby, we may be able to offer you a lift. Just ask when you book.
The village has a range of accommodation, pubs and shops and the towns of Tideswell and Hathersage are a short distance away.
This is an Easier Walk at a Relaxed Pace. Here is our walk difficulty guide >
We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >
Bakewell > is less than 15 minutes drive with shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants, accommodation, fuel station and toilets.
Click here to see a Google map of accommodation near this walks start.
We have also created a page of Peak District accommodation we recommend here >
We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. Following The Countryside Code really helps…