Peaks District, UK

This weekend we had the opportunity to visit the Peak District, UK. George had meetings there so we combined a little pleasure with business.

The Peak District is just that, high elevation, mostly treeless hills with miles and miles of stone fences. Farms and small villages or hamlets dot the landscape. I was told there is an abundance of the heather plants that grows in the area. Come July, their purple flowers must produce a beautiful blanket of color across the meadows.

Peak District, south of Manchester, UK

The most surprising to us was the extraordinary friendliness of the British in this part of England. Almost everyone we came across, immediately recognized our voices as American and struct up a conversation wanting to know where we came from, etc, etc. I must admit it was a breath of fresh air for me. Being able to talk without first thinking the French way and people understanding everything you say.

George deserves a huge award for his left hand side driving skills. The roads were quite narrow and at times, well many times, I closed my eyes, held my breath and was thankful we didn't hit mirrors, or worse, when passing oncoming cars/trucks. My taxi driver to the airport told me the road we were on was the deadliest in England - that was not reassuring, but at least I was in the car with someone who was familiar and had experience with the roads.

The town of Buxton offers a step into the past. Known as a spa town in the 19th century, there also remains interesting architecture built prior to this period as well.

Buxton, UK - part of the original spa, now a retail facility

Buxton, UK - part of the original spa, now a retail facility

Buxton, UK - one of the original therapeutic baths in the spa

Buxton, UK - Opera House

Buxton, UK

Buxton, UK - Love the iron work in the ceiling of this indoor garden

Buxton, UK

Buxton, UK - gardens

How slow did you say?

We visited Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, a family property since the 16th century. We toured the castle which holds paintings that include Rembrandt, John Singer Sargent, and Renoir. Living quarters of royalty were on display in their opulent glory. Filming of the movie, Pride and Prejudice took place here too. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate for us to visit the gardens, plus it was a little early in the season to experience it, at its best. Sheep roamed freely on the grounds and we saw a herd of deer on our way out of the gates.

Chatsworth, UK

One of the friendly British we met said we must go to the second highest inn in England, the Cat & Fiddle, and enjoy a brew in front of the fire. How could we resist! It appeared to be a popular area, we saw many people hiking, riding bikes, and walking dogs. And it seems everyone owns a dog of some kind. Incidentally, there was still snow in shadow areas from a major snowfall two weeks prior, that dropped close to 3 feet of snow. And at this elevation, there was a chill in the windy air.

Peak District, UK - Cat & Fiddle

Research!

Peak District, UK - enjoying a cold lager and a warm fire.

Peak District, UK - Panoramic views from the Cat & Fiddle

We stayed two nights in a quaint 16th century B&B in the tiny hamlet of Alstonefield. Many hiking trails were just outside the doorstep. And we felt like we experienced the true English countryside.

Our hike on Sunday took us along the River Dove, a popular trail in the Dovedale Valley. Crystal clear water, unique rock formations, and grazing sheep with lambs could be seen along the way.

Alstonefield, UK

Alstonefield, UK

Alstonefield, UK - the kind church people pointed out to us
the pews in this church were completed in 1639.
And they noted "your country wasn't even founded then."

views from Alstonefield, UK

Milldale, UK

Milldale, UK - Built in 1653, this packhorse bridge was used to
transport goods all over the Peak District.

Near the River Dove, UK

We saw many coins pushed into stumps and logs
along the trail, but we don't know why.

River Dove

Tissington Village, UK - a retail shop, so adorable.

We smiled inside and out at the British expressions of speech, I wish I had written some of them down. We had a jolly good time, it was just lovely. Cheers!