The environs of Buxton abound in romantic sites, among the most striking
of which is the dale named the Lovers’ Leap, on account of a vast
precipice which forms one side of a narrow chasm, and from the summit of
which a love-lorn female is said to have precipitated herself into the
rocky gulf below. Each side of this beautiful dell is bounded by
elevated rocks, the proximity of which is such, that for a considerable
space there is scarcely room for the passage of the bubbling current of
the Wye. Several of these rocks are perpendicular, and bare of
vegetation; while others are covered with ivy, yew and ash-wood, with a
craggy steep occasionally starting through the verdure. A circular road,
extending in circumference about three miles, passes in view of the most
romantic part of this dale, and forms a very agreeable walk or ride from
Buxton. At the southern extremity the scenery assumes a milder
character, the hollow taking the name of Mill dale, from a mill which is
turned by the stream. In conjunction with a rude bridge, a mountainous
path, and other rural objects, this forms a very picturesque view.
Another fine scene is presented by a lofty rock, called Swallow Tor,
which soars over a mass of wood, the river at its base foaming and
roaring over broken masses of limestone.