Tag Archives: Peak District

Farewell 2023

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We’ve come to the end of 2023. I was able to see some beautiful things this year like flower fields and the Peaks, as well as some truly wonderful art. But sadly the end of this year is a one with war ongoing in too many parts of the world. I pray that people find peace, justice and safety soon.

Here are some of my favourite photos from 2023, looking back is always a nice way to end a year. I wish you all Happy New Year and pray that 2024 is filled with peace and happiness for all of us.

Mam Tor

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Mam Tor (meaning Mother Hill) at the Peak District is one of its most well know hiking spots. It’s also also known as the Shivering Mountain because its shale and gritstone layers are prone to landslips. Whilst in the area a few weeks ago my family and I decided to do the walk.

At the bottom there was a sign post telling you what was in each direction. We found the path for Mam Tor and started our steep hike up. Alongside the path I saw a few metal images placed in the ground. I assume this alludes to the history of England and the Iron Age.

As we got higher the winds got stronger but the views became more beautiful too.

Taking our time and putting in some effort we made it to the peak where there was a stone pillar marking the highest point. We all spent a bit of time looking around and taking in the magnificent view.

After taking in the views and some photos we then started our careful walk back down to the car park. I’d recommend this hike, it’s not too difficult to do and the views are amazing. They definitely helped soothe my soul.

Ladybower Reservoir

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I spent a day at the Peak District National park at the weekend and decided to visit the Ladybower Reservoir. I specifically wanted to see the ‘plugholes’ that are part of it. These plugholes are spillways that allow overflow of water to drain away to the River Derwent.

There hasn’t been a lot of rain lately so the reservoir water levels were below the edge of the plugholes. It was still quit cool to have a look down them though.

I also spent a bit of time walking around the reservoir on what was a bright sunny day. The entire walk takes 2 hours so I just walked around part of it and back.

It was an interesting trip and great to see something different in a beautiful natural setting.

Chatsworth House

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Earlier in the year my sister was kind enough to invite me to go away with her and her family for a few days to Scotland. We were driving up so we decided to make a stop on the way to break up the long journey from London. We stopped around half way at the Peak District and while we weren’t able to spend any time in the country park I did suggest going to Chatsworth House, a place I’ve wanted to go to for years (as any Pride and Prejudice fan will understand).

Driving towards the house I suddenly spotted it sitting in the amazing green landscape with the Peaks as it’s backdrop. I couldn’t wait to get a closer look.

We only had an afternoon so we decided to explore the gardens where we could also have a picnic instead of going inside the house. The gardens were huge and were broken down in different parts. There were flowery gardens which were organised and had some very pretty flowers in them.

There was also the Victorian rock garden where I didn’t know what to expect but I was quite impressed with. The kids (and some adults) seemed to love climbing up the rock sculptures which were scattered at different heights. We ended up climbing quite high after following steps to wherever they took us.

There was the Cascade Fountain on the grounds too, which had water flowing down a long pathway of steps. It was quite an amazing feature due to it’s size and how perfectly it sat in with the slope of the hillside.

Walking on, we found a maze which was sadly closed but I loved the gate at the parameters which seemed to be in the shape of the face of a certain gentleman perhaps.

We finally made out way around to the other side of Chatsworth house, where there was a huge fountain called the Emperor fountain. We had actually spotted the water shooting high up in the air on our drive down and wondered what it was. The water shoots up upto 300 feet into the air.

The Emperor fountain sits in front of the house. Here was the iconic view from the films and photos that we always see. The house was simply stunning in all grandeur.

The house had been celebrating dogs so there were statues of them scattered statues around the house. Maybe a good idea to help give the house some scale.

Having spent some time taking pictures and admiring the house we started making our way towards the gift shop and then the car as the kids (and the rest of us) were tired and the dark clouds that had been present all afternoon had finally decided to let loose and pour down on us. I really enjoyed our visit and it’s a place I can finally tick off my bucket list. I really hope I can come back one day and explore the house and walk further into the grounds. A memorable visit for sure.