Country Walks in the Peak District with Darren & Pat

  Country Walks in the Peak District  

 We were all eager to go out and explore our surroundings. First we took a stroll around the woodland trail where the paths were lined with beautiful flowers and moorhens were swimming on the pond enjoying the sunshine as much as we were.

During our walk we came across trunk and branches covered with hundreds of coins which have been hammered through the bark and into the wood. The local tradition is that a wish will be granted for each of the coins so treated.

We went to the Dovedale, in the South Peak area. We walked beside the River Dove through the limestone hill valley reaching the famous stepping stones. It is a truly beautiful area. 

 In Ilam Park we threw wood sticks off St Bertram’s bridge followed by a traditional cream tea in the Italian garden and strolled around the beautiful grounds.

We drove to the Crich Tramway Village, a period village containing The National Tramway Museum. The museum’s tramway runs through the village transporting visitors out into the local countryside and back. We bought tickets and decided to go see it for our self, and we weren’t disappointed. This was a fantastic experience! The museum has a fantastic display of trams, both horse-drawn and mechanical. The workshop is also an interesting place where you can watch trams being restored.  

To top off a fantastic morning we were able to ride horse drawn tram. The conductor happily posed with us for a photo. 

At  the bowling alley we enjoyed a friendly, yet competitive game of Tenpin bowling. Everyone did really well with some great high scores. Well done! 

Next stop was to the very grand Chatsworth Estate. We had a lovely walk across the park in the glorious sunshine, spotting so many different plants and sculptures. We followed the river and eventually the famous Chatsworth House came into view. What a beautiful building set in such idyllic surroundings. We went inside the house and had a fantastic time exploring the beautiful rooms.