Solomon’s Temple – A Peak District Hike

Solomon’s Temple – A Peak District Hike

On a cold February morning, we donned our snow gear and set off in search for a hill to roll down. Although where we live hadn’t actually had more than a millimeter of snow, we were told we could find some in the hills of the Peak District.

Solomon’s Temple

As we drove on towards the site of Solomon’s Temple, the snow was in abundance, and the kids shrieked in glee. Built on the top of Grin Low Hill, the temple overlooks beautiful Buxton and beyond. There’s not much of a purpose for the temple, it’s more a lookout point or structural beacon of sorts. The temple is however built on an old ancient burial site. During construction, an archaeological dig unearthed Bronze age skeletons and Roman remains.

We parked up, paid our pennies and started on our ascent.

A Winter Wonderland

We entered Narnia. The snow had fallen so much so that the branches were wrapped in white frosting. Flakes gently fell off shaking trees to create the illusion of more snowfall. The kids skipped along, collecting balls of ammunition to throw at us when we weren’t looking. The atmosphere was very serene, even thought there were a few people milling around. We followed the Yellow trail, from the car park to the summit, with Charlie the Limeburner standing guard about half way up. There are wooden geological markers to help guide the way.

The terrain is even, not too steep, so nice and easy for us to wander along. As we get to the top, we climb over a stile and look over at the white landscape, with the tower popping into view ahead. The land dips up and down so the kids have a chance to try out a few mini slides.

The temple itself is a quaint little structure, perfectly round with an opening and a staircase. From the top, the views stretches for miles, opening up the landscape around us. Covered in snow, the views are pretty breathtaking.

Snow Fun

We spied our slope and ran down towards Grinlow road, on the northern face of the hill. It is unoccupied so the kids take turns in speeding down the hill on the sled, screaming and falling into the white powder.

Dicky set up his army issue stove equipment to warm his soup and make a cup of tea. It didn’t do too bad to be honest, considering it was cold and wet, but also the equipment he used was low to the ground. I think we need to invest in something slightly bigger, and better fuel too.

All in all, we had a wonderfully snowy day. The kids were warm, fed, and happy. A bit of cold on their faces freshening up their minds for the week ahead.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, especially with a place as beautiful as the Peak District. Please, go and explore, whatever the conditions. For more Peak District inspiration, please have a read of our visit to Thors Cave.