Peak District Online

Peak District PAT Testing 2012

2012-02-29T13:28:00.000Z

This is blog that we posted last year, but is relevant every year..... we highly recommend that you get your appliances tested.

Just a note to all you Peak District Holiday Accommodation Owners, from experience we know it is good to not only have your cottage or bed and breakfast ship shape for all your guests, but there is safety side and part of that is your responsibility as the owner is to make sure all your electrical appliances that are supplied in your holiday accommodation are safe.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 requires that all mains electrical equipment (cookers, washing machines, kettles, etc), new or second-hand, supplied with the accommodation must be safe. Landlords therefore need to regularly maintain the electrical equipment they supply to ensure it is safe.

Appliances including Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Heaters, Microwaves, Toaster, Hair Dryers etc.

It is good practice to have your equipment PAT tested annually.

What is a PAT Test?

Portable Appliance Testing (commonly known as PAT or PAT Inspection or PAT Testing) is a process in the United Kingdom by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety. The correct term for the whole process is In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment.

A qualified PAT tester will test your appliances with the relevant equipment as well as visually inspect for any damage that could cause the appliance to become faulty or dangerous.

Does it take long?

This depends on the amount of appliances that require testing, but the test only take a few minutes per item so a holiday cottage should take around an hour.

Where do i find a PAT tester?

VISIT HERE to view PAT testing companies in the Peak District, ideal for your holiday accommodation.

274_2721

2012-02-05T17:04:00.001Z

274_2721, originally uploaded by Stressed Jim.

Beautiful Goldfinch waits for her niger seed

274_2746

2012-02-05T17:03:00.003Z

274_2746, originally uploaded by Stressed Jim.

Just down the lane from the barrel at bretton

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2012-02-05T17:03:00.001Z

274_3051, originally uploaded by Stressed Jim.

Female Blackbird waiting for some food after a night of snow

Visit Peak District Launches Promo Video

2011-12-15T12:18:00.001Z

An expectant party of Peak District promoters and business people climbed one of Chatsworth’s imposing staircases to attend the launch of “Get Here” - a new short film extolling the wonders of the region. The venue for the screening was the little- known private theatre, with its impressive painted ceiling panels and eighteenth- century-style proscenium arch, but the film itself had a very modern vibe. Over a soundtrack sung by Chesterfield’s very own X-Factor contestant Chelsea Redfern, clouds swept over a classic Peak District landscape of heather moorland and rocky edges, followed by an energetic array of walkers, climbers, sailors and cyclists, all seeking to “Get Here” by what ever means.

David Thornton, deputy CEO of Visit Peak District and Head of Marketing explained the film’s genesis: It happened one snowy evening in Bakewell when 16-year-old Darcy Rae heard the song “Get Here” on a car radio. She suggested using it as the backing to a promotional video to the driver – who just so happened to work in the marketing department of Visit Peak District. (Well, okay, it was her mother driving her home from Lady Manners School). There were a few hurdles to cross before the idea became a runner – getting permission from Warner Brothers and Brenda Russell, the American songwriter, for example – but luckily Brenda herself lives in a U.S. national park and is a keen environmentalist, so she understood the ethos behind the project.

Some of the musicians backing Chelsea’s vocals are from Lady Manners School, so it was great to hear and see so much local artistic talent to the fore.

The aim of the new film is less about a check-list of places to visit and more of an emotional experience, capturing the thrill of our wonderful landscape and the multitude of ways to approach it. There was certainly some fantastic film work in evidence, though sometimes the attempt to marry the words of the song to the activities on offer did not quite pay off – “cross the desert like an Arab man” does not bring to mind hiking on a Peak District moor; but we get the drift. There is such a wide range of open-air attractions within this region and the film put that message across forcibly.

At the end of the film, David Thornton explained how easy it was to embed the video into any website seeking to promote the Peak District and then went on to talk about a promotion that Visit England is launching nation-wide for 2012. “Great Britain” is offering a discount of 20.12% at selected attractions and events. Quirky, but effective; let’s hope no one loses their calculator when the bill is called for.

After the screening, Chelsea sang “Get Here” live and then entertained us further with two more songs of her own choice. The second of these had a seasonal flavour and sent us out into a chill December night, with a warm glow as the stars shone brightly over the Chatsworth parkland. As if to further emphasise the surprising beauty and grandeur of the Peak District, a magnificent Fallow Deer stag had stationed itself under an oak tree, illuminated by the headlights of a departing vehicle. It remained almost motionless as the guests turned homeward; there were even rumours it had been stuffed, but, no, it was just Nature’s way of saying “Get Here”

A Brand New Video Just Launched - The People & Personality Behind Peak District Online

2011-12-08T08:39:00.001Z

A Brand New Video Just Launched - The People & Personality Behind Peak District Online
The largest website in the UK dedicated to all that is perfectly Peak District. We can now see the faces behind the site, the professionals creating the biggest online directory of accommodation & businesses with vital information at our fingertips.

Peak District Online is a phenomenally successful website. With over 12,000 pages packed with Peak District Information, accommodation, businesses, news and events, it's a website dedicated to helping us find the perfect place to stay, or the pub we'd like to have lunch in. It's a wealth of knowledge designed to make visiting the Peak District a joy in itself. Starting from a little acorn, the two families who started the concept have now evolved into a tree of knowledge. With the help of 15 professionals, not forgetting the office dog, it's a truly knowledgeable team. They all have their own vital roles to play in creating the must have affordable websites, for companies within the Peak District.

With an office in a converted barn overlooking the most beautiful view of rolling hills and the famous Derbyshire Dales, it's no wonder the website wizardly this team create daily, are inspirational and so successful. They're a team living and working in a place they adore and they truly breathe life into their websites for local businesses. Peak District Online have a portfolio of very satisfied companies behind them, testament to its richly deserved ongoing success and growth.
Not only do Peak District Online offer an amazing array of local information in sound and pictures, they also offer Peak District businesses affordable internet advertising, website creation with superb video enhancement and photographic services, to spring a business into three dimensional dynamism.

It's a company to help kick start a new business - and the people to go to, to pep up your existing one. Receiving millions of online visitors each year, the company are gaining an enviable reputation for being the place to be seen, the website to get YOUR business noticed - instantly.

With over 200, 000 unique visitors each month, it's the number one site to advertise your business in the Peak District - without question.How refreshing it is to see a business actually living and breathing in the place it's promoting. This creative and expert team are all clearly passionate about the Peaks. Peak District Online - Discover More

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffiUln4Wcu0

Curbar & Froggatt Edge - A New Video Celebrates Magical Moorland & Gravity Defying Gritstone

2011-11-30T12:38:00.001Z

Mist shrouded edges amidst a land of mystery and promise - a dramatic landscape unfolds before us in a stunning new video made with pure talent and a lust for Peak District Life. Peak District TV are surely a natural force to be reckoned with?

With melodiously mesmerising music soaring in our ears & the land below us emerging out of the mist, this has to be the most evocative video from this impressive collaboration from the Peak District's leading web portal, Peak District Online & a very tuned in videographer - Terrybnd!
Nursing its own secrets, the Peak District doesn't normally give much away, but this man and his camera has penetrated the earth in sourcing its secrets for us - the humble viewer. An enchanted world rising from the moss covered ground; the ancient silver birches twist and turn to encompass a fairytale image of the unusual landscape of the unknown Peak District.

A rock climber's delight and a rambler's impressively hard walking destination, Curbar and Froggatt Edge are places of ancient wonder and a must see marker on the visitor's map. Mysteriously carved millstones and silhouettes of ancient wonders outline the heather clad barren moorland, with rocks towering to taunt the fearless, the adventurer who chances his or her hand to try to try and conquer it's curves and caverns.

Follow the lone deer into the setting sun and discover Derbyshire at its most rugged. The Peak District- a most surprising and ever enticing, stunning National Park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v057SnefMLg

Fair Trade Peak District Fashion Show is a Big Success!

2011-11-17T08:52:00.005Z

Two of the Peak District Online team members went to a fantastic Fashion Show in Wirksworth in the Peak District last week. It was a wonderful evening and certainly a Fashion Show with a difference - Fair Trade and Quality! The Event was extremely well organised and professional. The atmosphere was really supportive, with crowds of locals both in the audience and on the catwalk! The event was such great value for money, including food, raffle tickets, goodie bags and special offers available for your ticket! Look out for more events from this store throughout the year...

Local Passion...
With a strong love and passion for fashion and business, Ayesha (the owner) set about researching wholesale accounts and nagging her parents about another one of her ideas. With the support of her family; parents Ian and Rosie and sister Rebecca AIRR Clothing was able to open the first AIRR Clothing store in the hidden gem of the Peak District, Wirksworth on the 18th June 2010. It has being going from strength to strength ever since.

AIRR Clothing is your local boutique with a difference.
They provide ethically-produced fashion at high-street prices, with a tailored personal shopping experience to make you feel like a star. You can either enjoy the beautiful shop in Wirksworth, Derbyshire – The Gem of the Peaks….or shop on line at your leisure on their website.

Watch the video here.......

Well worth a visit now, for really special individual Christmas presents or just to spoil yourself and look and feel great for this new season!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO GO ONTO THE WEBSITE

Peak District White Pheasant spotted

2011-11-14T13:49:00.001Z

A Vision In White - Very Rare Albino Pheasant Spotted In Peak District"As the undergrowth rustled and this strange bird appeared, I wasn't really prepared to see a ghost! " Peak District Online's Wildlife Photographer explains his not so scary, weekend surprise.James Dobson, aka wildlife photographer Villager Jim, was up at the crack of dawn as usual on Saturday morning, when he spotted something ethereal, seeming to glide through the trees. As he stopped still and caught his breath, a vision in white stalked out of the dark undergrowth, seemingly oblivious of its startlingly unusual appearance.A type of pheasant, or so Jim surmised after the shock had worn off, was walking straight towards him. It was the same shape and size as a female but they don't normally come in white. There were no other eye catching features to be seen other, than the red around the eye - unlike the typical male pheasant with its resplendent plumage or the mottled browns the female normally parades."I've never seen or heard of anything like it," laughs James. "I've photographed some stunning birds over the years but I must say this will be one I'll remember for a long, long time. It was a very special moment and I feel very privileged to have seen her." James went straight home to do some research and realized he had seen a very rare sight indeed."Unfortunately her snow white plumage makes her an easy target for predators. Let's hope this unseasonably warm weather turns to frost sometime soon, to give this gorgeous creature a longer lifespan"We agree with you James - Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

pssst seen any nuts?

2011-10-25T19:18:00.001+01:00

pssst seen any nuts?, originally uploaded by Stressed Jim.

Peak District Online Inspects The Crown Inn on The Channel 5 Show Hotel Inspector!!!

2011-10-25T13:22:00.013+01:00

I thought I would give our visitors and customers an insight into being on location at The Hotel Inspector.

Peakdistrictonline (PDO) were asked to help out a local Peak District Inn, attend the filming and help Alex Polizzi and the team to inspect The Crown Inn at Higham @crowninnhigham in Derbyshire.

PDO asked me to represent them in a journalistic capacity - and I said 'Yes!'It was a fantastic experience.

PDO and 7soft were also asked to design and support a new website - it is fantastic and yesterday The Crown Inn had over 30,000 page views from 10pm - 11pm!!! wow!! The power of the Internet and media!! It really does influence people!

This was in June. I spent two days being filmed with two other journalists and we stayed the night, being treated to an evening meal, breakfast and a celebration luncheon with local businesses.

We were asked to interview the owner Rita, this lasted approx 20 minutes for each of us, however on the programme last night only moments of those interviews were filmed. I made me realise how much goes into a one hour production for TV...hours and hours of filming and editing.

The whole experience was strangely bizarre, with cameras aimed at you all of the time during our stay and being put on the spot to answer questions from the producer and director!!

Over the two days, I put a lot of thought into whether we would recommend this Inn, however the decision was easy when it came to making that decision......yes, yes and yes! Great pub, great place to stay and great people.

We would really appreciate and encourage as many people as possible to follow them on twitter, like them on Facebook and generally consider recommending them.

http://www.thecrowninnhigham.co.uk/

The Crown Inn, Higham is really good value for money for a stay in the Peak District - the accommodation is now really lovely, with Alex Polizzi help and funds, the place is great. The pub has brilliant atmosphere and there is a wonderful Sunday Carvery apparently, I have yet to get around to that one, but will. All the food is locally scoured and is really excellent and really home made with fresh ingredients.

Have a look at the episode for yourself......http://www.channel5.com/shows/the-hotel-inspector/episodes/episode-4-324 let us know your thoughts - good, bad or indifferent :) Did you enjoy the show?

Hotel Inspector Tonight Features Peak District Online!

2011-10-24T20:07:00.000+01:00

The Hotel Inspector asks and she will be given - the leading web portal from the Peak District deliver what they promise - an amazing new website for a totally unique pub transformation in only 24 hours!

On Monday 24 Oct - Channel 5 21:00 it's Episode 4 of the popular TV series of the all New Hotel Inspector. The TV makers have come to the Peak District to turn around the fortunes of the Crown Inn, Derbyshire - and we're on the programme too! We were very proud to have been asked to help , to participate in not only the show, but also to aid the transformation of this stunning accommodation, to be part of a team of businesses to rise to the challenge - and it truly is a different place to stay.

The Crown Inn at Higham is the latest hotel to be taken under the wing of this successful and popular TV show and with the generous help from other local Peak District businesses - a transformation is truly undertaken.

With their majesty and splendour the Peaks have long been a favourite holiday destination for people all over the world, Peak District Online have proven once again they are the leaders in providing superb websites for the accommodation industry as well as Peak District businesses, past times and recreation - and in the nick of time for some!

As the country's leading web portal for providing up to date information about the Peak District, we also have the biggest comprehensive list of Hotel Accommodation so The Hotel Inspector naturally came to us straight away. She needed our help and we rushed to her aid.

We were told that" Alex travels to the Derbyshire Peak District, home of rolling hills, stunning views and her latest challenge. A 15th-century inn is a true labour of love for its owner, Rita" and we were on the case with a member of our sales staff, Dina Holland who actually features on the programme, advising how to improve the ailing pub's business . The programme airs Monday night and we'll all be watching, as will the owners of the newly refurbished Inn.

Can Alex from the programme restore the shine to the dowdy inn in the Derbyshire Peak District? With our help in providing the new website in record time, we pulled out all the stops and the Inn at Higham continues to go from strength to strength, gaining business through our exclusively designed website for them.

Alex clearly had Grand Designs for this wonderful 15th century pub and we were privileged to play our part! See for yourself the transformation on Channel 5 - Monday night

The Peak District Through The Eyes Of A Lens

2011-10-20T13:54:00.002+01:00

The Peak District Through The Eyes Of ALens, A Day In The Life Of Derbyshire's Finest Photographers

Peak District Online are very proud topresent their new video introducing the Peak District's favouritephotographers - a deliciously diverse group of talent. The New VideoFrom Peak District TV shines the lens on its own PeaklandPhotographers.

With another stunning video fromTerrybnd, the secret weapon in Peak District Online's impressivevideo armour, this time they've focused on some artistic talentwithin the Peak District. They've already brought us superb videosfeaturing villages, towns and hamlets and we've seen dramaticgritstone edges and tumbling waterfalls, the flora and fauna ofsights and attractions to see and do in the Peak District, but thistime, it's the turn for the National Park's Photographers to have thespotlight turned on them, instead of the other way round for a nicechange.

Set to a staggeringly beautifulsoundtrack, the spectacular Peak District scenery is blasted in ourfaces as we're shown instantly the magic this wonderful place holdsfor a photographer, whatever their speciality. We see the mood andthe light, the dawn and the dusk and I for one wish with all my heartI could capture it all on film or camera but I can't. I leave it upto landscape photographers like James Grant and wildlife photographerJames Dobson, but envy the talents of them all Fine artphotographers, photographers alike - they are true masters of theirart, wizards at their craft.

We're shown how hard it is, see aninsight into just two of the craftsmen, wish we could see more. Buttwo very diverse subjects are explored and we see how hard it is, howpassionate these people are -how crazy too, when we see one of themnegotiating a tripod in flowing waterfalls, getting up at sillyo'clock to capture the light, everyday of the year, whatever theweather. It takes hard work and passion, diligence, patience andextraordinary skill to capture a mood, a place in time, a wildlifesubject always on the move.

The panorama is flabbergasting , asight not a lot of us will ever see but Terry takes us there, butthen we see the photographs that can be taken if you have the talent,if you have the urge. The perfectly timed strains of music coincidewith insightful knowledge written in short bursts across the screen,tempting and teasing us with little bits of information we wouldnever know. We see an insight into a photographer's mind, a briefmoment of their day captured on film. Shy creatures themselves, likeany good artist they are humble and what you see is what you get -superb shots taken by mere Peak District dwellers - but they so goodand we can but envy them. Watching this video we are transportedthere, a brief glimpse of their lives and we wish with all our heartswe had the time and the patience to achieve the same dream.

To be a Photographer in the PeakDistrict must be heaven on earth - lucky people indeed!

Peak district weather and webcam

2011-10-18T07:38:00.001+01:00

Well here we go heading towards winter and having just been out for a morning stroll it is definitely moving towards the colder months, one of the beauties of the peak district in my opinion is the changing of the weather and how the landscape and the wildlife change with that.Here at peak district online we bring you a couple of webcams from monyash and foolow whee you can check the weather before you visit or just have a peak at this wonderful part of the world.http://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/peak-district-webcam-c2491.html

New Video for Bulls Head at Foolow

2011-10-17T16:58:00.001+01:00

Peak District Online latest video is of the Bulls Head at Foolow.

This beautiful traditional peak District pub has been instantly brought to life with evocative imagery & haunting music in a brand new mini film by the makers of the very best Peak District Videos around -. Peak District Online & Peak District TV.

This latest video, released on October 12th, is already proving a hit with You Tube viewers. The sounds and scenery of the beautiful public house are brought to life with stunning clarity, proving once again that it’s a very exciting way for publicans, hoteliers and guest house owners to promote their business.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-0WZWSON1k

http://www.letsgo-foolow.co.uk/the-bulls-head-c18.html

Fair Trade growth in the Peak District!

2011-09-20T13:09:00.011+01:00

More and more fairtrade towns and villages are being recognised throughout the Peak District -
More and more fairtrade independent retailers are bringing Fair trade to our towns and villages to make this possible... One 19 year old called Ayesha Bell is doing just that in the Fairtrade Town of Wirksworth....and with a difference......

