As August rolls in, the heathered hills of the Peak District begin to hum with one of the loveliest seasonal traditions, bilberry picking. This timeless activity offers not just a chance to gather something sweet and wild, but also to connect with the landscape in a way that’s steeped in history and brimming with joy.
What Are Bilberries?
Bilberries (also known locally as whinberries, winberries, or blaeberries) are small, dark blue berries that grow low to the ground on moorland and heath. They’re often mistaken for blueberries, but bilberries are smaller, darker, and far more intensely flavoured. Unlike their cultivated cousins, bilberries grow wild and finding them feels like stumbling on nature’s secret stash.
Their tart-sweet taste makes them perfect for pies, jams, and crumbles, and picking them is half the pleasure.
A Bit of Bilberry History
Bilberry picking has been a cherished summer tradition in the Peak District for generations. Entire families would head out to the moors with buckets and baskets, returning home with purple-stained fingers and enough berries to fill a pantry. In times gone by, children would earn a few extra pennies by selling their pickings to local bakers or market stalls.
The tradition still lives on, quietly, gently, as locals and visitors alike continue the seasonal ritual, one handful at a time.
Where to Pick Near the Cottages
Here are a few favourite spots to explore:
- Abney Moor: Just a short drive or a long, scenic walk from our cottages, this quiet moorland is full of bilberry bushes from late July through August. The views across the Hope Valley are breathtaking, worth a visit even without the berries!
- Off the footpaths around Bretton Clough: Hidden dips and upland edges are where the bilberries flourish. Keep an eye out as you walk along the lesser-known trails, sometimes they appear in abundance just off the path.
- The edges near Eyam and Sir William Hill: This historic area not only offers an atmospheric walk but is also dotted with bilberry bushes in season. A perfect outing combining heritage and harvest.
- Stoke Flat near Froggatt Edge: This area has great heather coverage, and the bilberries love it too. Look for the tell-tale blue fruit among the heather tufts.
Don’t forget to bring a small container or two and take care to pick responsibly, leaving plenty behind for wildlife and fellow walkers.
A Taste of the Moors: Bilberry & Almond Tart Recipe
Once you’ve returned with your bilberry bounty, there’s nothing more satisfying than baking them into something truly delicious. Here’s a simple yet heavenly recipe to try in the cottage kitchen or to save for when you’re back home and missing the hills.
Bilberry & Almond Tart
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of ready-made shortcrust pastry
- 200g fresh bilberries (or frozen if you’ve saved some)
- 100g ground almonds
- 100g caster sugar
- 100g unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Icing sugar to dust
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Line a tart tin with the pastry and prick the base. Blind bake for 10 minutes, then remove the beans and bake for another 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the ground almonds and almond extract.
- Spread the almond mixture into the tart shell, then gently press the bilberries into the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and just set.
- Cool slightly and dust with icing sugar. Serve warm with cream or custard—or enjoy cold with a cup of tea and a view of the hills.
A Final Though
There’s something wonderfully grounding about bilberry picking, walking slowly, noticing the landscape, gathering something wild and good. It’s a simple pleasure that speaks to the soul and connects us to the land and to those who came before.
Whether you’re here for a romantic break or a peaceful solo ramble, take a little basket and a big breath of fresh air and enjoy this sweet taste of summer in the Peak District.
