Wednesday 23rd March (Day 1)
So a slow start for a couple of reasons; first a less than three hour journey to our destination and secondly, having been recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, I find that in the mornings I am very stiff and painful in my shoulders and hips. Ths takes time to ease. This meant more time to leave was needed. Still, by about 10.30am we were off. A good trip with a stop at an Aldi for a few ‘essentials’. Just after 1.30pm we arrived at Upper Hartshays Farm, Belper, Derbyshire, (a Certified Location). We arrived about ten minutes after Chris and Carolyn. We then all sat in the sunshine having our lunch and a catch up chat. A walk into Ripley was agreed. A gentle 40 minute walk into the town and a stroll around before stopping for a couple of pints at a pub (the Three Horseshoes). We then strolled back to the site for an evening meal courtesy of Chris and Carolyn, a chilli con carne, plus the odd drink or two and a chat. We all turned in around 11.00pm
Thursday 24th March (Day 2)
So today Chris K has a circular walk planned. We had a slow start as our boiler failed to ignite so we had breakfast and then a shower which, slightly slowed things. Anyway, after a shower and breakfast we prepared a picnic lunch. During this Chris K found he had not packed any butter so we helped out. Eventually around 11.00am off we trooped. A down hill start to the Cromford Canal was the first target. Having reached the canal we found it to be un-navigable at least this part. You could not canoe along this stretch or even play ‘pooh sticks’. It would appear some parts are much better. We passed through Buckland Hollow and onwards towards Ambergate. A pleasant sunny walk along a disused railway line. It was a slower walk than we would all normally do as I was a bit ‘hobbily’!& Carolyn is suffering with her knee. A short stop just short of Sawmills before continuing on. Then just before Ambergate we found a small park with a bench and that was our picnic site. A couple of the proposed footpaths were closed for various reasons and it was decided that a small extra ‘loop’ that Chris had planned would be abandoned and we would continue on the return route, especially as it would have some steep ‘ups and downs’. Nether Heage was the next village and here we stopped for a beer at ‘The Spanker’ pub - an unusual name for which we have not as yet found the origin. Sitting outside in near 20 degrees heat was lovely. This is a place that takes motorhomes and supplied electrics for £10 a night with good food also. We may come here on Monday. Off we went steeply down and up with Heage’s six sales windmill on the horizon. Heage has two pubs, the Black Boy and a newly reopened pub, The Eagle Tavern. This was on our route and by now I was struggling a bit and Carolyn’s knee was also an issue for her. So that was our preferred stop (not an overly great decision!) The final leg was just under a mile. On way we saw a three wheeled car. It was a 1981 Citroen 2cv base and was one of 4000 made in 1989. Arriving back we sat in the sunshine and ate tea and scones. For the evening we cooked fajitas for the four of us and ate in our motorhome. The evening then continued with chatting and a libation or two until bed called.
Friday 25th March (Day 3)
Today we are off to Makeney by bus to the Holly Bush pub where there is a beer festival. So after breakfast (bacon butty) we sat around and chilled until we caught the 12.06pm route 6.3 bus. A 30 minute bus journey and, just after Belper, we got off and had a ten to fifteen minute stroll up hill to the pub. It was already busy. We had to sit inside which was a very quaint place full of nooks and crannies. After a few minutes we found a place at a table outside. We were joined by Jackie and Neil after a short time. These are two ‘new’ friends Chris and Carolyn have made due to the charity walks and trips they have taken abroad. They also have just returned from a Zanzibar holiday with them. They are locals. It meant returning inside as, now we were six, there was not room outside on our table. After more convivial drinking and a nice meal we moved outside again as a table for six became available. By now it was gone 4.30pm and chilling down so we said our goodbyes and left to catch the 5.25pm bus back. By this point several ‘landmarks’ had been reached. Chris and I were drinking half pints and swapping after drinking half of that and so had tried eight different drinks, one of Chris was green in colour! Another milestone was Chris K who always stated he is on a quest to find a beer he does not like. Well he found one. We all agreed it was revolting. So as a word of warning if you se a beer called Ravenstout by Ardward Artisan Ales then avoid it. (“A strong and robust stout, subtle and well balanced notes of coffee, liquorice and chocolate.Given a little kick with the addition of chillies”.)