Wear something FAIR..Wear something from AIRR..
With a strong love and passion for fashion and business Ayesha set about researching wholesale accounts and nagging her parents about another one of her ideas. With the support of her family; parents Ian and Rosie and sister Rebecca AIRR Clothing was able to open the first AIRR Clothing store in the hidden gem of the Peak District, Wirksworth on the 18th June 2010.
GETTING THE LOCALS INVOLVED!!
This month they will be taking photographs of people who visit the shop wearing something FAIR from AIRR!! All photographs will then be displayed in the shop until the end of October on our AIRR IS FAIR wall. Go and have a photo and be PROUD to promote Fair Trade!
TIME FOR WINTER?
The wet and windy weather has arrived and there cute little sandals are no longer keeping our feet warm! Go and have a browse through their new footwear ranges from Emu boots to furry slippers or funky wellies - they have something for everyone this season!

twitter.com/airrclothing
Facebook: AIRR Clothing
Email: info@airrclothing.co.uk
Phone: 01629 820 810
Or even better… go and say hi in-store!
They’ll put the kettle on and tell you what they are all about.
AIRR Clothing,
12 Market Place,
Wirksworth,
Matlock,
Derbyshire,
DE4 4ET
watch a video of this local peak district town here

Local Derbyshire and Peak District Business Networking Group do good for Help for Heroes!

2011-09-13T17:48:00.006+01:00

Christmas comes early for Help For Heroes in the Peak District
Thanks to the generosity of 4Networking and numerous local Peak District businesses, Help For Heroes will be collecting a cheque for £540 towards their much needed funds on 23rd September.

Local hero, Jon Hilton, who himself served in Iraq and now runs a business called Pulse Rate Training, will accept the cheque on behalf of Help For Heroes, along with their local representative, at the next 4Networking’s business meeting at Buxton & High Peak’s golf club.

The cash was raised at their Christmas party held on 2nd July. Yes, you did hear correctly, it was a Christmas party, after the real one was cancelled in December because of heavy snow. The late Christmas party gave business members a chance to relax and have some fun, as well as raising funds for their chosen charity. 4Networking Group Leader, Jan McSkimming said, “It was a fantastic night, with people travelling from all across the Peak District, including Staffordshire, Cheshire, Manchester and Sheffield. Our Operations Assistant, Nigel Collins brought his popular band, Twisted Lick to entertain us. But what was so heartwarming, was the generosity of so many businesses in these difficult economic times. They provided all of the fantastic auction and raffle prizes, as well as dipping into their pockets to win them as well! Amazing!”

Pete Clowes, Area Leader for the 4Networking network said, “This is an example of how 4Networking works. We encourage business members to support each other by working and collaborating together. Jon, who served in the forces before starting his own business, Pulse Rate Training, will be speaking to the group on the 23rd “From Bullets to Business”, about his experiences and how 4Networking has helped turn his life around.”

There will be a photo opportunity and a chance to meet Jon and some of the businesses involved in raising the funds as the cheque is presented at 9.30am 23rd September at Buxton & High Peak Golf Course.

For more information please contact:
Jan McSkimming, missmoneypenny@telecomplus.org.uk
Pete Clowes, pete@internetbusinessdirectory.co.uk
Jon Hilton info@pulseratetraining.com
Helen Duncan, Helen@firstimpression.co.uk
Dina Holland, dina@peakdistrictonline.co.uk

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Peak District Online

Raffle Prizes provided by :
Treatment Voucher (worth £30) thanks to Susi Henshall of Inspired by Life
Printing.com Coupon (worth £50) thanks to Helen Duncan of First Impression
Aloe SPF30 Sun Screen thanks to Claire Rimmer of Pennine Health
Wellness Evaluation Session (worth £45) thanks to Christine Tilbury of Taylor May Wellness Coaching
Set of 5 Iyengar Yoga Sessions(worth £35) thanks to Sue Lovell of Peak Yoga Centre, Buxton
Bottle of Whisky thanks to Nathan Harbut of Complink UK
Beauty Voucher thanks to Pauline Maund of Cut ‘n Curl, Buxton
Aloe Liquid Soap thanks to Claire Rimmer of Pennine Health
Treatment Voucher (worth £30) thanks to Susi Henshall of Inspired by Life
Greens Voucher: 1 x 4 Ball at Buxton & High Peak Golf Club thanks to Jane Dobson of Buxton & High Peak Golf Club

Auction Prizes included:
Free SEO Audit or £250 towards an Internet Business Directory Advert thanks Pete Clowes of IBD
Bottle of Jacky Moussy Champagne thanks to Ian Gordon of Peak Translations
Studio based or Location Portrait Shoot worth £150 including 10 x 8 Framed Print thanks Sara Porter of Sara Porter Photography
Meal for 2 at ‘The Milestone, Kelham Island, Sheffield this is a Michelin Rated restaurant and a bottle of wine is included thanks to Alan Fenn of Compass Distribution
£100 towards Any treatment at ‘Skin First’ Congleton thanks to Julie Hadall of Skin First Congleton

More about 4networking
4 Networking is a National Business Network. It moved into the Peak District starting at the Buxton Group in May 2010 and now groups are established in Glossop, Matlock and 300 other locations across the UK. Businesses from all sectors can come together for mutual support and to pass new business opportunities between them.
If your business could benefit from such a group please do get in touch.
Contact the Buxton group by calling Group Leader Jan McSkimming, (07970 629 064); Area Leader Peter Clowes, (07810 301 569); or Marketing Assistant Patrick Healy (07985 998 307).
www.4networking.biz

More about Help For Heroes
Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in October 2007 out of a desire to help the wounded Servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The message of the charity is simple: We are strictly non political and non critical; we simply want to help. We believe that anyone who volunteers to serve in time of war, knowing that they may risk all, is a hero. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and some of them are living with the consequences of their service for life. We may not be able to prevent our soldiers from being wounded, but together we can help them get better.
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Red Arrows at Chatsworth Country Fair

2011-09-03T12:39:00.000+01:00

The Red Arrows carried out a fantastic display over Chatsworth yesterday, the Chatsworth Country Fair is on today and tomorrow and is a great day out for all the family, we managed to take some photos of the red arrows team in action.

Hope Show Peak District

2011-08-30T13:15:00.000+01:00

Peak District Online attended Hope Show yesterday and again it was a great day out.

The shows horse events were a great success with plenty of competitors and wonderful horses being shown and ridden.

The attractions and events ranged from Sheep Dog trials, Gun Dogs, Classic Cars, Motorbike Display and plenty more to keep everyone entertained.

There was even a Laurel and Hardy impersonator driving around entertaining the crowds.

The weather stayed fine for most of the day which always helps this Peak District outdoor show.

There were plenty of food stalls a bar with live music to enjoy, all in all a fun day for all ages.

Peak District Online Video being filmed at Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park in Matlock Bath Next Week!!

2011-08-23T11:22:00.003+01:00

Peak District Online Video being filmed at Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme park in Matlock Bath next week!
Peak District Online's video productions, which now stands at over 110 fantastic videos, are delighted to have been invited to Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath, to shoot a video that will promote this wonderful family attraction located in the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales.

Steve Wake, one of the directors from Peak District Online said: 'Gulliver’s Kingdom is one of the Peak District's most popular attractions and we are delighted that we are adding them to our growing range of videos, it is great that we are able to work together to promote the Peak District to all it’s visitors and local people'

Peak District Online is the internets most popular guide to the Peak District - with the latest accommodation information, hotels and cottages in abundance, and everything to do and see in the Peak District and surrounding areas of Derbyshire . http://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk
Filming will take place on Wednesday 31st August and Thursday 1st September lead by one of Peak District Online's Video Professional, David King.

David King has worked within the media industry for some 25 years. Several projects rank highly on David’s CV not least of which being his involvement in a production surrounding ‘Lindow Man’ for the British Museum and assisting in the production of work for BNFL and Granada Television. Today David is based in the Derbyshire Peak District where he concentrates on photographic commissions and producing video shorts for the world’s leading Online Peak District Directory. David says, “The Peak District is a wonderful place to live and work, and by producing work for the tourist industry I know I’m actively helping the local economy”.

Peak District Online have been producing web material over eight years. With the introduction of video production to their armoury they have become the number one player in the field of ‘Video Shorts’ within the Peak District.

Photographer for PDO, David King, explains, “We no longer have to carry around heavy cumbersome equipment to get the results our client needs. Video Shorts can be put together very inexpensively using small High Definition (HD) cameras. This doesn’t mean that production value has to suffer though. By using NLE (None Linear Editing) software digital footage can be edited quickly and given the polish a viewer would normally only expect from a broadcast video.

Come along if you want to be part of the movie!

Are you an secret Peak District Diva? - be one for the day on 10th September!

2011-08-06T06:28:00.009+01:00

Have you heard about the Ladies in the Peak District called Derbyshire Dale Diva's?

They are World Class singers with World Class winning trophies!!

They are holding this event in this year in Derby...

A bit more about them....

What do DaleDiva sing?
4 part, un-accompanied harmony, mainly in the barbershop style. Forget about 4 gentlemen, handle bar moustaches and a towel draped over one arm, things have really evolved since those days. Let’s face it, once women got involved there were bound to be some changes made!
This style of music lends itself to songs from any era, ballads, popular show tunes and upbeat songs always supported by performance skills and even choreography that will entertain an audience whilst giving the performer a fantastic buzz.
Ally likes to describe it as ‘gospel singing without the religion but definitely with the passion and energy of performance’.
Current repertoire includes:
Single Ladies
Sweet Dreams
Love The One You're With
Sing
Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
Stil Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Natural Woman
Merry Christmas Everyone
Ain't Nobody
Can You Feel The love Tonight (from the Lion King)
Lean On Me
Shine
Somebody To Love
To Make You Feel My Love
Let The River Run
I Will Follow Him (from Sister act)
How We Sang Today
That’s What Friends Are For
When You Say Nothing At All
Irish Blessing
Happy Feet
Liars Medley
* The chorus are always working on new songs to extend their repertoire
Peak District Event......

Release your inner Diva an become a Diva for the Day!

Time 10 September · 10:00 - 16:00

Location Derby Assembly Rooms

More info Don't miss out on your chance to be a Diva! Our 'Diva for a Day' registration packs are available now! Learn two great songs, get the moves and join us for this unique chance to sing with DaleDiva. Get details at www.dalediva.co.uk Call 01623 551247 or email ally@dalediva.co.uk

Peak District Competition!! Win a night out in the Peak District with Bed, Breakfast and Evening meal thrown in - For 2 People!!

2011-07-15T08:24:00.006+01:00

Join us on Facebook for your chance to win a night B&B and a meal for 2.
It is so simple to be in it to win it!!
Just tell us what you love about the Peak District.

The best answer will win a night B&B stay at The Crown Inn, Higham, for you and your partner: A wonderful, historical country inn including bed, breakfast and evening meal for two.

The Crown Inn was the location for the recently filmed Hotel Inspector, a successful Channel 5 television show. Stay in the newly refurbished Inn, designed by The Hotel Inspector Team and its host Alex Polizzi and enjoy a lovely break away in the Peak District!

The person who gives the most imaginative, inspirational and original reason for loving the Peak District will be crowned the winner!
To enter the competition go to our Facebook Page and tell us: “I love the Peak District because...

(The winner can take the prize on any Friday or Saturday night between 4th August and 31st October 2011. Subject to availability. Competition closes 31st July)

Bakewell Show 2011 Tickets Available and Kids Go Free

2011-07-14T12:53:00.003+01:00

One of the Peak District largest shows is held next Month, The Bakewell Show is to be held as always on the first Wednesday and Thursday of August which this year is the 3rd and 4th.

Tickets can be purchased prior to the show via their website www.bakewellshow.org or on the day at the show.

The 2011 Bakewell Show will feature along with several regular favourites such as the sheep show, beach, mounted games and 15 minute theatre; we are welcoming back the riveting Chariots of Fire Display refined to include a pair of driving sheep and a ride and drive bullock!

The Bakewell Show is a fun day out for all the family and in 2011 will be even better value for money than ever before! We have eliminated the children’s entry fee for any child under the age of 16. (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Peak District Online are also working with the Bakewell Show to provide their new website which will launch after this years show.

Peak District Competiton

2011-07-14T12:43:00.001+01:00

You and a partner will be treated to a nights stay at The Crown Inn, Higham. A wonderful, historical country inn including bed, breakfast and evening meal for two.

This prize can be taken any Friday or Saturday night between 4th August and the end of October 2011. Dates subject to availability. Competition closes 31st July.

The Crown Inn was the location for the recently filmed Hotel Inspector, a successful Channel 5 television show.

Stay in the newly refurbished Inn, designed by The Hotel Inspector Team and its host Alex Polizzi and enjoy a lovely break away in the Peak District!

The owner, managers and staff at The Crown Inn will provide you with a wonderful welcome and you can taste the evening’s entertainment if you like, which is very popular with visitors and locals alike.

The Facebooker who gives the most imaginative, inspirational and original reason for loving the Peak District will be crowned the winner. To enter visit Peak District Online’s Facebook page, and tell us why you love the Peak District so much: http://www.facebook.com/PeakDistrictOnline.co.uk

“I love the Peak District because...

Terms and conditions:

All entries must be added to http://www.facebook.com/PeakDistrictOnline.co.uk by July 31st 2011.

The winner will be chosen by Peak District Online and our decision is final.

Any entrants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to claim the prize of a stay at The Crown Inn.

Heights of Abraham Review

2011-07-07T10:49:00.002+01:00

Judy and Simon Corble who take us out on regular guided Peak District walks visited the Heights of Abrham and kindly reviewed it for us.

here is an extract the whole of the review can be found here http://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/heights-of-abraham-review-c100498.html

Because of the geography, the Heights of Abraham doesn’t have its own car park, therefore most people park in the pay-and-display car park at Matlock Bath Station (£4 for four hours, £5 if you wish to stay longer). This is very handy, however, if you are arriving by train as the cable car is only a short distance away across the tracks. We followed the signs to the entrance and after purchasing our tickets, only had a short while to wait until the next three cable cars slowly entered the terminal; on we jumped for our journey of just under half a mile to the top.

Peak District Experience Cable Car Ride

It is a thrilling experience – although definitely not for anyone afraid of heights. Rising over 500 feet, you are carried over river and road, then top the dense woodland as you cross the contours of the steep Peak District hillside – the views are truly amazing, if you can stop yourself from looking down!

With some relief, you alight at the top near the visitor centre, café, bar and shop, which has a nice array of gifts to take home as a souvenir of the day. There is also a children’s “Explorers’ Park” just above, and close by the grown-ups can sit in a small amphitheatre and contemplate the view whilst the kids let off steam. The amphitheatre looks out towards the Peak Districts Matlock town and Riber Castle, whose ruined towers are spookily silhouetted against the distant sky. It’s a pity the theatre space isn’t larger, as it would be a wonderful place for a show. If you wish, you can scan the view in more detail, using one of the “talking telescopes” that are dotted around the site, (you will need £1 though, as this is one thing that is not included in the cost of your ticket).

Bakewell Raft Race 2011

2011-07-04T10:26:00.000+01:00

This years raft race in Bakewell was a great success, as always there was no shortage of participants and some of the rafts were excellent, the sun was shining but the River Wye that runs through Bakewell was freezing cold and many of the competitors ended up in the river!!

The Mario brothers seemed a popular theme and this Peak District event had the crowds out to cheer the raft racers on. Some of the Rafts were not so buoyant and several had capsized before they had passed under the River Wye Bakewell Bridge.

Across the river Wye the Bakewell Fun Fair was bustling with people enjoying the rides and food and drink stalls.

We ventured back to the car through the park just in time to see the finals of the dog races and the tug of war competition.

All in all another success and are looking forward to next years Peak District Raft Race and maybe entering a Peak District Online Team.

Peak District Bakewell Video hits the number one spot on Youtube!

2011-06-29T09:33:00.003+01:00

Peak District Online have hit the number 1 slot on YouTube for the video of Bakewell. With thousands of views already the video shows Bakewell, deep in the heart of the peak district .

With 99 videos having been already released the company are about to hit the 100th video mark with another localised video production in high definition using the talents of a three man video team employed full time to document and record the peak district as never before.

The videos have proved so popular that PDO have had to release a website dedicated to Videos Of The Peak District which can be found at www.videosofthepeakdistrict.co.uk

Watch this space for more details of the 100th Video!

In the meantime this video of Carsington Water is fantastic - and a great place to visit!!

Have you heard about the Chaos on the Monsal Trail?

2011-06-28T14:26:00.002+01:00

Apparently the Mayor of Bakewell has hit out at the newly opened tunnels on the Monsal Trail and called for a safety review! He went up there and apparently said 'It was absolute chaos. Cyclists of all ages were cycling in all directions, there were walkers, people with dogs and the lighting in the tunnels is inadequate'

Does anyone else have a differnt oppinion or view. Have you been up to the trail since the tunnels opened? I know that a couple of cars have been stopped by police for taking a short cut!!??? crazy!

This is a fantastic Peak District Attraction and I am sure it is just

There is a code of conduct that should be followed,
which is....
• keep to the left
• pass in single file
• keep dogs on leads and under control
• cyclists should use a bell or call out “Bike” when approaching others from behind

Quiet simple really!!
Watch the video and just see how calm it can be!!

Channel 5's Hotel Inspector asks Peak District Online for help!!

2011-06-27T14:37:00.006+01:00

Well it was a very exciting week last week in the busy, busy life's of the Team at Peak District Online!!

Hotel Inspector came back to the Peak District!!! This time to the east of the Peak District area....and August sees the start of a new series of the successful Channel 5 programme The Hotel Inspector. The show presented by award winning hotelier Alex Polizzi recently filmed an episode featuring the Crown Inn at Higham, Alfreton, in the Peak District. Couple Jane and Dave Bearder manage the Crown Inn, which is owned by Rita Williams.

Three Peak District Journalists were invited to contribute to the making of this episode. They were brought in to give their opinion on their rooms, the hotel makeover, the staff and management and their experience overall during their two day stay. At the end they would report back on whether they would write up the hotel in their next publication issue in a favourable light and recommend the business to their customers.

Dina Holland, in a journalist capacity and representing the accommodation software provider www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk, and www.peakdistrict-news.co.uk shared the role with journalists’ Lesley and Steve Caddy from Pure Buxton Magazine and Mike Snow from the Chesterfield based magazine Reflections.

The reporters were filmed arriving at the hotel, checking in and being taken to their allotted rooms, alongside the evening entertainment, breakfast the following morning and the events that unfolded during the day.

Dina Holland from the Peak District Online Team...said, “Our task was to confirm whether we would produce an article about our visit and if we would recommend The Crown Inn, Higham in the Peak District to our readers.”

