Travel Journal

I'm always amazed (and usually bored) by seemingly useless facts although they do sometimes come in useful in Pub quizzes. This week's addition to the library was that the Peaks hold more fresh water than the Lake District - I'm sure you're overwhelmed by that astounding fact - we were, especially as we managed to have an almost rain-free week and were blessed with sunshine and blue skies. We had decided to avoid the Lake district - we've both been there in the past and very touristy these days - and chose the Peaks instead - good move!
We based ourselves in a little village called Litton (we didn't know where it was either) due to a super-sounding cottage on the net being available for that week. It turned out perfect for us - located centrally for all the visits and walks we wanted to do and only a mile or so from both Millers Dale and Cressbrook Dale - cracked up as two of the best walks in the area. It also had a great pub dead opposite the cottage across the village green The mill at Litton had a somewhat less glamorous history which I won't go into here!
I'm writing this having just arrived in our last destination - Ironbridge Gorge - and we are both trying to ignore how tired our leg muscles are! We certainly did some miles last week - most of them, apart from the level railway parts, were either steep climbs or descents into deep gullies - brilliant views and lots of stops for drinks and sandwiches - super area and everything was new to us both.
One of the best things about the peaks at this time of the year was the carpets of wild flowers, especially the orchids - never seen anything like it here or overseas.
We walked the Monsal Trail along the old railway line through Monsal Dale, including the viaducts at Monsal Head and Millers Dale - difficult to believe the main line from London to Manchester ran along this line! We also had great walks in Dovedale, Cressbrook Dale and around the Blue John mines of Castleton. Best visit of the week was to Haddon Hall near Bakewell - mediaeval place practically unchanged since the 1400's . This was probably the most energetic week of our trip - this week, I hope, will be a little more restful!
best wishes to all
Mart and Helen.