Mystery Locations
Hidden Gems - Unknown Views by Brian Nolan
Rock Mill Centre, New Mills
Visitors to the exhibition, held in May 2026, were invited to identify the locations depicted in 12 of Brian's pictures, all of which are in the New Mills and Hayfield area.
Ideas were gathered at the preview evening and also through our Facebook page.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge and ideas to the discussion and who took the time to visit the locations and take photographs of how they look now.
We think that we have now identified 11 out of the 12 locations. Have a look at the pictures below and see if you agree!
People think that this path is in Little Hayfield as you drop down from Lantern Pike past High Wood. The sign can still be seen there. Someone who went to see the site commented: ‘The vegetation is much more lush now but, when you go there, the fence is still visible on the left hand side. The Peak and Northern Footpath sign is no. 89.’
This location remains a mystery.
This view has been identified as Upper Cliff Farm from Lantern Pike.
This picture has been identified as Highgate Road in the distance with Valley Road below.
This beautiful view can be found in New Mills if you head over the river from Mousley Bottom and look towards the first farm after Knathole Wood. See if you can find it!
This has been identified as Peep O Day Farm.
Two locations have been suggested for this picture: Stones House, near Elle Bank Woods in Hayfield and South Ridge Farm, Ridge Top Lane, Hayfield. What do you think?
Marple has been suggested as the location of this picture.
This picture has provoked quite a bit of discussion. Several people thought it was around Rowarth, one identified Pistol Farm and another thought it was Matley Moor Farm. Others felt that it was a view from Castle Edge Road, towards New Mills Golf Club, one saying that the road leads along what used to be the Castle Guest House.
With Twenty Trees in the distance it has been suggested that this location could be somewhere near Lantern Pike/Rowarth.
Matley Moor Farm was initially suggested as the location, but other people believe that it is Bank End Farm off Sitch lane on the New Mills side.
This hill was identified as The Haugh(off Dolly Lane) viewed from Over Hill Road or Laneside Road. The farm was thought to be Wild's Dairy Farm.