“I was apprehensive, but excited to be involved in this popular TV show“, said Dina, "Alex, the presenter, and the production crew were a tremendous support and a highly professional team, incredibly likeable and motivating".

The programme makers wanted to help the hotel as much as possible and enlisted further help from the accommodation software provider www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk, based at Great Hucklow in the Peak District National Park. James Dobson and partner Steve Wake quickly took the hotels original website in hand for a complete revamp. “The site needed brightening up and we were more than happy to help”, commented James, who’s company now provides the same service to clients on a daily basis. “Companies and especially hotels can’t afford to have their sites down for too long, in this case we completed the job within a two day deadline.”

The production team and Rita were delighted with the results, which is available at www.thecrowninn-higham.co.uk.

Once settled the journalists were provided with an evening meal and a nights entertainment before retiring to bed. One of the rooms had been left untouched, one of them had been made over by Rita, the owner and the third room had been redesigned by Alexi Polizzi.

After a nights sleep and breakfast, each reporter interviewed the owner Rita, asking probing questions about the entire process that she had experienced over the last 12 weeks with Channel 5.
The journalists were treated to a buffet lunch and joined by 20 representatives from other Peak District businesses. Some of which included the Peak District Tourist Board, The Dragon Balloon Company, Peak Walking Adventures, The Heights of Abraham, Wild Park Leisure, Brailsford and The Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre. Each were given a guided tour of the hotel, including the made over rooms and asked to provide feedback on camera. During this luncheon event Rita, the owner, gave a speech to the entire group.

Finally, the journalist were invited to a feedback session with Rita, the owner, chaired by Alex Polizzi.
Dina Holland said, “We have been sworn to secrecy by the production team not to reveal our conclusions, however we will be able to reveal more details, once the programme has been viewed".
Viewers will have to wait until the end of August to find out the results, when this episode will be aired on Channel 5.

Peak District Longest Day - how are you going to spend it?

2011-06-21T06:45:00.010+01:00

what are you going to be doing on the longest day of the year today??
Are you going to make it count?
Where better to spend it than the peak district?

Some summer solstice facts........A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year when the Sun's apparent position in the sky reaches its northernmost or southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination[citation needed]; that is, the apparent movement of the Sun's path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.

10 fun things about The Summer Solstice....
1. Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year.
2. In Lithuania it was said the dew from the morning of Summer Solstice would make old people look younger and young girls would be more beautiful.
3. The astrological sign associated with the Summer Solstice is Cancer, which is symbolized by the crab. It’s said that the crab is the symbol since the year walks backwards like a crab with progressively shorter days after the solstice.
4. In England bonfires were lit to keep the evil spirits away from the town.
5. If you don’t sleep during the Summer Solstice and sit in the middle of a stone circle you’ll see fairies, ghosts, and goblins.
6. In Estonia if you were able to jump over a solstice bon fire, without setting your pants on fire, you were ensured of having good luck during the next year.
7. If there’s something you want walk around the solstice bonfire three times with a pebble in your hand while you whisper what you want to the pebble before throwing it into the fire.
8. In South America paper boats were filled with flowers, set on fire, and then released to sail down the river carrying prayers to the gods.
9. Celtic folklore tells of placing the ashes of the Litha fire around fields of crops to assure bountiful harvests.
10. During the Summer Solstice men named John had a wreath of oak leaves placed on their doors to honor them.

A special place in England to experience today is obviously stone henge.....watch last years experience........

or summer solstice in the Peak District...

...There are some very spiritual places near Bichover in the peak district - perhaps dance around the nine ladies cicles up on the moor? .....

perhaps just visit your favorite place in the Peak District and watch the sun go down :-)

Get in the swing for Wimbledon with great lessons from Derbyshire County Council

2011-06-20T08:27:00.006+01:00

Does it mean that it will rain today?
The fact that it is the start of Wimbledon?
Are you getting in the swing for the tennis season yet?
There are plenty of places in the Peak District to practice and play...but first to wet your appetite....
TOP TEN FACTS FOR The Wimbledon Championships
1. The Wimbledon Championships date back to 1877 but did not take up residence at Church Road until 1922, where the ground now has a capacity of 35,000.
2. Up to 40,000 tennis balls will be used during the tournament, each one hand-tested for weight, bounce and compression and stored at exactly 68F.
3. Yellow balls were first used in 1986 and will this year be collected by a total of 200 ball boys and girls who have all undergone a rigorous training programme.
4. More than 27,000 kilos of English strawberries are likely to be eaten by spectators, topped by 7,000 litres of cream.
5. There is £9,373,990 total prize money for this year's championships. The Wimbledon men's champion will walk away with a cheque for £575,000, an increase of £50,000 on 2002's prize. The women's champion will get £535,000, compared with £486,500 last year.
6.In 1968, when prize money was first awarded at Wimbledon, the total was £26,150.
7. The longest match lasted 112 games, between RA (Pancho) Gonzalez and Charlie Passarell, both from the US, in 1966. The first set alone was 46 games long.
8. Top British rivals Tim Henman, seeded 10 for this year's tournament, and Greg Rusedski share the same birthday - September 6.
9. The famous Wimbledon turf is a mixture of 70% perennial rye grass and 30% Barcrown creeping red fescue. It is cut to a height of exactly eight millimetres.
10. More than 6,000 people staff the championships, including a temporary staff of several hundred hired by the All England Club as well as others who are provided by firms, contractors, voluntary bodies and public services.
In the mood for tennis yet? Derbyshire County Council offer fantastic courses at a tennis court near you within the Peak District....

Some introductory courses on offer link in to further courses offered by other providers.

Have a look at the nearest leisure centre near you within the pages of PDO

You are advised to enrol early to avoid disappointment. To find out what's on offer please call at your local adult community education centre or library, visit the brochures page and download one from their website or Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

For other healthy things to do in the Peak District Click Here

Happy Fathers Day from the Peak District - with something to smile about

2011-06-19T08:53:00.005+01:00

Happy Fathers Day to all those Dads out there in the Peak District - and to all Dad's missed from the past too - we are thinking about you, love you and appreciate you :)
Something to smile about today from Peak District Online's new funny Video section on our Peak District Online YOU TUBE Channel - hope you enjoy....

If you havent planned anything yet to celebrate or remember....have a look at all the things you can do in the Peak District by clicking here

Just out!! A new flim release from Peak District Online - Carsinton Water Video!

2011-06-18T07:17:00.005+01:00

Carsinton Water in the Peak District, near Asbourne and Wirksworth is such a wonderful place to visit!

This video actually tells it all and no further words are needed, it is simply brilliant and certainly one of the best places to visit whether you live in the Peak District or are visiting!

Visting the Peak District or a local? For more details to plan your trip to Carsington Water Click Here

Organic farmers have the last laugh after claims of longer life – a very good reason to buy into Peak District Local businesses!

2011-06-17T05:50:00.008+01:00

There is only a handful of arable farming in the Peak District....I suppose it is all those hills!!

This is a view of a patchwork of arable farmland fields in the peak district from mam torr.

Mention the name organic to the majority of farmers in Britain and even if they are having a bad day you can see a smile of contentment appear across their faces. I know that it only represents a small proportion of the British farming world but laugh at the organic farmer, apparently no more!

A report soon to be published by Newcastle University clearly states eating organic grub can add a number of years to your life. The report is going to make interesting reading as it is becoming clearer that the food produced by we organic boys contains far more of the ingredients which add up to a longer life than conventionally produced food.
More vitamins and key nutrients have been found in organic food and don’t take my word for it get a copy of the journal called Critical Reviews in Plant Science. You will then see the whole world turning towards organics.
The success at the county show with weather to die for it looks as though it is going to signal the start of the harvest season for FARMERS in the Staffordshire, Cheshire, South Yorkshire and the Derbyshire Peak district.

Peak District Food - The Farmshed - Everything Organic
Farmshed are a small, family run business providing their customers with the best selection of organic British produce available, from farm fresh fruit & veg to organically reared meat and sustainably sourced fish - all delivered to your door in returnable boxes. They source their produce as locally as possible and are linked to several farms all supplying their local areas.
Garry Wilson runs your Local Peak District FARMSHED and is the local point of contact and will also deliver your orders. This helps them keep it truly local and provide a closer point of contact for their customers.

Garry provides fantastic customer service second to none, you will not be disappointed.
All their produce has zero air miles and to offset their own inevitable carbon footprint they support the Sand Martin Wood project in Cumbria.
They want their customers to get the very best service, safe in the knowledge that by shopping with them they are also helping to look after our planet.
They also provide Holiday Welcome Packs for self catering or cottage properties...
All the details are on the website or Phone Garry on 01629 580810
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE DETAILS ABOUT BUYING LOCALLY

Peak District Pet Friendly?

2011-06-16T12:44:00.003+01:00

There are all sorts of things going on in the Peak District as we speak - just take a look at this fab relationship this dog and cat have!!!!!! Ruby the border terrier giving Maisy the cat a good ear washing!!!!

It gives a whole new meaning to Peak District Pet Friendly eh??!!

A fantastic Peak District Walk from Edale!! Watch the new Video!!!

2011-06-15T07:07:00.004+01:00

This village in the Peak District is really a treat for any walker.

There are several routes you can follow to explore Kinder Scout....the one below is well worth taking and is from the pages of the Peak District Walking sections.....Have a look at the video of Edale before you go to give you a taste of what to expect - fantastic!

EDALE - GRINDSBROOK BOOTH - UPPER BOOTH - RUSHUP EDGE - MAM TOR - EDALE
DISTANCE: Approximately 8 ½ milesDESCRIPTION: This walk is a fabulous outdoor experience in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park. Hidden and secluded from the rest of Derbyshire by high mountainous mounds of gritstone and steep escarpment, the only vehicular access to the wonderful Vale of Edale is either through an alpine-style pass or along a winding valley road that follows the River Noe between the ancient battlegrounds of Win Hill and Lose Hill.

This walk is weather-dependent as it involves hiking over isolated moors around Edale, so be sure to leave instructions with someone as to your intended route and take adequate clothing etc. In good visibility and clear skies the area will appear spectacular, bit if it rains heavily or mist descends then you may find yourself lost and disorientated and at risk.

Edale is in fact the common name given to the whole valley. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book as Aidele, but the settlements along the floor of the valley are called Booths. This term came about in the 16th/17th centuries when foresters and boothmen built shelters for their cattle and sheep. A booth was an enclosure rented from the Crown where a herdsman or settler could protect his stock from wolves. The shelters expanded to permanent dwellings and formed the hamlets of Over, Nether, Barber, Lady, Grindsbrook and Ollerbrook Booth. Grindsbrook Booth is the main settlement in Edale where the church was erected.

In 1894 a further form of access to Edale was achieved with the opening of the Dore and Chinley railway line. It is a thrilling ride through hills and tunnels!

1. Your walk starts close to Edale station where there is a pay and display car park.

2. Head up the road into Grindsbrook Booth passing on your left the Church of the Holy Trinity which was rebuilt in 1885-6. It is constructed of stone quarried on Nether Tor two miles to the north and is the third place of worship to stand on this site, the first having been built in 1633. Before the churchyard was consecrated for burial it was necessary for coffins to be carried from Edale to Castleton by way of the bridlepath past Hollins Cross, high on the ridge top. The mourners then had to enter Castleton Church by the Devils Door which was also the entrance reserved for paupers. Reference is made to the font from Edale church which was found in 1908 in the churchyard where it was in use as a flower vase. It is also said to have been the punchbowl used by grouse shooters to brew their hot toddy before setting out onto the cold bleak moors.

3. Head to the famous Nags Head in Edale, start or finish of the Pennine Way long distance walk which was created in 1951. Built in 1577, this inn must have satisfied the needs of countless weary travellers over the centuries. Fred Herdman who was a former licensee of the inn acclaimed fame to ramblers and hikers as a mine of information, an experienced guide and a mountain rescue organiser. For 15 years he held both the licences for the Nags Head and the Church Inn down the road which resulted in an amusing story when a drunk was refused a drink at one pub and so staggered to the other only to be thrown out by the same landlord! The Nags Head at Edale also served for a time as the base for Tom Tomlinson who was the first National Park Warden.

4. With the inn in front of you, go left between two cottages and through a gate which forms the start of the official Pennine Way. There are alternative routes for bad weather conditions, but on Ordnance Survey maps this is the recognised route which after 250 miles ends at Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. However, it is not a walk to be undertaken without training, good organisation and conducive weather conditions. In his ‘Pennine Way Companion’, A A Wainwright wrote: “Better a postponement than a post mortem”!

5. Walk up the picturesque pathway with its canopy of branches and go over a stile at the top before heading on the path bearing slightly to the left which takes you across fields and stiles below Broadlee Bank Tor and on to Upper Booth at the top end of the Vale of Edale. Descend into and go through the farmyard to emerge onto a lane. If you now turned right you would begin the long and steep trek up Jacobs Ladder which was named after Jacob Marshall who lived at Edale Head House in the 18th century at a time when it was known as Youngit House. He was a ‘bragger’ which was another name for a pedlar, and took wool to Stockport to trade for other goods. Because the climb up to Edale Cross was long and stony he cut steps into the hillside and took a shortened route whilst his packhorse ponies followed the lane.

6. DO NOT go right but cross the lane and head instead down to the little bridge over the infant River Noe. This watercourse started life high on the moors in the cloughs on Kinder Scout before uniting into Crowden Brook and cascading down the hill from where it will flow gently down the Vale of Edale to merge with the River Derwent at Shatton.

7. Climb up the bankside and pass the huge roots of a fallen tree on your left whose branches have set themselves into the ground and become reincarnated. Cross a field to a stile which takes you to the right of Highfield and then continue on towards Tagsnaze Farm. Here you follow the path through the yard and to the rear of the property and then follow a wallside heading past The Orchard and on to Dalehead where you are in fact walking over the top of the Cowburn railway tunnel. Over to your left are ventilation shafts and spoil heaps known locally as ‘the tips’.

8. On reaching Dalehead where there is an interesting Peak Park shelter, go through a gate at the top of the lane and turn left. Head towards and into Whitemoor Clough by going over a stile in the top right-hand corner of the wall by some trees. Cross Whitemoor Sitch and start your ascent to Rushup Edge on a steep path. Eventually you should come to a footpath sign on Chapel Gate track, so called because it leads to Chapel-en-le-Frith. Turn right and follow the bridleway around the hilltop from where you can see towards Hayfield.

9. At a further junction turn left along Rushup Edge. For nearly a mile your view to the north is limited by the higher ground, but you can see Eldon Hill and the top of Winnats Pass over to the east. After a while you will come to a tumulus or Bronze Age burial mound on your left known as The Lords Seat. At 1806 feet, this Peak is a fantastic vantage point to look out over the Vale of Edale which appears below like a patchwork cover stitched with hedgerows. The hilltops of Blackden Moor opposite are a purple haze when the heather is in flower.

10. Continue along Rushup Edge and see Mam Tor looming towards you. It is possible to make out the remains of the ramparts of the Iron Age fort on the side of the hill. This fort dominated and protected the ridge path which leads on to Lose Hill. At the alpine pass known as Mam Nick, cross the road and head down the hill towards Edale and to a gate which is slightly lower down on the right. Head straight down the path which is in fact an old holloway as you will discover, and drops down to Greenlands. Go through a gate to continue to descend the lane, finally emerging onto the valley road where you turn right to return to the car park.

FOR MORE PEAK DISTRICT WALKING CLICK HERE

Peak District Charity Garden Party!

2011-06-14T05:50:00.006+01:00

It’s that time of year again when Thornbridge Hall host’s it’s annual charity garden party in the Peak District!

I went here recently for a meeting and I was so impressed with how beautiful this Hall and Grounds are. It really is a lovely place and shortly to be open to the public again for this great event.

This year’s event support’s the Helen’s Trust, National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, Lainey K Foundation, Macmillian Cancer support and the Boots for Africa Campaign.

Thornbridge Hall Charity Garden Party Sunday 3rd July 11-4pm
There will be lot’s to do for all the family including open house and gardens, craft fair, live musical entertainment, a funfair, football skills with Sheffield FC, children’s entertainer, falconry and owl display and much more.

The award winning Thornbridge Brewary Ales will be on sale throughout the day and great food will be provided by various local suppliers.

Entry tickets are Adults £5, Concessions £4 and kids under 16 are free.
Free parking, please use the entrance of the A6020.

Don’t forget to support the Sheffield FC Boots for Africa campaign. Please dig out any unwanted football boots, astro boots or football trainers in any size and donate them to the Sheffield FC at the collection point at the garden party.
We hope to see you all there supporting these great charities.

It really is easy to fing the Hall....right in the centre of the Peak District...drive to Ashford-in-the-water, approaching from A6 and do not turn left into Ashford, instead drive straight on A6020 and the Hall is approximately a mile away with the entrance on the left hand side.

For further information visit www.thornbridgehall.co.uk

Weather in the Peak District always amazes

2011-06-13T09:47:00.003+01:00

I haven't been on hear for a while but had to update with regards to Gert and Daisy, my allotments in Stoney Middleton, primarily because I was unable to do much this weekend because of the wet, unseasonable weather.
Sunday is my day for digging and having heard the forecast, which in fairness turned out to be spot on, I decided to take a day off and maybe go down in the week. We are nearly fully planted on both plots now, except for the wilderness at the back of Gertie and things are growing. The main work through out the summer is keeping on top of the weeds, which manage to grow at twice the pace of any vegetable.
Anyway, that all changed after a call from m'julie to say that the rabbits had been nibbling on Gertie, which is not fenced - so far we have been lucky and had thought that the resident stoats were keeping the carrot munchers at bay - not so, now, obviously! I now know how Mr McGregor felt after surveying the chunks nibbled from the brassica's - Not happy! After 2 hours working in the pouring rain Gertie now looks like Fort Knox - also looks jolly ugly as we have used various meshes and fences to enclose the delicate parts, but who cares about how it looks when I know that the plants will live to fight another day, and those pesky Wabbits can terrorise someone elses patch.
I also hope that we will see the sun again soon as with the late morning frost on Thursday and the drenching on Sunday, it feels more like March than June.

Tunnels open up in the Peak District! Watch the Video now!

2011-06-13T06:52:00.005+01:00

Peak District Online launched a brand new video of the Monsal Trail and newly opened tunnels
last week.

We have walked this track many times with the dogs and it really is a beautiful part of the Peak District. The newly opened up tunnels and the Monsal Trail are a delight to walkers and cyclists in the Peak District, Peak District Online have marked this occasion with a brand new video. Just watch the video yourself and I think you will agree it is absolutely fantastic!!

The Monsal trail is one of the jewels in the crown of the Peak District National Park. This 8.5 mile track traverses a route through the stunning Peak District limestone dales. Originally the track was part of the Midland Railway, which closed in 1968. The trail runs from Combs Road in Bakewell through to Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale.

