Charles prepares to set off

Mad Dog > Locations > Derbyshire > Ilam > Ellen and Ron's farm >

Charles
prepares
to leave
Ellen's care

"I'll be back, I promise"
Charles to Ellen

His wounds tended to, and his hunger sated, Charles prepares to leave the safety of seclusion in Ellen's barn. His gratitude is clear — Ellen and Ron have together saved his life — and he promises that he will return.

The front
courtyard
of 'Ellen
and Ron's
farm'

May 1999

Description: The real-life location of Ellen and Ron's farm is Ilam Tops Farm, located just outside the village of Ilam in Derbyshire.

Where is it?: Ilam Tops Farm is reached by an unsurfaced track leading off the road between Ilam and Alstonfield. The entrance to the track (which begins with a cattlegrid) is located on the right hand side near the brow of the first hill after leaving Ilam. The track passes by Ilam Tops Farm before reaching Air Cottage a little further on.

Where's the best vantage point?: This shot is taken from the public footpath which passes directly in front of Ilam Tops Farm.

What about access?: The track which leads past Ilam Tops Farm is a public footpath, so as long as the path is kept to, there are no access restrictions.

There are public footpaths criss-crossing the area around Ilam and Dovedale, but these should be checked closely to avoid trespassing on private land. It is advisable to carry an OS map of the area when visiting these locations.

Anything else?: The farm dogs at Ilam Tops Farm can be both fierce and noisy — but are always chained up on the premises!

There is no approved parking space at or close to Ilam Tops Farm. The very limited parking at Air Cottage is private, and prior permission should be sought before making use of it. Alternatively, park in Ilam and approach the area on foot. The walk from the centre of Ilam is a fairly steep 30-40 minute climb - either by following the road uphill or (for those comfortable using OS maps) taking one of the footpaths up over the fields.

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Page last updated:
01 April 2003