Derbyshire Dale's - A short trip

 

Wednesday 24th July 2024

Just a short trip in the Derbyshire Dale's this week.

With the weather being so wet this summer I haven't been anywhere recently, not since I was in Ilfracombe actually in early June ☹️

So I decided to head off to the Dale's for a change of scenery and a bit of fresh air in the Peak District.

First night was spent at Narlow Lane carpark which is free between 6pm and 9am. 

Very peaceful it was too overnight.

I'd hoped to have a walk into Tissington but true to form for this summer, it started drizzling after tea.

So a walk up to the Old Dog pub was a compromise.

Thursday 25th July 2024

It was still a bit wet in the morning, but we set off to drive a short distance to Dovedale National Trust carpark.

By the time we'd got sorted out, (had a cuppa) it had stopped raining and was brightening up considerably, so we headed for Thorpe Cloud.

This is always a stunning place to visit, and today we were rewarded with Red Kites circling overhead.

The famous Stepping Stones are still officially closed following storm damage over the winter.
But that didn't stop people using them to cross the river.

I'm amazed though they haven't been repaired, it's July now for goodness sakes, and a hugely popular tourist attraction.

There doesn't appear to be a lot wrong with them, just a couple of dislodged stones and one a bit loose and wobbly.

I'm sure a couple of blokes with a pick and shovel and a pair of waders could have that sorted out in a morning.

I looked at different options for overnight parking tonight but decided to return to Narlows Lane.

Friday 26th July 2024

Up early to welcome summer sunshine, we left Narlows Lane and headed over to Hartington.

I managed to park next to the duck pond and next to the cheese shop, in the center of the village.

Hartington's famous cheese shop

After a brew we set off to do a Dale's walk.

Biggin Dale, Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale. We did this walk in November last year and it was a very different walk then. 

Biggin Dale follows the route of an underground river, and last year the river was flowing above ground with all the rain we'd had.

It's possibly one of the most beautiful walks in the Derbyshire Dale's, especially the stretch that follows the river Dove.

A very special place.

It was about 4 miles but very enjoyable and lots of friendly fellow walkers to chat to.

Later we drove a short distance to the High Peak trail at Mininglow for another free parking spot. Free between 6pm and 9am anyway.

Next to the trail is what looks like tent city and Billy Smarts Circus.

It's actually the Y Not Festival, taking place next weekend.

I'd never heard of it but it looks a good event, Noel Gallagher and Snow Patrol are headline acts.