The Monsal Trail opened to the public in 1981, it has now been further enhanced with the renovation and opening of four tunnels which lie along its path. At a cost of some £2.6 million the tunnels ensure that all those using the trail can now have an uninterrupted journey along its length. Along the route there is the opportunity to hire cycles and for those with less stamina there are even electric bikes on offer.

The Monsal Dale tunnels include Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor; each measure approximately 400 meters and a lit during the day. The tunnels are a wonder to children and adults alike and offer a stark contrast to the glorious landscape beyond their openings.

The funding of the renovation work on the Monsal Trail, from the Department of Transport, has meant that places such as Water-cum-Jolly Dale have now become far more accessible. In addition there have been improvements to access at Longstone Station, Blackwell Mill and Coombs Road at Bakewell. For those with mobility problems there have been ramps installed at Bakewell station, Great Longstone Station, Millers Dale Station and Hassop Station.

The majority of the trail's routing has been accessible since 1981 but the four disused tunnels at Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor were closed back in 1968 at the time of the line closure for safety reasons.
The tunnels were bypassed by footpaths to go up and around them. Now, with the aid of government funding from the department of transport, each of the four 400m long tunnels has been lit and resurfaced to complete the old Midland Railway line route once more.
There will now actually be six tunnels in total to experience, the other two shorter tunnels at Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting already having been used by the existing Monsal Trail route.
The trail route passes through a beautiful area of the Peak District's White Peak and includes the fabulously named Water-Cum-Jolly Dale where Limestone crags meet the still waters of the River Wye.

Remember to enjoy the Monsal Trail and tunnels safely by following the code of conduct:
• keep to the left
• pass in single file
• keep dogs on leads and under control
• cyclists should use a bell or call out “Bike” when approaching others from behind

ENJOY!!

DAY 6 of THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE Video Launch begins!!!

2011-06-12T07:43:00.002+01:00

Today we see the Sixth of a series of new Videos being launched this week during

THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK at Peak District Online

Peak District Online releases Beeley Village Video near Chatsworth Estate!!
The village of Beeley sits snugly amongst the gently undulating wooded hills which rise on the east bank of the River Derwent about a mile and a half due south of Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire - and about a mile along the B6012 from its junction with the A6 at the former rail-head village of Rowsley. The village stands to the east of this road, whilst to the west Lindup Wood rises above the Derwent Valley and there are magnificent views northward to Chatsworth Park.

The proximity of Chatsworth with it's magnificent open parkland has had a major influence on the character of Beeley and it's surrounding landscape ever since Sir William Cavendish bought the Chatsworth Estate on December 31st 1549 - though the village itself remained independent of any Ducal control for another two hundred years until the third Duke of Devonshire purchased Beeley Hill Top in 1747.
Thus, Beeley has enjoyed the benefits of two centuries as an estate village under the control of successive Dukes of Devonshire, and though this is no longer the case with many of the properties having been sold off in recent times, the evidence of Ducal influence can still be plainly seen throughout the village today.
The bleak and mysterious Beeley Moor, famed for its grouse-shooting as well as the notorious`carbon-copy' murders of thirty years ago, rises to 1200 feet above Fallinge Edge to the east.
On Bunker's Hill about a mile north east of the village stands the prehistoric burial mound known as Hob Hurst's House, whilst two hundred yards south the remains of a neolithic stone circle stand close by a derelict tumulus on the barren hillside.

Brook collects drainage water from the moors above, and fortified by a stream which drains Fallinge Edge, cascades over several small waterfalls on its way down the hillside, adding charm and character and its sweet natural music to the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere as it runs delightfully through the village to empty into the nearby River Derwent.
It was in these idyllic surroundings that an Anglo-Saxon named Godric cultivated a tiny royal manor at the time of the Norman Conquest, and in 1086 `Begelie' was first recorded in the Domesday Survey, having ninety acres of taxable land - which would have supported a small agricultural community.

DAY 5 of THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE Video Launch begins!!!

2011-06-11T07:14:00.002+01:00

Today we see the fifth of a series of new Videos being launched this week during

THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK at Peak District Online

Peak District Online releases Chatsworth Wildlife Video

These images are really special!!! This video is a collection of imagery from early morning photographic shoots in and around Chatsworth House and its surrounding countryside. A magical place full to the brim of wildlife and wonderful sites , most of which are best seen at dawn and in the early morning mist when we humans are still fast asleep!

To See more information and to see other videos of Chatsworth CLICK HERE

DAY 4 of THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE Video Launch begins!!!

2011-06-10T06:17:00.002+01:00

Today we see the forth of a series of new Videos being launched this week during

THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK at Peak District Online

TODAY WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF OUR CHATSWORTH ESTATE VIDEO...
Inside Chatsworth House - Rare Photo Montage Video Launch
Peak District Online was granted access to film and photograph this beautiful stately home in all its glory and welcomes viewers around the world to view this masterpiece of a building and country house.

The 'Palace of the Peak' is a family home which was built to be shared with visitors. You are invited to walk at your own pace through the house, absorbing the atmosphere of its beautiful rooms and the story that they tell of the family's history over the last 450 years. Looking out through the huge windows, with their gilded frames, there are views of the famous park and the garden with its waterworks.

More information on Chatsowrth can be found CLICK HERE covering the gardens , farmyard and other important facts and features!

Throughout the house, there are magnificent displays of paintings, furniture, silver, tapestries and porcelain and a gallery of neo-classical sculptures. Famous curiosities include four royal thrones, a giant ancient Greek marble foot, a lace cravat carved from wood, the fan of a Rolls Royce jet engine and the unique illusionist painting of a violin hanging on a door.

DAY 3 of THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE Video Launch begins!!!

2011-06-09T07:32:00.004+01:00

Today we see the third of a series of new Videos being launched this week during

THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK at Peak District Online

TODAY WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF OUR CHATSWORTH ESTATE FARMYARD and ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND VIDEO!!

As you know,Peak District Online were given exclusive access to Chatsworth House, Gardens and Farmyard.....
Chatsworth House farmyard is an educational representation of the British livestock farming industry and farming within the estate. Visitors can learn about the growth and development of a variety of commercial livestock and how we utilise them in food production. There are several small animal-handling sessions each day and a milking demonstration at 3.30pm. A hand goat-milking demonstration takes place from late May to October.

The Chatsworth House woodland adventure playground provides enjoyment for all ages and has been built to conform to the highest international safety standards. Young children explore the sand and water play areas, while older children can test their skill on the towers, ropewalks, spiral slide and commando wire. Allow at least one hour in the playground alone.

In addition the 28 seat access trailer, which conforms to the highest safety standards, can be booked for educational tours around the Estate. Refreshments are available in the Chastworth farmyard cafe© and there are indoor and outdoor picnic areas.
Farmyard event weeks - As well as all the usual daily activities for visitors to enjoy, the farmyard team offer a number of special weeks throughout the season, focusing on particular moments in the farming calendar and the changing seasons. There may be special talks and demonstrations and other relevant seasonal displays and activities. These include new life weeks, rural skills week, harvest week and Christmas Nativity weeks from mid November.

More about the Catsworth House Farmyard can be obtained CLICK HERE

DAY 2 of THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE Video Launch begins!!!

2011-06-08T07:34:00.004+01:00

Today we see the second of a series of new Videos being launched this week during

THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK at Peak District Online
TODAY WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF OUR CHATSWORTH ESTATE GARDENS VIDEO!!
As you know,Peak District Online were given exclusive access to Chatsworth House and Gardens and this video release focuses solely on the beautiful gardens around the magnificent house, we hope you like it..

The 105 acre Chatsworth House garden is a magical landscape, beautiful in all seasons, and it can be visited separately from the house. It has evolved over more than 450 years, and continues to change today. There are five miles of walks with rare trees, shrubs, formal hedges, temples, sculptures old and new, streams and ponds and the new, award-winning garden guidebook suggests trails and routes all around the garden while also explaining its history. You are welcome to picnic in the garden, there are no signs saying 'keep off the grass', and dogs on leads are also very welcome.
The famous Chatsworth House waterworks include the twenty four steps of the 300 year old Cascade, falling 200 yards down the hill, the magic of water shooting from the branches of the willow tree fountain, the trough waterfall, and Revelation, the water-powered sculpture. As well as the huge maze, and the rose, cottage and kitchen gardens, there is a new sensory garden.
Joseph Paxton, famous Chatsworth House head gardener in the 19th century, created the gigantic rock garden, newly restored with a viewpoint looking out over the garden, the enormous gravity-fed Emperor fountain, the beautiful Pinetum and glasshouses.
Please visit the whole new Chatsworth Gardens section on our peak District Online website by CLICKING HERE

Peak District Online launches new exclusive 2011 Chatsworth House Video

2011-06-07T09:04:00.004+01:00

As promised the first of a series of new Videos to be launched this week during
THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK at Peak District Online
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, since the 15th century, Chatsworth House is a living and working testament to how a major country house can become so much more than just a crumbling pile in which an aristocratic family live. Chatsworth has been lovingly cared for, restored and kept in wonderful condition and is quite rightly one of the most popular historic houses in the country and any trip to the Peak District would not be complete without a visit.

Chatsworth House, garden, farmyard and adventure playground re-open on 13 March this year (2011). House - 11am-5.30pm (4.30pm last admission) Garden - 11am-6pm (5pm last admission) Farmyard and adventure playground - 10.30am-5.30pm (4.30pm last admission) Car Parking - The car park has an all day charge of £2 per car. There is also a car park, open every day, at Calton Lees, at the southern end of the park, off the B6012. There is an all-day charge of £2 per car. There is also car parking at the Chatsworth farm shop, in the village of Pilsley. Car parks close at 7pm.
The 'Palace of the Peak' is a family home which was built to be shared with visitors. You are invited to walk at your own pace through the house, absorbing the atmosphere of its beautiful rooms and the story that they tell of the family's history over the last 450 years. Looking out through the huge windows, with their gilded frames, there are views of the famous park and the garden with its waterworks.
The house contains one of Europe's finest private art collections, representing 4000 years of European culture and craftsmanship, from ancient Greece to modern work by British artists. These treasures are seen in magnificent rooms on all three floors of the house, from the grandeur of the 1st Duke's Painted Hall and State Apartments with their rich decoration and painted ceilings, to the 19th century Library, Great Dining Room and Sculpture Gallery. Wardens in the rooms can answer your questions, and there are beautiful guidebooks and an audio guide available.
Please visit the whole new Chatsworth section on our peak District Online website CLICK HERE
We hope you like this beautiful video and the ones to follow during the rest this week

Announcing The Chatsworth Estate Week for Peak District Online!

2011-06-06T08:39:00.014+01:00

This is a very exciting week for the team at Peak District Online!
The CHATSWORTH ESTATE WEEK!!
We are launching 4 new videos of THE CHATSWORTH ESTATE!!! We are delighted to have been given the honour of producing this set of Chatsworth Estate Videos and indeed working in Partnership with The Chatsworth Estate!There will be the following videos available to view in the coming week:

The Chatsworth Estate House
The Chatsworth Estate Gardens
The Chatsworth Estate Farmyard
The Chatsworth Estate Montage

Peak District Online will also be present today at the launch of the LONDON FIRST CLASS AWAY DAY starting at Chesterfield Train Station with coaches to Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Bakwell.... GO TO CHATSWORTH FOR A DAY RETURN FROM LONDON!!!!

A new 'Derbyshire Day Out' ticket is being offered by East Midlands Trains to offer an all inclusive ticket for people to come and visit the Peak District from London and have a great day out in this wonder full area.
This 'Derbyshire Day Out’ ticket will offer a First Class return rail travel from London to Chesterfield (no changes) including a full English breakfast also included is a bus transfer by Stagecoach bus from Chesterfield to three of the Peak District’s favourite tourist destinations which are Chatsworth House, Bakewell and Haddon Hall.
As part of the package, passengers will also benefit from two for one vouchers for Chatsworth House and gardens, Le Mistral restaurant in Bakewell, and entry to Haddon Hall house and gardens.
Jayne Moyses, Sales Manager for East Midlands Trains, said:
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with our colleagues at Stagecoach bus to launch our new Peak District and Derbyshire Day Out ticket. The all-inclusive ticket will provide a cost-effective, easy and stress-free way for travellers from the south to see some of the fantastic sights on offer in the Peak District.
“We’re renowned for our great on board breakfasts, and what better way than to start a memorable day out than enjoying a full English breakfast at speeds over 100 mph! The new Derbyshire Day Out has been launched following feedback from our on train staff, and we hope that people will make the most of the opportunity to enjoy a summer day out in the Peak District.”
Tickets are now available for travel on any Monday from 6 June to 3 October 2011 and can be purchased through the website, or at any station. Steve Wake a director of Peak District Online said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people who have not visited the Peak District before to see what we have to offer, a day out may inspire visitors to come back and stay for longer." Derbyshire Day Out tickets are only valid on Mondays on the 08.55 departure from London St Pancras, and returning on the 18.39 from Chesterfield to London.
Tickets are priced at £45 return for First Class return travel from London to Chesterfield (includes full breakfast) or £30 return for Standard Class return travel (without breakfast). Standard Class tickets are also available from Leicester, priced at £20 return.
For passengers travelling to Chesterfield from other East Midlands Trains’ stations, there is an option to buy a day return bus ticket, on the day, subject to availability, for £5.20 per adult and £3 child.

Peak District Online launch new video of the Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath

2011-06-06T08:39:00.000+01:00

Matlock Bath is home to the famous Heights of Abraham which includes a cable car ride with spectacular views over the Peak District.

Peak District Online had the opportunity to visit and capture just some of the wonderful things to see and do at one of Peak District busiest attractions.

The Heights of Abraham, based in Matlock Bath, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape as well as providing a wonderful location for a family day out. The park first opened its gates in 1780 and boasts having the country’s first ‘Alpine Style’ cable car system, which was installed in 1984

For children at the Heights of Abraham there is a wonderful woodland adventure area. This is filled with towers, rope bridges and swings to keep children amused for hours. There is also the ever popular long woodland slide which has proved a hit with younger visitors for years.

Heights of Abraham Caves

Heights of Abraham provides, as part of the admission, guided tours of Rutland Cavern and Great Masson Cavern. Lead mining was a major industry in the area and visitors can explore the mines upon which the park was built. These were both a combination of natural cavern and manmade mine, where some of the oldest sections date back to Roman times. It is rather awe inspiring to see the pick marks on the wall indicating that mining was once carried out by hand, sweat and hard labour. Jacobs well is well worth a visit where there is a fine display of fluorspar and other crystals.

This new video is part of http://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk growing range of videos.

Prepare for a Peak District Summer Solstice walk

2011-06-04T08:56:00.002+01:00

Now into June, there will be lots of preparations for Summer Solstice on 21st June! One of the pages that many, many people we be at midnight will be the Ladies Stone Cirle at Birchover.....Prepare yourself with this lovely walk to it......

A walk in and around Birchover in the Peak District - 9 Ladies Stone Circle - from the pages of Peak District Online

This fairly short walk of just under six miles begins and ends in the pretty streets of Winster. It starts between the last two houses on the right hand side of Main Street (going towards Elton), where a jitty, or channel - depending on which part of the country you are from - narrowly leads towards the open fields.
Map ref 240606 on the White Peak 1:25000.

You exit the jitty onto a track and keep straight ahead, through a gate, passing some dilapidated farm buildings where a small gate takes you into the fields. Keep heading downhill, parallel to a small wood on the left. In front of you, there is another small gate set into a hedge and once through this, you will think you are aiming for the wood, now ahead. However, unseen until you approach it, the path splits a few yards before the wood and here you need to take the right fork - ignoring the next right fork which appears soon after. The path is slabbed at this point, helping you over the boggy ground which manifests itself in the dip between the hills. Continue upwards, more or less in a straight line, over various stiles until you reach the lane near Whiteholmes Farm; here the road is very narrow – so please listen out for cars as you puff up this short but steep stretch; the wall alongside is covered in scratches – proof - if it were needed - of how tight a squeeze this road is!

After a short distance, take the path on the left following the top side of Birchover Wood. It is a nice gentle path, with Birchover now in view on your right. At the rather lovely Rocking Stone Farm, turn right onto a track, then stay right on a path leading to the road into Birchover. It’s right again when you meet the road and you will have a nice shady walk past some impressive old buildings up into the village. You emerge by The Druid Inn, so if you are thirsty or hungry at this point, turn left for some refreshment... The pub serves food lunchtime and evenings (not Sunday evening), and is open for drinks all day Friday and Saturday. There is also The Red Lion - slightly higher up the village – which welcomes walkers and serves good food as well.

Once refreshed and ready to be on your way again, take the path opposite The Druid Inn; it leads up through the rocky woodland known as Dungeon Plantation - lovely and cool in here on a hot summer’s day. You will eventually reach the road, where you turn left along it for a little way before turning right into a small wood leading to Stanton Moor. Its easy to take the wrong path here, as there are various options, but if you turn off the road too early, fear not, as you will eventually reach the correct one. Keep right as you emerge out of the woods; this leads up onto the moorland.

Once on the moor, you will find paths going off in all directions and they are not all shown on the map – you might find a compass useful at this point ... However, as a rough guide, head for the huge standing stone – known as Cork Stone - and keep left of it, heading north east on the most obvious path, passing a trig point on your right. Your destination is the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Stanton Moor Plantation. In an atmospheric and peaceful clearing you will discover the stones - whatever the weather, allow yourself a quiet moment to feel their magic presence. Possibly dating from the bronze age,. legend says that the Nine Ladies were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. The King Stone, a short distance away, was said to the fiddler!

It’s a popular spot and at any time of year you may discover a few campers discreetly tucked away in the trees, or casual visitors just strolling across the moor to see the circle, but everyone who ventures this way, goes home feeling all the better for visiting this special place. There is an obvious circular walk around the Stone Circle, so follow the path and then head back southwards in a straight line, almost parallel to the way you came. When you see the Cork Stone on your right, don’t head towards it, just keep on down to the road. Almost opposite is our route, near to Birchover Quarry, leading through the campsite at Barn Farm; keep straight on here – still heading south – until you reach a track, which is Clough Lane.

Go straight over at Clough Lane and uphill until reaching the crest overlooking Winster. Bear right over a couple of fields and then keep straight ahead again, following a parallel path to your outward journey; as before, you will find it slabbed over the boggy ground. You will eventually end up in a tiny lane at the lower end of Winster’s Main Street. If you should find it open, the 15th century pub - The Old Bowling Green – is only a stone’s throw away off this street. Beware, however, that the only lunchtime it is open at the moment is Sunday, and it is also closed all day Monday and Tuesday.
A short stroll past lovely stone dwellings will take you back to your starting point at the far end of the village.

