When a plan comes together
The Derbyshire Dales – where I spent 30 years of my adult life and where I really fell in love with walking- I often revisit when we run our holidays there.
It is like going back home- I love Shropshire where I live – but the Derbyshire Dales will always have a massive pull.
Its not just a nostalgic trip though.
The reasons I love this land – it hits me straight in the face as soon as I pass through that lovely market town of Ashbourne – suddenly it becomes greener, the light seems brighter – perhaps a trick of the eyes.
I love the curve of this countryside, its undulating dales, and moors. I have always loved river valleys – and this area abounds with them- the Dove, of course, a magnet for cities around, its neighbour the Manifold, less visited but just as beautiful ,The Derbyshire Wye, the Lathkil and the Derwent – all have a special place in my heart and are quite different in their characteristics.
This area of course – the lungs of so many cities on its borders. In fifty miles you can be in- Manchester/Sheffield/Chesterfild/Derby/Nottingham/Leicester/Birmingham and Stoke – twenty-five million people able to access the Peak National Park.
Sure, it can get busy- walking the Dove valley at weekends needs crowd control but get away over the moors out of the valleys and your heart will soar.
I also like the villages. Hilltop ones like Wetton, Youlgrave, Over Haddon and Biggin. Picture post card villages such as Tissington, Parwich, Hartington, Monyash and Calver. Market towns like Matlock, Ashbourne and busy Bakewell and the coldest town in England, Buxton.
It’s a heady mix for a guy brought up in an industrial town.
Come join us.
Our five day holidays – see Guided Walking for Solos and Singles in Derbyshire Peak District (secrethillswalking.co.uk)
Our three days weekend – see Guided Walking for Solos and Singles in the Derbyshire Peak District (secrethillswalking.co.uk)
