Alton is a small and welcoming farming village of around thirty stone cottages. A short stroll of less than half a mile takes you to the Fabrick Rock – also known as the Ashover Rock. This is 299 metres above sea level and, on clear days, offers spectacular views of Derbyshire and across five other counties: Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. Look for the stone steps carved into the hillside next to it and follow the public footpath to Ashover. Why not take a picnic and just enjoy the views. Alton is too small for a pub or a shop but several can be found in Ashover a mile away by road but closer if you go on foot cross-country following one of several footpaths down the hill. Ashover is frequently described as one of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire and it hosts a famous traditional country show on the 2nd Wednesday in August every year. Chesterfield is 5 miles from here and is famous for its outdoor market and for the ‘Crooked Spire’ church of St Mary and All Saints, built in the 13th century.