It really is a fabulous walk - just one of the very many beautiful walks in the peak district - hope you enjoy!

Up to 50% OFF Sale in the Peak District!!

2011-06-03T15:29:00.005+01:00

I passed the Matlock Bath Masson Mills shopping centre this morning and they have a fab sale on......btw what a wonderful, beautiful day it is today isnt it? What better place to be than the peak district!

Pass the word and get your bargains!

Up to 50% OFF SALE
Masson Mills SALE BONANZA NOW ON, Matlock Bath
Including Menswear and Ladieswear on selected lines
Golf Clothes and Ponden Home Goods

They have some great summer wear stuff in as well - perfect for this weather we are enjoying in the Peak District!!

Great place to visit in the Peak District for locals and visitors alike
Have a look at the Matlock Bath and Cromford Videos it is fab!

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL in the Peak District!!

2011-06-02T11:11:00.003+01:00

TURN BACK THE CLOCK TO THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL YEARS

Do you remember the days when Elvis Presley dominated the charts and Teddy Boys were the in-thing, the decade that saw the end of rationing and London’s last tram, when Britain’s favourite car was the Morris Minor? Welcome to the 1950s, coming to the Peak District Soon!

Crich Tramway Village is hosting its 1950s Weekend on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th June this year featuring live rock ‘n’ roll music and 1950s cars mingling with the vintage trams and 1950s buses giving rides along the Tramway Street.

Entertainment organisers Heather & Karl Clements said “Everyone likes a bit of rock and roll and Crich Tramway Village is a great place to bring the family in the Peak District area. There will be lots of 1950s enthusiasts dressed in the styles from the era. The Tramway Street will be alive with 1950s cars and bikes and of course the trams will be giving rides. This is a great opportunity for visitors to get dressed up and have a bit of fun. Anyone who comes dressed in 1950s outfits will be admitted for only £8, advanced tickets can be obtained from Heather & Karl for £5, call 01773 835585”.

The event will feature a dance hall marquee with live music from Glenn Darren & The Krew Katz on Saturday, The Jets on Saturday Evening, Crown Top Kings on Sunday and DJ Sean,Echoes of the Past throughout the weekend.

Crich Tramway Village is open daily from 2nd April until 30th October 2011. It is situated near Matlock, Derbyshire, eight miles from M1 junction 28. It really is a fantastic place to take all the family - a fab Peak District day out.....

for more information on Crich Tramway Village CLICK HERE

Well Dressings in the Peak District - which is your favourite?

2011-06-01T16:00:00.016+01:00

Well Dressings in the Peak District - which is your favourite? There are nine well dressings in the Wirksworth Well Dressing Carnival this year......pictured here - which is your favourite?? Are you a local living in the Peak District?, are you a visitor to the Peak District? Which well dressings have you been to so far?
Do you have some pictures you would like us to share with our Peak District Online visitors and locals? We will! Just send them to info@peakdistrictonline.co.uk and we will try and post them on our blog if we can!
These beautiful works of Art only last a few days and are so wonderful...lets try and preserve their memories and celebrate the huge amount of money they raise for charities all over the Peak District!

How a Well Dressing is made
If you are going make your own Well Dressing you really need hands-on instruction from experienced Dressers. It is not hard; but you will best learn the techniques from someone who has done it before. Many venues welcome visitors to see the Well Dressings being made.
The first step to actually making the Well Dressing is to get a board. It needs to be strong to take the weight of clay, and it needs to be a good quality timber or board that can stand soaking in water. The boards are soaked for up to a week before applying the clay, often by leaving them in the village stream or pond. The soaking is necessary because if wet clay is applied to a dry board, the boards will swell and the clay will crack. Wet boards also help to keep the clay moist, which in turn helps to keep the pictures fresh. Boards can be expensive, but they can be reused year after year. If you are just starting out, you may be able to get a second hand board from an established venue that are replacing theirs.

The clay: good clay can be hard to find; pottery clay is ideal but can be expensive. The most important thing about the clay is that it is very smooth, and this is achieved by puddling.

Traditionally, clay is puddled by putting it in an old tin bath or tank and working it with hands or feet (children love helping with this bit - I did it when I was a child!) until it is smooth and the right consistency. What makes just the right consistency is one of those matters of experience. Too wet and the clay will fall off the boards. Too dry and it will not properly hold the materials for the picture.

While all this is going on, you need to design your picture. Study other dressings to see what makes a good design, choose your subject and draw it out. Keep it simple for your first attempt and always try to avoid detail that is too fine. Choose your colours to suit the materials you have available; go for nice bright colours and good contrast, especially for things like lettering. You might think, for example, that red berries would show up well against a background of green leaves but more often than not they do not. Photographs of past dressings can be a good clue for matters such as these; consult the well dressing.com Photo Albums. Materials can be gathered from local gardens with the cooperation of the owners; if you need to purchase, your local supermarket may be a reasonably priced source of fresh flowers. Your materials should ideally be all natural, though this ideal is not always followed in practice.

The final design for the picture needs to be full size, outline only. The computer can help you here by enlarging small pictures. It can also help you with some of the tricky detail, such as outlining good clear lettering.

The board needs a wooden surround built up to the thickness of the clay. This can be anything from about 2 to 5 cm. In general, the more clay the better, but for a large board the weight (and cost) become important, and a thinner layer may be used. A 90 cm by 60 cm board with 3 cm of clay on will need at least four strong people to lift it safely. Very large dressings are usually made up of more than one board; sometimes a farmer's loading crane or similar is pressed into service to assist with putting up the larger structures.

To help the clay to adhere, the board may have drilled holes or may be studded with nails or pegs. The clay is applied by throwing it at the board in handfuls, then carefully smoothing it out level with the wooden surround.

Lay the finished outline picture over the clay. Using a toothpick or similar, prick through the entire outline onto the clay, taking care that the picture does not move while you are doing this. Remove the paper. You should now have the outline picture imprinted on the clay.

Organise the work on the picture so that you start with non-perishable materials such as bark and twigs, progress through leaves and the like, and finish off with the delicate materials such as flower petals. This way, work can be spread over as long as a week, with petals being applied on the last day before the dressing goes on display.

Mark in the pricked outline first. One favourite material for this is small alder cones; but any other small, dark pieces can be used, such as seeds, tree bark, or even coffee beans.

Then fill in the areas between the outlines. Use whole, undamaged petals or leaves, separate them carefully from the plant, and press the stem end lightly into the clay using a tool such as a toothpick. Again here, only experience will tell you how much pressure to use to ensure the material will stick without causing damage. Petals in particular are very delicate and will fade quickly if cut or torn.

Start at the bottom of the picture and in each area make a horizontal row of petals or leaves, pointing downwards from where the stem is inserted in the clay. Make the next row overlapping the first, like tiles on a roof, and continue in this manner until the area is filled. If your boards are laid flat while you are working on them, it is customary to have the top of the board towards you so that you are not leaning over finished work.

Colours of individual petals vary slightly, even on the same plant. This is particularly true of hyacinth, which is very popular for representing sky. You will get a better overall effect if you try to grade the colours so that they can be arranged in bands and patches rather than just at random. This is of course something of a nicety and may be among the least of your worries if this is your first attempt.

Hands and faces: flesh tones are notoriously difficult to catch; the best advice for beginners might be to avoid them altogether! However, there are materials that can successfully be used, for example pieces of eggshell. Some venues will leave hands and faces as bare clay. This is not laziness, it is in fact symbolic of Adam having been made out of clay by God. Bare clay can also represent barren soil, where this is appropriate for the picture. Remember, though, that if you do leave any areas of bare clay, you risk them drying out and cracking.

You are now ready to transport the dressing, with extreme care, to the site where it will be displayed. Ideally you want a well lit but north facing location, perhaps against a wall. This is not always possible! However, try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If the dressing is located under trees ensure that water from the trees will not drip onto the dressing.

To keep the dressing pristine, expect to do some small repairs each day that it is on display; have a small stock of spare material handy to do this. Keep the dressing moist. There are two schools of thought regarding whether spraying a light mist of water from the front is beneficial; some venues do it routinely, others insist that it will actually damage the dressing. Whether or not you spray, but more importantly if you do not, it is advisable to keep the whole dressing wet from the back. This can require as much as several buckets of water each day. Evaporation can be reduced by covering the wetted back of the dressing with sacking (which can itself be wet) or polythene.
Monyash and Tissington Well Dressings are next and still showing - watch the village videos here:

Another Peak District Tradition...

2011-05-31T15:08:00.003+01:00

Running either alongside the Well Dressings in the Peak District, or in separate festivals, are the Scarecrow competitions.

They are really amusing!

There were some funny, scary and special Scarecrows all around Wirksworth this bank holiday weekend....

The theme this year in this Peak District Village was Films...

here is a Toy Story 3 attempt....The Scarecrow Festival in Wirksworth runs from the 28th of May until the 6th of June but the scarecrows must be up in time for the judging on Friday the 28th of May. Does anyone know who the winners were?
The Winners get a Scarecrow Cup! What a great Peak District Tradition!

London to the Peak District and back...in a Day!

2011-05-28T08:44:00.004+01:00

East Midlands Trains have come up with a great way to relax and get out of London and enjoy our fantastic Peak District so....

GET OUT OF LONDON FOR THE DAY! DAY RETURN AND RELAX ON THE TRAIN FIRST CLASS

....THEN RELAX IN THE BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT!

More information about this brilliant day out........

A new 'Derbyshire Day Out' ticket is being offered by East Midlands Trains to offer an all inclusive ticket for people to come and visit the Peak District from London and have a great day out in this wonder full area.
This 'Derbyshire Day Out’ ticket will offer a First Class return rail travel from London to Chesterfield (no changes) including a full English breakfast also included is a bus transfer by Stagecoach bus from Chesterfield to three of the Peak District’s favourite tourist destinations which are Chatsworth House, Bakewell and Haddon Hall.
As part of the package, passengers will also benefit from two for one vouchers for Chatsworth House and gardens, Le Mistral restaurant in Bakewell, and entry to Haddon Hall house and gardens.
Jayne Moyses, Sales Manager for East Midlands Trains, said:
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with our colleagues at Stagecoach bus to launch our new Peak District and Derbyshire Day Out ticket. The all-inclusive ticket will provide a cost-effective, easy and stress-free way for travellers from the south to see some of the fantastic sights on offer in the Peak District.
“We’re renowned for our great on board breakfasts, and what better way than to start a memorable day out than enjoying a full English breakfast at speeds over 100 mph! The new Derbyshire Day Out has been launched following feedback from our on train staff, and we hope that people will make the most of the opportunity to enjoy a summer day out in the Peak District.”
Tickets are now available for travel on any Monday from 6 June to 3 October 2011 and can be purchased through the website, or at any station.

Steve Wake a director of Peak District Online said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people who have not visited the Peak District before to see what we have to offer, a day out may inspire visitors to come back and stay for longer."
Derbyshire Day Out tickets are only valid on Mondays on the 08.55 departure from London St Pancras, and returning on the 18.39 from Chesterfield to London.
Tickets are priced at £45 return for First Class return travel from London to Chesterfield (includes full breakfast) or £30 return for Standard Class return travel (without breakfast). Standard Class tickets are also available from Leicester, priced at £20 return.
For passengers travelling to Chesterfield from other East Midlands Trains’ stations, there is an option to buy a day return bus ticket, on the day, subject to availability, for £5.20 per adult and £3 child.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHATSWORTH

Hathersage Peak District Open air Pool to open on Saturday!

2011-05-27T09:11:00.004+01:00

I didnt know that there was an open-air swimming pool in the Peak District until I visited Hathersage last year in Novemeber....and now it is finally due to open on Saturday after a delay resulting from refurbishment.

Apparently it usually opens for the new season at the end of March but the 33-yard swimming pool has been spruced up to ensure its reaches its 75th anniversary in July and to guarantee its long-term future. Staff are now preparing to welcome the first customers of the year at 8am on Saturday. I have heard there’s usually a queue on the first day, even in March, although numbers are invariably influenced by the weather! The pool, which is heated to 28°C/82°F, attracted more than 36,000 customers last year. This is a great Peak District attraction!

To compensate for the late opening, the season is being extended by a couple of weeks into October. Work on relining the pool cannot be carried out during cold weather, so it was done during the low season.

Hathersage Parish Council, in the Peak District, which owns and manages the site, pulled together the £80,000 for the project, which is being seen as the first phase of a programme that will eventually see the pool plant and filtration units being replaced. It opened in 1936 as a part of the King George V Memorial Field which included tennis courts, a bandstand, playing field, a sand pit and a paddling pool, financed thanks to a donation from Sheffield razor blade manufacturer George Herbert Lawrence. He and his wife, Elsie, attended the official opening by Sir Charles Clegg on July 25,1936.

Lawrence was killed in the Sheffield Blitz after he left his Hathersage home to take food and drink to his workers at the Laurel razor blade factory. The pool basin was retiled about 40 years ago but every winter the frost takes its toll. Following the refurbishment, preparations are being made for celebrations of the 75th anniversary in July.

There are even more reasons to visit Hathersage this summer, what both of these videos - they are fab and do go and try the ice cream at Hope Valley ice cream Palour at Thorpe Farm, it is fantastic and Jane, your host, is such a lovely lady and runs a great family business here at the farm and bunk houses. Do try and visit:)

Peak District Well Dressings on in Wirksworth this bank holiday weekend!

2011-05-26T17:14:00.005+01:00

Peak District Well Dressing on at Wirksworth this weekend!!
It is a great weekend. There is a parade on Bank Holiday Monday at 1pm that travels through the town and lots to do over the weekend too. There is a Scarecrow competition with a theme of FILMS this year. Well worth a visit to Wirksworth - There is also two others close by Monyash and Middleton-by-Youlgreave. Full calendar of events below

Peak District Well Dressing
Bringing you information on Peak District Holiday Accommodation , Peak District Holiday Cottages, Campsites and Caravan sites in the Peak District, Pubs In The Peak District, Peak District B&B , Peak District Hotels , Tourist Attractions or Town & Village Business in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

WELL DRESSING CALENDAR FOR 2011

MAY
28th - 30th May 2011
• Brackenfield Well Dressing, Alfreton, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 534806

28th May 2011 - 2nd Jun 2011
• Endon Well Dressing Nr Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands. 9am - 7pm 01782 504085

28th May 2011 - 4th Jun 2011
• Middleton by Youlgrave Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 636037

Sat 28 May 2011 - Mon 6 Jun 2011
• Monyash Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 812778

Sat 28 - Tue 31 May 2011
• Wirksworth Well Dressing Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 822695

JUNE
2nd - 8th Jun 2011
• Tissington Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01335 352200

11th - 15th Jun 2011
• Ockbrook Moravian Church Well Dressing, The Settlement, Ockbrook, Derby. 9am - 7pm 01332 280840

11th - 19th Jun 2011
• Cressbrook Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 872240

12th - 19th Jun 2011
• Marston Montgomery Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01889 591181

17th - 23rd Jun 2011
• Norbury Primary School Well Dressing Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01335 324337

18th - 24th Jun 2011
• Mayfield Well Dressing Ashbourne, Staffordshire . 9am - 7pm 01335 342538

18th - 25th Jun 2011
• Flash Well Dressing, Quarnford, Nr Buxton, Staffordshire Moorlands. 9am - 7pm 01298 24854

• Over Haddon Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 814177
• Wyaston & Edlaston Well Dressing Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01335 342828

18th - 26th Jun 2011
• Litton Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 871569
• Tideswell Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 871840

18th - 27th Jun 2011
• Ashford in the Water Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 813464

24th Jun 2011 - 2nd Jul 2011
• Tintwistle Well Dressing Municipal Buildings, Glossop, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01457 869927

25th - 30th Jun 2011
• Rowsley Well Dressing Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 734427
• Youlgreave Well Dressing Derbyshire. 9am - 10pm 07977 451339

25th Jun 2011 - 3rd Jul 2011
• Bakewell Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm
• Hope Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01433 621312

26th Jun 2011 - 3rd Jul 2011
• Whaley BridgeWhaley Bridge, HIgh Peak, Derbyshire. 9am -7pm 01663 733490

JULY
1st - 3rd Jul 2011
• St Johns Church Well Dressing, Aldercar & Langley Mill, Derbyshire. 10am - 6pm 01773 763041

2nd - 4th Jul 2011
• Wessington Well Dressing, Matlock Road, Wessington, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01773 520152

2nd - 8th Jul 2011
• Coal Aston Well Dressing, Eckington Road, Dronfiled, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01246 41932

2nd - 9th Jul 2011
• Bollington Well Dressing, Macclesfield, Cheshire. 9am - 7pm 01625 574208
• Hathersage Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm
• Whitwell Well Dressing, High Street, Whitwell, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01909 722388

2nd - 10th Jul 2011
• Buxworth Well Dressing, High Peak, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01663 733445
• Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 815291
• Dore Well Dressing, Dore Road, Dore, SHEFFIELD, South Yorkshire. 9am - 7pm 0114 236 5195
• Old Tupton Well Dressing, Station New Road, Old Tupton, CHESTERFIELD, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01246 863311

7th - 13th Jul 2011
• Pilsley Well Dressing, Nr Chatsworth, Derbyshire. 9am -7pm 01246 582421

Sat 9 - Wed 13 Jul 2011
• Pleasley Well Dressing, Church Lane, Pleasley, MANSFIELD. 9am - 7pm 01623 810732
• Tansley Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 55946

9th - 16th Jul 2011
• Charlesworth Village Well Dressing, Glossop, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01457 853673
• Sutton (Macclesfield) Well Dressing, Hall Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield, Cheshire. 11:30am - 6pm 01260 252556

10th - 16th Jul 2011
• Grindon Well Dressing, Nr Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands. 9am - 7pm

10th - 17th Jul 2011
• Bamford Well Dressing, Hope Valley, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01433 650544
• Buxton Well Dressing, Derbyshire, Buxton, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 70156
• Gee Cross Well Dressing, Municipal Buildings, Glossop, Derbyshire. 9am -7pm 0161 368 1802
• Hayfield Well Dressing, High Peak, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01663 742112

15th - 24th Jul 2011
• Cutthorpe Well Dressing, Main Road, Cutthorpe, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01246 203829

15th - 22nd Jul 2011
• Dronfield Woodhouse Well Dressing, Carr Lane, Dronfield Woodhouse, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01246 416915

16th - 17th Jul 2011
• Heage Windmill Well Dressing, Chesterfield Road, Heage, Derbyshire. 11am - 4pm 01773 852467

16th - 23rd Jul 2011
• Great Longstone Well Dressing, Derbyshire, 9am - 7pm
• Heath Village Well Dressing, Main Road, Heath, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01246 851016
• Little Longstone Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 640723

16th - 24th Jul 2011
• Charlesworth and Broadbottom Well Dressing, Glossop, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01457 855837
• Glapwell, Ault Hucknall & Rowthorne Well Dressing, The Hill, Glapwell, Chesterfield, Derbyshire 9am - 7pm 01246 850608
• Millthorpe near Holmesfield Well Dressing, Cordwell Lane, Millthorpe, Holmesfield, Dronfield 9am - 7pm 0114 262 1699
• Rowthorne, Ault Hucknall & Glapwell Well Dressing, Rowthorne Village, Glapwell, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. 9am -7pm 01246 850608

16th - 25th Jul 2011
• Holmesfield Childrens Well Dressing, Main Road, Holmesfield, DRONFIELD, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 0114 289 0356

23rd Jul 2011 - 1st Aug 2011
• Stoney Middleton Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01433 631942

30th Jul 2011 - 5th Aug 2011
• Bonsall Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01629 826316

30th Jul 2011 - 7th Aug 2011
• Bradwell Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01433 621459

30th Jul 2011 - 6th Aug 2011
• Chadkirk Chapel Well Dressing, Chadkirk, Romiley, Stockport, Cheshire 0161 474 4444

AUGUST
6th - 13th Aug 2011
• Wingerworth Well Dressing, Derby Road, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01246 273571

11th - 16th Aug 2011
• Great Hucklow Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 873047

17th - 23rd Aug 2011
• Barlow Well Dressing, Commonside, Barlow, DRONFIELD, Derbyshire. 9am - 10pm 01246 550152

20th - 27th Aug 2011
• Taddington Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 85396

27th Aug 2011 - 3rd Sep 2011
• Eyam Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01433 630599

27th Aug 2011 - 4th Sep 2011
• Foolow Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01433 631344
• Wormhill Well Dressing, Buxton, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 871023

SEPTEMBER
10th - 18th Sep 2011
• Hartington Well Dressing, Derbyshire. 9am - 7pm 01298 84380

Well Dressings
What is Well Dressing?
Its origins are something of a mystery and may date back to the Celts or even earlier. The church banned it as water worship, but the tradition refused to die. Tissington revived the custom in 1349, Barlow started dressing wells in Elizibethan times and Tideswell began 'tap dressing' when piped water came to town.

