View from the Peak

As mentioned in my last post, Amy and myself spent the weekend before last in Matlock for a quick break. What a lovely time we had. The hotel - if a little dated - was in the most beautiful grounds and Matlock and the surrounding area was just wonderful.

We started Saturday with a trip on Peak Rail, the preserved railway lane from Matlock to Rowsley South. Although the sun stayed in we still managed to see all the beauty of the foot of the Peaks. Well worth the £8!

On our return (and after a great pub lunch!) we went for a walk of both Pic Tor and High Tor, ending up - quite by accident - in Matlock Bath. Along the route were some spectacular views (if you dare to go near the edge... which I don't!) of the surrounding countryside. The picture below sees Amy looking across to the Heights of Abraham.

Then we arrived in Matlock Bath. What a beautiful place. It's like a seaside resort in the middle of the country. Perhaps its the copious amounts of chippies that gives it that atmosphere, but anyway, what a lovely place.

Then on Saturday evening we went for a walk in the hotel grounds, which as I said, were rather picturesque. Below is a picture I grabbed of the River Derwent as it skirts the hotel boundary.

After a full English (and an 8 o'clock alarm call of 'Praise My Soul' from the Christian convention in the meeting room below our room) on Sunday morning we went for a walk along the canal in Cromford where, quite by accident, we stumbled across this little museum about the Cromford railway. This is on one of the former junctions of the railway.

Finally we set off on the way home, calling in at Keddleston Hall on our way through. Located on the outskirts of Derby this is a truly remarkable place. Lovely grounds and the most incredible hall. They also do good cream teas! Well worth a visit!

After that it was time for home. All in all, an excellent weekend in a beautiful part of the world that I will be only too happy to go back to!