Country Walks in the Peak District with Midi & Lesley

 Country Walks in the Peak District 

We were here, in the heart of the Darwin Forest. With 2.3 miles as our target, we embarked on a nature walk filled with awe-inspiring sights. The forest greeted us with its serene beauty - towering pine trees, intricate animal paw prints, and breathtaking scenery at every turn. Our path led us onto a road where we shared friendly waves with passing cyclists and cars, all while admiring the vibrant spring flowers dotting the landscape. 

As we wandered, we encountered a delightful array of creatures, from horses and sheep to the unexpected company of llamas and the graceful flight of geese overhead. Our senses were treated to the sights and sounds of nature in its purest form.

Brimming with excitement and positive energy we embarked on our journey to the Heights of Abraham in Matlock. We travelled in style taking the cable cars to the top. When there, our first stop was the Amphitheatre, where we were treated to breathtaking views of Matlock Bath. As we marvelled at the scenery, we couldn't help but imagine what visitors must have experienced back in 1787. 

Next, we delved into the depths of the earth with a 45-minute tour of a cavern, navigating through winding passages, climbing up and down over 200 steps. We were in awe at the markings on the wall made by the minors over 100 years ago. Our sense of adventure was only heightened as we emerged into the daylight and embarked on a leisurely walk, stopping at the top again, taking in the picturesque views of nearby Matlock. We loved it.

One of the highlights of our day was ascending the Victoria Prospect Tower, a towering structure completed in 1844 to offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Standing at an impressive 244 meters (800 feet) tall, the tower provided an unparalleled vantage point that left us in awe. After enjoying the stunning vistas, we treated ourselves to an ice cream in the warm sunshine before beginning our descent. Halfway down, we stumbled upon the Outland Cavern and couldn't resist the opportunity for another guided tour. With each step, we uncovered more secrets of the earth's depths, adding to the richness of our experience. We continued our descent which was steep and challenging at times, covering over 1 mile downward and over four miles in total for the whole day. 

Today we set our sights on Crich Tramway Village and Nature Walk. Nestled in the picturesque Derbyshire countryside, Crich Tramway Village is home to the National Tramway Museum, boasting a collection of over 60 trams spanning from 1873 to 1982. But it's not just about trams; the village is a step back in time, with a recreated period setting complete with a working pub, café, old-style sweetshop, and tram depots. Our day began with a leisurely nature walk, taking in the breathtaking views of the Derbyshire Dales and the distant Lead Smelter. Along the way, we encountered poignant sculptures commemorating wartime and the families affected by it. The highlight of our nature walk was hopping aboard a 120-year-old Chesterfield tram, a true vintage experience. We opted for the hop-on/hop-off option, allowing us to explore at our own pace. Upstairs on the tram, we enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, truly immersing ourselves in the history of transportation.

Our journey commences at Cromford Mill, where time seems to have stood still. Amidst quaint shops and local stalls, we immersed ourselves in the essence of village life, indulging in the simple pleasures of browsing and mingling with local business owners. With spirits high we set off on our trek, tracing the tranquil contours of the canal, accompanied by the gentle murmur of flowing waters. Along the way, we met fellow wanderers, glimpses of wildlife, and panoramas that ignite the soul. Pressing onward, we meandered towards Lee Bridge, tracing the winding path of the river Derwent, adorned with rustic cottages and historic bridges. As the day unfolded, our footsteps led us back to the comforts of the mill, marking the culmination of a fulfilling five-mile trek.

We didn't need any excuse for a party! Celebrating the Eurovision song contest we painted our faces in support of our act and enjoyed listening to the weird and wonderful music that it provides!

A fun game of crazy golf was enjoyed. This challenging course saw us navigate all 9 holes with great skill, all with smiles on our faces.