Saturday 26th March (Day 4)
So today we had decided to go to Belper. After breakfast we strolled up for the 11.06am bus………. which never arrived. The next was 30 minutes later and arrived just a bit late. So by about midday we got off at Belper bus station. A stroll along the River Gardens which is situated by the East Mill. This mill is a typical large square brick built monolith. It is, relatively new, having been built in 1911 by the English Sewing Cotton Company; 30,000 slates for the roof; 4,000,000 bricks; 1400 toms of girders; and 22,600 bolts; and to think this is one of hundreds built over the years. The safety system was the 130 foot high tower which was a water tower and featured a sprinkler system. This whole area was supported financially to a huge extent by Jeddiah Strutt (mills and pubs are still named after him). He also supported Arkwright who designed the Arkwright’s ‘spinning jenny’ invention, using Watts steam engine, and was incremental in the biggest leap forward of the industrial revolution. A coffee by the river and then back to stroll around the shops resulting in cream slices for the famous ‘Birds Bakery’ (we had them for afternoon tea). A libation is always on the cards and we found the Angel Micro Pub for a couple of drinks. Chris had reset his mission and was again trying to find another bitter he did not like. By 3.35pm we were catching the (on time) bus home. A cup of tea and cream slice followed and we then went to our own ‘homes’ for a rest. Around 7.00pm it was over to Chris and Carolyns for a slow cooked pork curry followed by a good natter.
Sunday 27th March (Day 5)
Today we had a big boys breakfast and were disappointed with the sausages, unusual for us to have poor sausages! It is also much cooler today but with the weather to date we cannot really complain. A bit of time was spent sorting out a different stopover for tomorrow and it looks like The Trent Lock, Long Eaton. Then we walked across the fields into Ripley and to the Pear Tree Hotel. It looked not much from outside but was really smart inside with a great choice of beer (and music). The downside was it was a bit chilly to sit outside (although we did). Then a stroll back across the fields to veg out in the motorhome. We all met up at ours at 7.00pm for a casserole (with dumplings) and then another good chat utill bedtime.
Monday 28th March (Day 6)
So we are both off today. We had selected a pub on a canal / river about 25 miles away although we were unsure whether Chris and Carolyn being 0.5m longer than us would be able to fit in. So after breakfast and filling / emptying we were off. We both arrived about the same time and managed to fit both of us in - if it was a busy day it could have been an issue. We introduced ourselves at The Trent Lock pub and had a coffee before going off a walk along the Cranfleet Cut, an off shoot canal from the River Trent. A very pleasant walk with cranes, geese and ducks for company. Around 1.00pm we stopped and had a picnic overlooking the cut in glorious sunshine. Then a detour for a circular walk back to the motorhome. When we got back there were two pubs - The Steamboat and The Trent Lock. As we were eating in the latter we decided, on the basis of supporting local businesses, to have a pint in The Steamboat. Well, three pints later……… The Steamboat was a very unusual pub with life size Daleks, a fairground horse and many other eclectic items everywhere you looked. Sitting on the terrace with the canal, lock and sunshine was exceptionally nice. By about 5.45pm we strolled back to the motorhomes as we were going to eat in the Trent Lock at 7.00pm (a Vintage Inn). 7.00pm saw us sat in a very nice pub and having a pleasant meal. Then back to the motorhome for our last night together.
Tuesday 29th March (Day 7)
So a good sleep but during the night some noise from the railway line which was surprising as it was some distance away. We woke to a much colder morning. A simple shower, yoghurt and fresh fruit to start. The four of us deiced to go for a walk before returning home. We waked in the opposite direction to yesterday, towards Sawley Lock. It was only a couple of miles but cleared the cobwebs. We then had a nice easy drive home stopping for a quick lunch before arriving home just after 2.00pm.
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