Well dressing is only found in or near Derbyshire and, at its simplest, it's the art of decorating springs and wells with pictures made of growing things.

So how can such intricate and detailed pictures be made using only flowers, berries, leaves!! It all starts with a wooden board that's thrown into the local river to soak for a few days. Then it is hauled out and filled with soft, wet clay.

The next job is transferring the outline of the picture to the clay, and every village has its own way of doing this. Some use wool, others use 'bark' or alder cones, known locally as 'blacks'.

Then the picture is coloured in. Some villagers call this 'petalling', but in Holymoorside it's 'flowering' because instead of petals they use whole flower heads. Dressing a well can take a team of people up to 7 days to complete and it will only last about a week before the clay dries and cracks and the flowers fade.

Bullfinches in the Peak District Region

2011-05-25T06:33:00.006+01:00

Over the last couple of weeks we have had couple of Bullfinches visit the garden daily. They really are very beautiful...the pair, a wonderfully colourful male and the female, as usual a duller colour but still very pretty. There are still very good numbers of Bullfinches in the Peak District, but they are on the Red List.
There is a beautiful example of a male bird here in this picture, taken by one of Peak District Online's resident expert photographer....Villager Jim. Isn't it beautiful?

Bullfinches rarely visit Garden Tables so just to prove they are both visiting I took this amateur picture of them feeding at the table.....

Some more information about these wonderful birds......

Bullfinches are round, portly birds seemingly almost neck less, with a bold black mask and cap. Males have pinky-red fronts, and females chocolate brown, with slate grey back and shoulders and a whitish wing patch. Often seen in mixed pairs, they are relatively non-territorial and may form loose groups of pairs.

Size
Bullfinches are a little larger than sparrow, with a more rounded appearance. Length 15.5-17.5cm.

Distribution
Relatively widely distributed south of Sheffield in the Peak District region, but also with concentrations around the Severn, in the South East and the Southwest. Further north distribution is more patchy but it is still found in the north of Scotland. Northern Ireland, particularly the south western corner, appears to be a stronghold.

Status
Despite their relatively wide range, bullfinch breeding populations have declined by more than a half in the past 25 years. This places them on the red list of birds of conservation concern in the UK, requiring urgent action to halt their decline. Bullfinches are a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species, with positive actions including sympathetic management of hedgerows, establishment and management of mixed woodlands and restoration of neglected orchards. The bullfinch is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Habitat preferences
Their natural habitat is mixed woodland, orchards and hedgerows, and they are not usually seen in gardens.

Where to find them in the garden
A shy bird, rarely seen at bird tables and more likely to nest in woodland than near humans.

Role in the garden
Bullfinches eat a wide range of wild fruits, weed seeds and some insects, sometimes hovering to gather food but seldom venturing very far from cover to feed. When seeds become scarce in winter and spring, they may target tree buds, eating up to 45 fruit buds a minute although fruit trees can lose up to 50 percent of their buds without any subsequent loss of fruit harvested.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE WILDLIFE BLOGS

Four Peak District tunnels re-open tomorrow!

2011-05-24T06:49:00.003+01:00

Great News....The Monsal Trail officially re-opens tomorrow!!
This is great news for the Peak District....and the work that has been done on the trail is fantastic, not only have they re-opened the tunnels but they have completely resurfaced the entire trail and they have done a very good job indeed, we were up there a few weeks ago and the difference was amazing.

The Monsal Trail's four newly refurbished tunnels will be officially opened to cyclists, walkers and horse riders on the May 25 by the transport minister Norman Baker.

The Monsal Trail covers 8.5 miles of the former Midland Railway line and with the tunnels now re-opening it will enable all bikers, ramblers and horse riders to experience the original rail route from Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell.
The majority of the trail's routing has been accessible since 1981 but the four disused tunnels at Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor were closed back in 1968 at the time of the line closure for safety reasons.

The tunnels were bypassed by footpaths to go up and around them. Now, with the aid of government funding from the department of transport, each of the four 400m long tunnels has been lit and resurfaced to complete the old Midland Railway line route once more.
There will now actually be six tunnels in total to experience, the other two shorter tunnels at Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting already having been used by the existing Monsal Trail route.
The trail route passes through a beautiful area of the Peak District's White Peak and includes the fabulously named Water-Cum-Jolly Dale where Limestone crags meet the still waters of the River Wye.
Monsal Trail tunnels Latest News
The official opening ceremony of the former railway tunnels on the Monsal Trail will take place on 25 May 2011. Unfortunately due to pressing parliamentary business, transport minister Norman Baker MP is not able to attend the launch as previously announced.
The tunnels are open now for the public to use for cycling, walking and horse riding. Enjoy the Monsal Trail and tunnels safely by following the code of conduct:
• keep to the left
• pass in single file
• keep dogs on leads and under control
• cyclists should use a bell or call out “Bike” when approaching others from behind
Tunnels opening
Following work by the Peak District National Park Authority – using £2.25 million
funding from the Department of Transport – the tunnels have been repaired, resurfaced and lit so that they can form an extension to the existing Monsal Trail.

From 25 May onwards people will be able to walk, cycle and go horse riding through the tunnels. Interpretation explaining the former history of the route has also been installed as part of the work.
The trail starts or ends at Bakewell - check out the video of the area - well worth a visit

Sites of meaning Peak District Walk

2011-05-23T07:24:00.004+01:00

We heard about a lovely walk at the weekend......

A GUIDED walk around the 17 ancient boundary stones that mark the entrances to a Peak District parish will be held in the national park next month. Walk leader Anthea Rawlence has lived in Winster, near Matlock, for 30 years and was mystified when she spotted a sculpture on the road between Gratton and Middleton-by-Youlgreave.

She said: “Every time I went past I stopped to have another look, but I had no idea what it was all about. I asked around and eventually I found out about the Sites of Meaning project.” Sites of Meaning is a project that marks the 17 entrances to the parish of Middleton and Smerrill with boundary stones, each inscribed with a text chosen by members of the parish.

Once she discovered this, Ms Rawlence – a volunteer decided to team up with Peak Park ranger Frank Mason and organise a walk around the area to see some of the eye-catching markers. “I’m really pleased that Frank is going to lead the walk, because he knows loads of interesting things and is great at answering questions”, she said.
“Plus, of course, it’s a beautiful place for a stroll.”

The ramble will take three hours and leaves at 1.45pm on Saturday, June 18. For details or to book a place call 01629 650480.
You can see some of the local Peak District area in this video of Winster.......

Another really pretty village in the Peak District....

2011-05-22T10:22:00.004+01:00

Bonsall is a little known place,just a couple of miles from Cromford and Matlock and Matlock Bath. It is off the beaten track and well worth a visit when you are in that part of the world. Have a glimpse yourself by watching peak district online's video...

Bonsall is a wonderful little village, with two pubs, lots of places to stay and great walking from the doorsteps...

Peak District Online has so much information about all the villages in the peak district and has more information than anywhere in the world...he is what peak district online say in introduction about Bonsall.....
The ancient village of Bonsall sits handsomely amidst the limestone hills two miles south west of Matlock and about the same distance from the A6 at Cromford, from where it is best approached along the A5012 which winds steadily up the Via Gellia valley on its way to Grangemill, and eventually to Buxton. The road to Bonsall climbs northward from beside the Via Gellia Mill and up the steep Clatterway before levelling out at the Victorian gothic Fountain beside the village recreation area, currently part of a village regeneration scheme.

The Dale branches to the left whilst the main road continues up Yeoman Street to the Market Cross in the centre of the village, and then twists and turns up High Street towards Uppertown before winding it's way over Bonsall Moor towards Winster.

Bonsall owes it's name to an Anglian settler named Bunt, and `Bunteshalle' ,- a `nook of land belonging to Bunt' was a thriving community long before it was mentioned in the Domesday survey of 1087.

The village owes it's size and relative prosperity almost exclusively to the numerous industries which once flourished beside the Bonsall Brook, and to the now defunct lead mining industry which two centuries ago provided the area's main employment.

Indeed, the Bonsall Brook is responsible for the shape of the village which follows every twist of the stream from it's rising at the highest point above Uppertown to it's cascading plunge down the Clatterway. Though these days the brook is culverted and runs beneath High Street and Yeoman Street before emerging beside the Clatterway, it was once a major feature of the village with a series of picturesque stone bridges allowing access to the cottages from the street.

The Bonsall Brook established the village's industrial connection with Cromford and when the lead mining industry in the area declined during the late 18th century many of the inhabitants found alternative work in the textile mills established by Arkwright at Cromford and Via Gellia, for in fact it was the Bonsall Brook,- and NOT the River Derwent whose power was harnessed by Arkwright to drive the wheels and shuttles of his first factory at Cromford in 1771.

The brook also powered a corn mill, a joinery mill, a mill where Blue John stone was shaped and polished, and a colour mill at the bottom of the Clatterway. These mill industries are long since gone but the Via Gellia Mill which gave it's name to the famous Viyella brand of textiles produced there was converted and refurbished in 1986 and now provides a working environment for 26 small businesses.

With the advent of Arkwright's factories Bonsall became an important centre for frame-knitting and the pioneering `cottage industry' was born with around 400 frame knitters, mostly manufacturing hosiery, setting up in their homes.The characteristic long windows of the frame-knitters can still be seen beneath the eaves of a number of cottages today.

Like most of Derbyshire's White Peak villages Bonsall is best explored on foot and this delightfully intriguing hill-village which seems to grow out of the limestone has hidden surprises around many corners.

Spectacular cliff top paths climb the surrounding hills linking the originally separate settlements of Nether Bonsall and Upper Bonsall together and forming a network which both encloses and criss-crosses the entire parish. The jewel in Bonsall's crown is the Parish Church of St.James whose battlemented tower rises proudly on the hillside high above Yeoman Street. Built originally about 1230, it was extensively restored by Ewan Christian in 1863.

John Wesley preached from atop the thirteen circular steps of the stone cross in the Market Place, and his followers quenched their thirst in the King's Headclose by where they would have seen the initials of the first landlord, Anthony Abell alongside the date 1677 carved above the entrance.

At the height of it's lead mining prosperity Bonsall had more than a dozen pubs, but today only two remain, the aforementioned King's Head and The Barley Mow, a very pleasant and cosy hostelry nestling snugly at the end of The Dale. Landlord Alan Webster conducts guided walks from here at weekends, whilst wife Anne provides superb home cooking for hungry visitors. Beyond the Barley Mow the narrow road leads to Uppertown, whilst an ancient lane leads off to Slaley and another winds gently through Horsedale.

Just before the second world war there were 26 shops in Bonsall and you could buy anything from a bag of fish & chips to a new bicycle. Sadly they have all gone, butchers, bakers, and candle makers, along with the two tea-rooms and several grocers shops. These days there is just Hollies Farm at Uppertown, which is not only a renowned plant nursery and garden lovers paradise, but also a village general store which sells everything, including fresh fruit and veg, - and doubles as a Post Office, replacing the one at The Cross which closed in 1995.

The oldest dwelling must be the charming Elizabethan Manor House in High Street, whilst perhaps the most imposing and mysterious is the high-walled Rectory standing beyond St. James' and at the upper end of Church Street, where the old road to Cromford is now just a rough track. Opposite the churchyard entrance Ember Lane with it's row of typical Derbyshire limestone cottages begins its journey over Masson to join Salter Lane on it's way to Matlock.

From the yew-tree guarded terraced churchyard there are magnificent views of the surrounding hills, and down into the village where directly below can be seen the Victorian Gothic Fountain, dedicated to Henry Ford of Manchester and restored by the Parish Council in 1993.

Further along The Dale is the Wesleyan Reform Chapel of 1893, and nearby stands the Village Hall, built originally as a school by Robert Ferne in 1718, whilst the present primary school stands high above beside St.Martins on Church Street.

There are a number of wells in and around the village and these are dressed annually during the Wakes festivities when a village carnival marks the Feast of St.James, usually on the Saturday before the first Monday in August.

Over the centuries Bonsall has presented an ever changing face to the world; it's rugged countenance is both pock-marked by the scars of it's industrial past and handsomely sculptured by successive generations of it's skilfull artisans, in whose capable and competent hands the landscape of this `nook of land belonging to Bunt' is now being shaped into the Bonsall of tomorrow.

FOR EVEN MORE DETAILS ABOUT BONSALL, CLICK HERE

Dawn Chorus walks and beautiful noise

2011-05-21T09:22:00.005+01:00

This time of the year Garden birds are really at their busiest arent they?

Their are lots of organised walks at the moment that start as early as 4 - 5 am to specifically listen to the Dawn Chorus.

The most popular birds we see here in the peak district are, in order of them beginning to sing:

Blackbird
Robin
Wren
Tawny Owl
Chaffinch
Common Pheasant
Warblers, including Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler
Song Thrush
Greenfinch
Dunnock
Goldfinch

This video made by Peak District Online is a fantastic example of how much noise they can actually make - with a variety of these birds happily cherping away - it is fantastic!

Here is one example of a Dawn Chorus walking event in the Peak District:

Dawn Chorus Walk ~ 5.00am Start at Rosliston Forestry Centre
Experience Dawn Breaking over Roslistion Forestry Centre, discover which birds are out and about and learn to pick out individual bird songs with the help of an expert. Booking is essential for this walk, a hot drink and snack awaits you in the cafe at 7.00am, this is included in the price.
£7.00 per person to include a hot drink and snack in the cafe at 7.00am.
Contact
Environmental Education Dept - Rosliston
Tel: 01283 535039
www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

Weekend of Wonders and May Half Term Fun

2011-05-20T14:53:00.000+01:00

28-30 May
Join us in the garden for a celebration of inspirational inventions and super science from the 6th Duke's time to the present day
Activities run from 11am until 4pm on all three days
Entry is free with garden admission
In the garden
- Make slime and experiment with dry ice at our Mad Science activity stations
- Design, build and launch your own rocket and taste Space food with our friends from the National Space Centre
- See our Meccano model of Chatsworth house and make your own creation at one of our workshops
- Turn detective and have a go at taking your own finger prints with our Crime Scene Investigation Team
- See how bicycles have changed through the ages, and look out for the Penny Farthing whizzing around the maze
- Investigate the Harmonograph with a Victorian gentleman
- Create a balloon in a bottle, tornado tubes, and make your own rain gauge in our weather workshops
In the farmyard
- Learn veterinary skills with a sheep-lambing simulation and how to read radiographs in the farmyard
In the house
- Learn more about the 6th Duke and his Head Gardener, Joseph Paxton with a special exhibition in the house and free guided walking tour in the garden
May Half Term Fun
Find enjoyment every day of the half term with farmyard fun, from milking demonstrations and daily animal handling sessions, to new baby animals and trailer rides. There is water and sand play for younger children and towers, ropewalks, spiral slide and commando wire for older children.

In the garden, the maze and the waterworks provide hours of fun and exploration, but everywhere there are wonderful things to see, touch, smell and discover, with intriguing sculptures, a Victorian tunnel, the herbs and vegetables of the kitchen garden and a giant rock garden. Sunny or rainy there's bound to be something for all the family to enjoy at Chatsworth this school holidays.

Are you aware enough to go cycling in the peak district this weekend?

2011-05-18T21:01:00.006+01:00

At the weekend we went up to Middleton Top for a bike ride and had a chat with Chris at the Middleton Top Cycle Hire Shop run by Derbyshire County Council. Middleton top is on the High Peak Trail and is also the start of the very, very long Pennine Bridleway situated in Wirksworth and Middleton-by-Wirksworth. It is such a great facility and they are so friendly and helpful. They even have bikes to buy - no very old, very good condition and very, very well looked after...they only have a few left now - and they are half price. There is a visitor centre based here as well and a lovely cafe. A great place to visit in the Peak District, whether you are a visitor or local.

AWARENESS TEST
How are your bike skills?
More importantly - how are your awareness skills?
Follow the instructions in this video and test yourself to see whether you are as aware as you think you are.....and safe enough to go cycling in the Peak District!

Middleton Top Cycle Hire in the PEAK DISTRICT
Middleton Top Visitor Centre , Middleton By Wirksworth, Derbyshire, DE4 4LS
Tel: 01629 823204
Fax: 01629 825336

Whether it’s a family outing, a bicycle ride for two or an active mountain biking trip, they have cycles available to suit riders of most ages including tandems and towing buggies.
They recommend you wear a cycle helmet while out riding - these are available from hire centres free of charge.
You will need to bring along one form of identification, such as a driving licence.
A £20 returnable deposit is required to hire a cycle which can be paid by cash, cheque or credit card.
Child seats and helmets are loaned free to all hirers.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF WIRKSWORTH

Peak District owns world record for Fake Beards!!

2011-05-18T06:34:00.011+01:00

There are so many lovely festivals staged all over the Peak District throughout the spring and summer.......one of the first being The Bearded Theory Festival held at the beautiful Kedleston Hall, found between Ashbourne and Derby.

This year the festival was honoured (!) by Wagner from the X Factor. Wagner led the record attempt ..and they claim to have set the world record for the most fake beards worn at the same time. About 2,500 people donned home-made facial hair at Kedleston Hall to beat the Bearded Theory festival's record of 1,800 which it set last year.
But organisers said they did not plan to get their feat verified by Guinness due to the "prohibitive cost". About 6,500 people attended this year's festival, which featured The Waterboys, Athlete and as I said ....X Factor star Wagner.
Each person taking part in the mass beard-wearing event signed a sheet of paper and names were then counted up at the end. "Where else could you assemble 2,500 people wearing false beards in a field with Wagner from X Factor?" Do what we do here in the Peak District - If in doubt - smile :-) Watch the video here of Ashourne, you'll see what we mean........The Peak District really is a great place.

Chatsworth Horse Trials 2011

2011-05-16T17:27:00.000+01:00

Peak District Online on Saturday attended the Chatsworth House International Horse Trials, the event was held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and featured top international horse riders competing in dressage, cross country and show jumping.

The Duchess of Devonshire is President of these horse trials and included the FEI World Cup Class along with the Advanced level competition.

This was our first visit to this event and we were very impressed. Apart from the wonderful equestrian events there were hundreds of stalls to visit and enjoy, ranging from horse equipment, horse boxes to hot pork sandwiches and a champagne bar.!

The weather just about held out and we took full advantage of this and wandered throughout the transformed Chatsworth House Grounds which blended itself perfectly to this event. The cross country riders were fantastic and we were very impressed by the layout and the ease of which spectators could walk around and view pretty much any part of the course. Horses were flying past making the event really exciting.

Saturday was a busy day which saw plenty of Equestrian activity including some world class dressage, show jumping and cross country.

For the rest of the family there were enough rides and activities to keep the children amused I was even persuaded to go on a couple of rides, our favourite was the G11 simulator!

One of the main attractions was the world renowned horse whisperer, Jean Francois Pignon and his famous grey horses from Calvisson. This display was a wonder to watch and drew huge crowds and much appreciation. Jean held a display on all three days and was definitely worth watching.

It was quite amazing to see how much work must have taken place to organize this size of event and everything seemed to run pretty smoothly, apart from the odd escaped owners dogs!

This is one to put in the diary for next year, horse lover or not just being in the magnificent setting of Chatsworth House is reason enough to attend.

A wet weekend in the Peaks

2011-05-16T11:08:00.007+01:00

After the near tropical weather we have had throughout April, May has arrived bringing April showers and March winds with it - very unpredictable!! Having said that, the Peak District doesn't need good weather to be able to enjoy it, so long as your dress takes this all into consideration as there is always something to do.

On Saturday, I decided to take myself for a short walk with Mable the "blunderdog", in Hathersage. I wanted some fresh snaps of Hathersage Church to populate our website www.letsgo-hathersage.co.uk, so decided to brave the intermittent showers and took the back route, through fields, to find it.

It was stunning. The back lane down to the Scouts camp, led me passed a very English cricket game - a game I have no interest in, whatsoever, but is so quintessentially English I had to stop for a few minutes, to watch.

We eventually moved on and found a small stream running down through a meadow full of buttercups, daisies and clover - Mable spent 2 seconds sniffing the flowers, 3 minutes sniffing the cow pats and 15 minutes in the stream getting mucky - one very happy dog -until I dragged her out and convinced her to walk further on.
Eventually we came to the church, up hill via some hand made steps. I found myself in the most perfect English Church yard.

The church itself has a beautiful exterior, but is was the churchyard I was most impressed by. Old and new graves, all carefully tended and surrounded by lovely, shade giving trees. The backdrop, towards Sir William Hill and Abney, was lovely and sent me quite cold, as I thought of the churchyards residents being able to spend eternity in such a fabulous setting.

I have to say, looking at the grave stones, Little John's included, that it was a lovely way to while away a couple of hours - the sun managed to shine and the rain held off, providing a lovely dappled light effect - so in keeping with the hallowed surroundings - All in all, it proved a lovely and enjoyable little walk that anyone could do.

Riber Castle - Matlock's gateway to the Peak District

2011-05-15T05:55:00.006+01:00

Everytime I look from the limestone gorges and outcrops from Wirksworth and Cromford towards Matlock and Matlock Bath...I wonder at the castle on the hill. It brings back vague memories as a child, going to see the strange animals when it was a zoo and wildlife park. There are still stories about escaped wild cats still living up on the moors of the peak district - true? who knows!

There is much discussion about what will the remains of this folly become next? Grand appartments? well they would certainly have fantastic views that is for sure.

Did you know that for just over 40 years Riber Castle was a school? Just have a look at some of the history of this great building...

THE SMEDLEY FAMILY were relieved when they sold Riber Castle back in 1892. Although barely 25 years old it was already being dismissed as a white elephant. The building went on the market following the death of Caroline Smedley, widow of its creator, John Smedley entrepreneur and businessman of the Peak District, who built it as the family home and an ostentatious symbol of his success. Rumour had it that the family gave some thought to turn it into another money-making hydro but it proved impossible to pump sufficient supplies of water eight hundred feet up Riber hillside. So, when a clergyman, the Rev John William Chippett, formerly a master at Giggleswick School in North Yorkshire, offered to buy it to open a boarding preparatory school his bid was gratefully accepted.

Riber served as a school for much longer than any other use to which it has been put - almost 40 years. The number of pupils, aged from eight to 14 years, varied from just 11 in 1911-12 to about 40 in the mid 1920s. There were a few local day boys but almost everyone was a boarder. Maybe there are still a few Matlock residents who can remember the boys in their striped blazers and matching caps of maroon and navy blue with a yellow line between, filing down the hillside twice a week to the thermal swimming bath at Matlock Bath.

There were also rugby and cricket fixtures against neighbouring schools such as Stancliffe, St Anselm's at Bakewell and Holme Lea at Buxton although archive material suggests the little hill-top community tended to keep itself to itself.

Fascinating accounts ....There are fascinating accounts by two former pupils which were published many years after the school closed. There are also letters and postcards home in the estate of a Richard Beaumont who was at Riber from 1917 to 1919. They give mixed accounts but agree that academic standards were high and William Chippett was a popular and able headmaster.

A distinguished Riber old boy, Sir John Summerson, one of the most eminent architectural historians of his generation, when in his eighties, wrote an intriguing and revealing essay about his time at Riber.

"Riber Castle awed us. Eleven boys in this castellar hulk planned with ludicrous optimism to fulfil a function which it never served and could not serve; decorated with the naive barbarity of a Methodist turned Caliph."

RECOLLECTIONS FROM A SCHOOL BOY......Sir John felt that everything about Riber was big and comfortless with scarcely a small room in the building.

Although Sir John was distinctly unimpressed by the uncomfortable surroundings and the ill-advised architecture he thought it "an admirable school with 'a headmaster of great teaching ability."

In recollections in the 1970s, old boy J E Wood, a boarder in the early 1920s, remembered that the classics, English, history, mathematics, music and scripture were taught to a high standard so that at 14 boys were well-prepared for entrance examinations scholarships to public schools.

He wrote fondly of his old school and the eccentricity of the architecture which so offended Sir John Summerson rather impressed the 11 year-old Wood.

Ballroom gymnasium
"It was obvious that the interior had been lavishly fitted out and decorated. There was elaborate painted and gilt ornamental cast iron everywhere - cast iron spiral staircases into the rooms in the towers, cast iron pillars and balustrades - a foundryman's paradise."

The former ballroom in the centre of the castle was used as a gymnasium and for leisure time. A promenade/balcony ran round each side of the ballroom which was adapted on one side as bedrooms and a dormitory. A large recess leading off from the balcony was the school chapel where the boys spent a good deal time. There were two short services (Anglican of course) on each week-day and two full services on Sundays. For boys prone let their attention wander during the lengthy sermons of the headmaster the chapel windows had magnificent views over Matlock towards Darley Dale.

Mealtimes were, of course, a keenly anticipated part of school life and at Riber food seems to have been good and plenty of it. There was a large dining room on the south or garden side of the castle facing towards Tansley. On the west side, J E Wood remembered a large conservatory complete with vines which was used as a locker room and bathroom.

Richard Beaumont was only seven when he arrived at Riber from his Nottingham home.

"It was an alarming experience for a timid boy and I must admit being pretty terrified and miserable for the first term. But I not do think it did me any harm," he added rather poignantly. He also recalled: " Riber was tough. At first I hated it and dreaded going back to it although when I left I remember carrying my little bag down the steep path to catch the train and being in tears."

Beaumont who attended in 1917 when there were fewer than 20 boarders with "one or two up from Matlock" thought the Rev Chippett "a marvellous teacher of boys with the knack of making things interesting."

The school matron was a Mrs Summerson, a war widow and there was one other permanent teacher, Capt L Garthorne Wilson who lived at Riber with his family. Indeed, in 1922 Capt Wilson took over the school when the Rev Chippett, then in his mid-sixties, decided to take things easier although he continued as a teacher.

Closed during the depressionIt seems that Capt and Mrs Wilson ran the school successfully. Mrs Wilson, a real power behind the scenes, died young in 1929. Capt Wilson had no enthusiasm to continue and the school closed in 1930. The severe economic depression of the time found many small boarding prep schools struggling to survive and there were no takers for Riber.

ZOO and Wildlife Park for nearly 35 years....The castle stayed empty even after the district council bought it in 1936 to save it from rumoured demolition. They could not find a use for it and the building staggered on through the decades as an emergency food store during the 1939-45 war followed by years of empty decline. In the early 1960s Riber became the centre of a wildlife park which closed in 2000 with the castle by then a ravaged ruin but still a much-loved landmark.

Riber School is consigned to history but what of the castle itself? There are plans to restore it to its original residential use by creating apartments in the ruined shell, restoring out-buildings and building ten new houses in the grounds behind the castle. English Heritage likes the plan, so do most Matlock people although some residents of Riber village are opposed. Leaving the castle as a ruin is not an option, say English Heritage, well aware that Riber has been drinking for so long in the last chance saloon.

If the plan succeeds perhaps there'll be a distant cheer from those schoolboys of so many years ago who wouldn't want the old place to disappear. After all, where would all the ghosts of their imaginings continue to lurk?

TO SEE A VIDEO OF MATLOCK AND RIBER CASTLE CLICK HERE

Black Rocks and the High Peak Trail

2011-05-14T06:36:00.004+01:00

Some of my morning walks with the dogs include going to Black Rocks on the High Peak Trail in the Peak District....it is really a lovely place. We just go from the car park up to the Trig point....from here, as long as there is no mist or heavy rain, you can see Carsington Water....a lovely start to the day...

From the pages of Peak District Online is another walk here, well worth doing.......

BLACK ROCKS OF CROMFORD/WIRKSWORTH
5 MILES -- allow 2 1/2 hours

Basic Route - Black Rocks Car park - Dimons Dale - Bedehouse Lane - North Street - Cromford - A6 - Arkwright' Mill - Cromford Canal - High Peak Junction - Oak Farm (A6) - Intake Lane - Wigwellnook Farm - Oakerthorpe Road - Trig Point 322 - Big Plantation - Black Rocks - High Peak Trail - Car Park.

Map - O.S. 1:25,000 Explorer Series No. OL24 - The White Peak - East Sheet.

Car Park and start - Black Rocks car park, beside the High Peak Trail, just off the B5036 - Cromford-Wirksworth Road, before the summit of Cromford Hill. Alternative Car parks at the start of the Cromford Canal and at High Peak Junction.

Inns - Bell Inn, Greyhound Inn and Boat Inn in Cromford.

Teas - Tors Cafe beside the A6 in Cromford. Tea-room in Arkwright' Mill. Refreshments at High Peak Junction.

ABOUT THE WALK - The route is done clockwise from Black Rocks, on purpose, so you can admire the view you have from Black Rocks at the end. First you descend into historic Cromford and pass many places associated with Sir Richard Arkwright. After his first mill you gain the Cromford Canal and follow it for 1 1/2 miles to High Peak Junction. Leaving the trail you ascend through woodland and then over fields to Wigwellnook Farm and lane above Bolehill and Wirksworth. Here begins the final short ascent to the trig point 322m. before descending to the Black Rocks and the stunning view.

WALKING INSTRUCTIONS - From the car park beneath Black Rocks, aim for the lower far lefthand corner of it. Continue a few yards before turning left and descending in woodland - Dimons Dale - on a good path that curves right to the wood' edge. The main path turns left here to the B5036, but you keep ahead, right to a stile, 30 yards away. Continue with the wall on your right, to a stile and Black Rocks Cottage on the right. Turn left down the drive with a fence on your left. At the bottom where it turns left beside Holly Cottage, follow the lane left for a few yards before turning right down a fenced/walled path, which soon becomes a lane. At the end turn right then left, at Bede House, to continue descending Bedehouse Lane. Infront of the Almshouses turn right then left to continue descending and at the bottom bear left past Sycamore Cottage (1992) to the B5036 road. Turn right and pass the Bell Inn and North Street on the right and on down to the A6; before it on the left is the Greyhound Inn.

Cross the A6 and pass Tors Cafe and turn left down Mill Lane. Pass Arkwright' Mill and turn right into the car park and start of the Cromford Canal. Follow the canal towpath for 1 1/2 mile to High Peak Junction, and cross the canal bridge. At the start of the incline, bear half left and ascend the walled path to the A6 road opposite Oak Farm. Turn left then right over a stile and ascend, bearing left, to a stile and Birch Wood. Continue ascending through the wood on a sunken path to a stile on its edge. Keep ahead with a wall on your left to a barn and stiles at Intake Lane, with Birchwood Farm and caravan site to your left. Cross the lane(track) and continue with the wall on your left for the next four stiles to another walled track on your left. Turn right and follow the track, now in open fields to a stile, with woodland well to your right - Big Plantation. Continue on the track with a wall on your left and through stiles and a gorse area, before walking past Wigwellnook Farm on your right. The grass track has now become the farm drive. Follow it to Oakerthorpe Road with views to Wirksworth and to the prominent chimney at Middleton Top on the High Peak Trail.

Turn right and follow the road down for 150 yards and before the first house on your right, turn right, as path signed, and ascend steps. Ascend to near the righthand corner of woodland before turning left to a stile. Continue on a defined path, still ascending, to the triangulation pillar - 322m. - with limited views. Continue on the path and descend ignoring a path to the right, and ascend again before descending through the pine trees and later above a former quarry on the left, before descending more steeply towards the lefthand side of Black Rocks. Here take a path on the right to gain the summit of the rocks for the view. Retrace your steps and continue descending and cross the High Peak Trail and back into the car park, where you began.

Have a look for yourself, within the pages of Peak District on line is the most amount of information about the Peak District - in the World!

TO WATCH VIDEOS OF WALKS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT CLICK HERE

TO WATCH VIDEOS OF CROMFORD AND BLACK ROCKS CLICK HERE

TO WATCH VIDEOS OF WIRKSWORTH AND BLACK ROCKS CLICK HERE

So many things to do in the Peak District!

2011-05-12T08:02:00.000+01:00

What a lovely day again today......

however whether the Weather in the Peak District is good or bad.....
We are so lucky here in the Peak District!
There is so much to do, so much to see and so much to do!

What have you got planned this summer, here in the Peak District?
Here are just some of the attractions you could add to your list.........just click on the links and find out more

Alton Towers
Arkwrights Cromford Mill
Belper North Mill
Belper River Gardens
Blue John Craft Shop and Museum
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Carsington Sports and Leisure
Carsington Water
Catton Hall
Caudwells Mill Craft Centre & Cafe
Chatsworth House
Chesterfield Market
Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery
Chesterfield `Crooked Spire`Conkers
Creswell Crags
Crich Tramway Village
Denby Pottery Visitor Centre
Derby Industrial Museum
Donington Grand Prix
Hidden Gardens
Elvaston Castle Country Park
Erewash museum
Eyam Museum
Foremark Reservoir
Freshfields Donkey Village
Glossop Heritage Centre
Gullivers Kingdom
Heights of Abraham
Ilam Country Park
Lea Gardens
Longshaw Visitor Centre
Matlock Bath Aquarium and Hologram Gallery
Midland Railway Centre
National Stone Centre
Peak Cavern
Peak District Mining Museum
Peveril Castle
Pickford House Museum
Pooles Cavern
Red House Stables
Renishaw Hall and Gardens
Revolution House
Ridgeway Craft Centre
Rosliston Forestry Centre
Royal Crown Derby Museum
Shardlow Heritage Centre
Shipley Country Park
Speedwell Cavern
Stainsby Mill
Stanton Moor
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Steeple Grange Light Railway
Sutton HallThe Herb Garden
The Old House Museum
The Torrs, New Mills - A fascinating and atmospheric riverside heritage park
Tissington Hall and Gardens
Tittesworth Reservoir
Treak Cliffe Cavern
Whitworth Centre
Wild Park Brailsford
Wingfield Manor
Wirksworth Heritage Centre

Whats on in the Peak District in May?

2011-05-11T06:58:00.003+01:00

We are already in May - how fast have the lovely weather months gone by so far this year?

thinking of what to do in May before the next Bank Holiday?

There is a great section here to update you with what is going on.....and these pages are changing soon to help you find out what is on in the Peak District even quicker!

Peak District Events in May 2011
Bringing you information on Peak District Holiday Accommodation , Peak District Holiday Cottages, Campsites and Caravan sites in the Peak District, Pubs In The Peak District, Peak District B&B , Peak District Hotels , Tourist Attractions or Town & Village Business in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Did you know that you can post your own event by contacting Peak District Online on 0845 166 8022?

Last Saturday of the month
• Disco Nights– Red Lion Hotel - WirksworthBack by Popular demand: 5 star disco return to the main bar at the red lion. In line with tradition, discos will be the last Saturday of the month, starting on January the 29th. slight deviation in April, however. being the 23rd (St Georges day) fancy dress optional, come and celebrate all things English.70s 80's old school style.
Hard Step discos also planned for 25th March and 15th April.
01629 822214

Sunday Afternoons
• Lazy Sunday Afternoons…With Live Jazz, Brunch every 2nd & 4th Sunday
The Charles Cotton – Market Place, Hartington, Derbyshire, SK17 0AL tel 01298 84229

30th April - 2nd May 2011
• Tess Willoughby, Artists. Help Tess redesign and paint with your help our Mural Wall at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PD. Tel: +44 (0) 1629 582365

8th May, 2011
• Morris Minor Day - A celebration of this British classic.
Crich Tramway Village, Crich Nr Matlock. Tel: 01773 854321
Please click here to find out more

14 May, 2011

Renaissance Voices at St Peter’s Church, Edensor at 7 30 pm. Concert is in aid of the Friends of the Peak District. Tickets are £10 from Friends of the Peak District office (0114 266 5822) or George Wolfe (01433 631308) or on the door.Further information can be found on Renaissance Voices website at www.rvchamberchoir.homecall.co.uk

21st May, 2011

Music and Beer festival in Hartington At Hartington Hall, (Youth Hostel); Saturday from midday to 11.00p.m. Other attractions. Visit web site (http://www.hartingtonanddistrict.co.uk/events/)

22nd May 2011
• Classic Motorbike Day - A dream date from motorbike enthusiasts
Crich Tramway Village, Crich Nr Matlock. Tel: 01773 854321
Please click here to find out more

29th & 30th May 2011
• Beside the Seaside - A seaside themed event
Crich Tramway Village, Crich Nr Matlock. Tel: 01773 854321
Please click here to find out more

29th May 2011
• Enthusiasts' Tram Event - A dream date for tram enthusiasts.
Crich Tramway Village, Crich Nr Matlock. Tel: 01773 854321
Please click here to find out more

30th May, 2011
• Dovedale Fete - 12 noon in Ilam. Ample parking

30th May – 5th June, 2011
• Junky Monkey Workshops.
Come and create mystic creatures and a miniature woodland village at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PD. Tel: +44 (0) 1629 582365

Have a look for yourself other events for other months this year CLICK HERE

Peak District Walks

2011-05-10T10:43:00.002+01:00

Walking in the Peak District is one of the biggest pastimes of the millions that come to visit our wonderful National Park and to promote this excellent activity we will be bringing you a series of walks from across the Peak District over the Summer.

The first two we have added are from the delightful Peak District Village of Monyash and are nice short walks for all the family.

The first walk passes Lathkill Dale, Fern Dale and the Limestone Way directions for this can be found here.

Click Here to view Monyash Fern Dale Walk

The second of our Peak District Walks again starts from Monyash and features a dew pond and one of the many quarries in the Peak District.

Click Here to view Monyash Dewpond Walk

Peak District Online have also created a video to go with each of these walks, the videos will use the professional images our photographer has taken during the walk, we think these videos are a great way to preview each walk.

These videos can be found on our youtube channel here Peak District Online Youtube Channel

The scary Peaks of the Upper Dove!

2011-05-10T06:17:00.007+01:00

One of our Peak District walks at the weekend took us to a part of the river Dove that we had not walked before....and it was amazing and scary all at the same time!!

Starting the walk from Longnor market square (This is in the Peak District on the Buxton to Leek road)up through the charming cobbled street north up Chapel Street and directly across fields and farms heading for the river Dove crossing over this charming bridge pictured below. It is a 6 mile walk but lots of up and down hill - so allow about 4 hours to complete. If you suffer from Vertigo - think about not doing the up and down bits - as it is very scary!!

The hill on the left of this picture above, is Chrome Hill, the one on the right is Parkhouse Hill. Very sharp ascent and a very small track on a ridge all the way up and down. The wind was just too severe for me to brave getting to the top of Chrome Hill (pronounced Croom), but I will be back another day (when calm and dry!) Once navigated around you take the track down towards Earl Sterndale and head south again towards High Wheeldon.

The other biggy on this walk is High Wheeldon Hill, less scary but amazing, amazing views from the top here- probably one of the finest viewpoints in the white Peak! This ridge walk takes you back to the market square in Longnor.

The view here on the right was taken half way up Chrome Hill looking back at Parkhouse hill.

This area of the Peak District - is really the Peak District at its very, very best!!

To see the video of Longnor Click Here

New Bird Videos of the Peak District

2011-05-09T10:07:00.002+01:00

To see our new Birds In The Peak District Videos please visit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdXZbeNmn4E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kvvO-PuUZU

Peak District Dandelions go to seed

2011-05-09T07:47:00.003+01:00

Record amounts of Dandelions are now going to seed all over the Peak District - we came across fields and fields of them at the weekend on our walks.

Most gardeners detest them, but the more you try to weed them up, the faster they grow!

But actually they are great in salads....Dandelion greens are wonderful in salads, sautÈed or steamed. They taste like chicory and endive, with an intense heartiness overlying a bitter tinge.

They grow individually on hollow flower stalks 2 to 18" tall. Each flower head consists of hundreds of tiny ray flowers. Unlike other composites, there are no disk flowers. The flower head can change into the familiar, white, globular seed head overnight. Each seed has a tiny parachute, to spread far and wide in the wind.
The thick, brittle, beige, branching taproot grows up to 10" long. All parts of this plant exude a white milky sap when broken.

As one wild weed or flower....whichever way you want to look at it...comes to an end, the first signs of buttercups and daisy are starting to come through as well all over the Peak District - very pretty.

For more information on gardening and flowers in the Peak District - Click Here

1940s come to the Peak District with style

2011-05-08T07:53:00.014+01:00

Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend - a few of us went to Crich Tramway Village to attend the 1940s Special Event in the Peak District.
I have been before so knew what to expect and once again be wowed by the occasion.....I was not disappointed, it was fantastic. The amount of people that really get into the swing of this very popular peak district event in Crich is fantastic! Glen Miller music sways through the streets, air raid sirens blasting out and sounds of aircraft flying so low that everybody ducks!

Luckily we were issued with ration books(so we could eat!, identity cards(so that we were not arrested!), an old penny for our first ride on the trams and a 1940s newspaper with the events timed on it for the day - which included parades through the village lead by Winston Churchill honouring us with a visit!!! brilliant.
Put this event on your list of things to do when in the Peak District - it is a must and as this particular theme is sooo popular then it is always on again in September as well as every Easter.

To find out more about this Peak District Attraction - Click Here

Spring in the Peak District

2011-05-07T10:20:00.005+01:00

Peak District Spring! - even though it's raining today Spring in the Peak District is bursting out all over!

Calves and Bluebells yet another sign of spring in the Peak District, lovely....but if you want some fantastic pictures of wildlife watch the latest Peak District Wildlife video - Watch the video by clicking here

The Saturday Morning picture show, the blog prior to this, takes some beating for amazing pictures though doesnt it? click here to look at that too

Saturday Morning Picture Show May 7

2011-05-07T06:59:00.006+01:00

Todays Picture Show is about the local birds to Great Hucklow , and nearby places , including a lovely meadow pippet posing perfectly on a post and a female chaffinch arriving for her breakfast. Birds around the area seem to have thrived this year with pairs of Curlews , Barn Owls , Little Owls , Meadow Pipets , Goldfinches and even a pair this week in our garden of Greenfinches which i havnt seen before take up residence. Get out on those lovely walks around the area and see how many varieties you can see on your travels - if you manage to take any photos then send them in to james@peakdistrictonline.co.uk and we will publish them for you , please remember to let me have you name and any info so we can give credit! Till next time.....

A slightly belated tale of celebration in the Peak District

2011-05-05T12:39:00.009+01:00

Having had a rather extended Bank Holiday, I am almost a week late in reporting on the festivities surrounding the Royal Wedding, on April 29th, that took place in The Nook at Stoney Middleton.

With other local events taking place in Eyam and Tideswell, that I am aware of, I was lucky enough to be invited to SM, where two long lines of tales and chairs had been set up under marquees and a festoon of patriotic bunting.

Over 130 villagers attended a lovely afternoon - lots of food, plenty of wine, beer and even a little song, was to be had - and eventually the stragglers were eventually "removed" at around 8pm

The sun shone and everyone made merry just outside St Martin's church gates, providing all with a great chance to catch up with neighbours and make new acquaintances. There was a good mix of ages, with toddlers and small children playing happily and a few dopey dogs, including the beloved Mable, playing merrily in the stream.

Not having been to a street party since the Queens 25th Jubilee in 1977 (I am sure I wasn't born then!) it seemed, in advance, a very old fashioned thing to do - dated and antiquated - but it proved to e great fun, very social and the perfect way to spend a lovely spring afternoon.

All I can say is "When's the next one?"

Wild Garlic is now at its best in the Peak District!

2011-05-05T06:16:00.005+01:00

There really is loads of wild garlic about now in the Peak district. All you need to do is go to any of our wonderful rivers and side streams branching off from them and you will come across it now in massive amounts.

The smell is actually really lovely! The taste of it when used in cooking is mild and tasty, you can even use the flowers and again the taste is very gentle. If you gather or grow wild garlic you should taste it for yourself. In my view there is a chive-like foretaste with a garlicky aftertaste after about 5 seconds. Many people who disturb wild garlic in a wood, and get a strong garlicky smell, assume that the taste is very pungent. In my view the taste is on the mild side, especially after the leaves are cooked. It is certainly more subtle than cultivated garlic - especially from last season!

If you pick some wild garlic to cook with I have noticed that if I cut through the base of the leaf rather than through the stem, the leaf grew again. The same leaf could be harvested twice. If the leaf was cut through the stem, it would not grow again. These pictures are from one of my morning walks with the dogs in the Derbyshire Dales area of the Peak District just south of Wirksworth.
I know this goes without saying - but I will say it anyway just in case - pick well away from the path and wash thoroughly before cooking!

Using Wild Garlic in cooking......

Most recipes recommend either washing the leaves and drying them out or blanching them. Washing is common sense unless you want your local woodland or garden in your dish! If you preserve the wild garlic you need the washed leaves to be dry to avoid mould. Sometimes blanching is recommended.

Wild Garlic and Chorizo Pasta
Try this dish as a starter with Wild Garlic - it is simple and takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Serves 4
Ingredients
500 g pasta (e.g. penne or fusilli)
200 g cooking chorizo
1 handful of wild garlic
1 handful of welsh onion (or small bunch spring onions)
1 tbsp olive oil

Method
1. Boil the pasta in salted water
2. Wash and dry wild garlic leaves and welsh onion tubes
2. Chop the wild garlic and welsh onions (roughly 1 cm wide)
3. Roughly chop the chorizo and fry gently in a wok or pot for 5 minutes
4. If using spring onions add them to the chorizo for about 3 minutes
5. Add the chopped wild garlic and welsh onions and mix with chorizo (they cook almost instantly)
6. Add the pasta and olive oil, mix thoroughly and serve

If you are out camping in the Peak District at the moment - this meal is spot on! enjoy!

The Matterhorn of The Peak District!

2011-05-04T09:22:00.010+01:00

We went to the western part of the Peak District over the holidays - fabulous, fabulous part of the peak district - can be overlooked by visitors and locals alike and it shouldnt be!! Really stunning countryside and wildlife to be found.

We took an 8 mile walk from the car park at one of the reserviors at Tegg's Nose Countrypark in the Cheshire part of the the Peak District and headed up to Shutlingsloe, which is a hill near the village of Wildboarclough, in the east of the county of Cheshire. It stands to the south of Macclesfield Forest, on the edge of the Peak District and within the Peak District National Park.

It is a steep-sided hill with a distinctive profile, sometimes described as the 'Matterhorn of Cheshire', it is the third highest peak in the county (Shining Tor being the highest and Whetstone Ridge second highest) with an elevation of 506 m (1,660 ft), and commands excellent views over Cheshire.

The name actually derives from old English 'Scyttel's hlaw' meaning 'Scyttel's (personal name) hill' and is one of several 'low' names in the Peak District, from the same Old English root that gives rise to the name "Law" for many hills in southern Scotland.

The wind nearly blew us over at the top and we even saw a Raven on the side of the hill settlering itself in the grass! We think that it was too windy to take off as the wind was gale force heading straight at the Raven!

Anyway it was a wonderful walk - highly recommended!

Tegg's Nose Country Park is located a mile to the east of the centre of Macclesfield in Cheshire. You can reach the area by bus, car, cycling and walking routes including from Macclesfield Forest.

Address
Tegg's Nose Country Park
Buxton Old Road
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 0AP

Bus & Rail
A bus service runs from Macclesfield to the area. For up to date information on bus timetables contact Traveline:

Telephone 0871 200 22 33 - 8am to 8pm daily.
Email: traveline@cheshire.gov.uk

Calls from BT landlines cost 10p per minute plus 6p set-up fee per call. Mobile and other providers' charges vary. Bus timetables can also be obtained from local bus enquiry offices and tourist information centres in Macclesfield, Congleton and Buxton.

There are railway stations in nearby Macclesfield Town and further away in Buxton to the east of the forest, within the Peak District

Road Links & Car Parks
The entrance to the Visitors Centre and main car park can be found signposted from Buxton Old Road which is just off the A537 road between Macclesfield and Buxton.

Car parking is available at the Visitors Centre with visits over 30 minutes subject to pay and display charges. Parking is free for Blue badge holders and parking permits are available.

Dovedale and Spring in the Peak District

2011-05-03T14:02:00.008+01:00

We went on a some new walks over the holidays in the Peak District. One of them at the weekend from Alsop en le Dale via that stretch of Dovedale and up to Biggin and back via the Tissington Trail. Fantastic weather, fantastic scenery and signs of spring everywhere....we even saw our first Swallow - which is supposed to be the first sign of summer? However I am told that the saying 'One Swallow does not a summer make' and we did only see one!

But we saw a Heron, lambs as far as the eye could see, mother ducks and their sweet little ducklings, flowers bursting out in abundance and the most amount of dandelions I have ever seen. My tiny little camera does not do justice what was actually seen though :) However why go anywhere else when we have got such beauty on our doorstep?

Westminster Abbey or Chatsworth for the Wedding?

2011-04-28T17:48:00.006+01:00

Isn't it a shame that Catherine and William couldn't have chosen The Chatsworth Estate for their wedding celebrations tomorrow?

There are lots of reasons that it would have been a better location....

The Pea k District is in the centre of the country so more people could have travelled.

The Chatsworth Estate is the most amazing building - what an entrance!

The Chatsworth Estate is used to receiving Royalty on a regular basis

The Chatsworth Estate has the most wonderful Gardens for those wedding pictures with the relatives and friends

The Peak District has so many places to stay from Hotels, Bed and Breakfast, Cottages, Campsites, Pub Accommodation, apartments and so much more!!!

William's Mum's ancestors used to live here - Georgianna of course, the once Duchess....

Just look at some of the bedrooms they could have stayed in?

When Peak District Online were filming at the Chatsworth Estate recently you could most certainly imagine a royal wedding taking place here - for sure! The Chatsworth Video, in partnership with Peak District Online, will be out soon - watch this space!

For more on The Chatsworth Estate Click Here

There is more to Alton than Alton Towers you know...

2011-04-27T17:59:00.005+01:00

At the weekend we managed to grab one of our walks over in the Alton area. It was really great! The Staffordshire part of the Peak District is well worth a visit and certainly plan a walk.

The village of Alton in Staffordshire, is set in some of the most beautiful countryside in England. There are millions of visitors who pass through the village each year on their way to Alton Towers really do miss out on some of the unique and stunning features of this village and its surrounds.

There are beautiful walks set among the woodland of Dimmingsdale and the Churnet valley; the Pugin masterpiece of Alton Castle, now a Catholic Youth Centre, towering over the valley. There are three historic churches - St. Peter's and St John's at the heart of the village as well as the unique little Methodist chapel with its historic connections to Hugh Bourne.

The village boasts a newly refurbished Village Hall with facilities for up to 200 people and there are some good pubs. It is only 20 minutes drive from Ashbourne and 15 mins to The Roaches, well worth the drive. Well worth a visit to Alton when in the Peak District!

WATCH OUR ALTON VIDEO - Click here

Flagg Races 2011

2011-04-27T09:37:00.001+01:00

Peak District Online were invited to attend Flagg Races by one of the Landowners whose Land is used as part of the racecourse.

The weather just about held out as a fantastic crowd turned out for a great day of horse racing and fun.

Despite the land owners watering efforts over the last week the ground was still hard and the line up was smaller than anticipated, this did not deter people from having a punt on races.

This year there was plenty of stalls, food and retail a licensed bar and activities to keep everyone amused in between races.

Set in glorious Peak District countryside, Flagg Races attracts thousands of spectators who enjoy a great day out in a wonderful location. The layout of the racecourse is perfect for spectators with hilltop parking and spectator areas affording perfect viewing and picnic opportunities.

Plenty of people had brought their own picnics and drinks and enjoyed the atmosphere of this historic Peak District Event.

The races were good fun to watch and apart from one rider falling from their horse all riders managed to complete their races with a couple of really close results.

All in all Flagg Races 2011 was a great event, and we recommend attending next years meet!

Getting Fit in the Peak District!

2011-04-26T11:41:00.008+01:00

How did your Easter Break go? Wasnt the weather fantastic?!!!

Did you overindulge? Well I certainly did and I am supposed to be on a diet! not good news!

News just in though - a new Boot camp in the Peak District near Buxton........this really does look like a fantastic way to book yourself into for a fitness regime!

Hargate Hall midweek Boot Camps

They are combining the superb venue of Hargate Hall with the expertise of Civilian Military Fitness in the Peak District!

During the boot camp you will:

•get fit and improve your health
•tone up and improve body shape
•gain a better quality of life through exercise
•become more confident
•meet new people and make new friends whilst having fun as you get fit

The army Boot Camps are over 5 days, starting at noon on a Monday to noon on a Friday, The classes are the Very Best in Outdoor Fitness delivering unbeatable Circuit Training, Cross Training & Total Conditioning Workouts. We cover every aspect of fitness, weight loss & shape improvement and we can also deliver in-depth advice in Sports and Exercise Nutrition. Our boot camps are designed to suit all ages and abilities, and are therefore suitable for all, young and old, male and female, friends, families and couples, new clients or those who have previously been to Hargate Hall.

Ex military staff will lead the activities and all are fully trained, qualified and experienced. They will encourage you with a sense of urgency to achieve the best that you can, and be on hand to offer help and advise the rest of the time. All activities will make use the local area and everyday objects. No specialist equipment is needed or used, so you will be able to continue you new fitness regime at home.

The Peak District is a fantastic location to hold our boot camps as is offers a lovely setting for you to exercise in as well as providing plenty of natural features that we will use during the camp eg big hills!
Meals and snacks
You will be provided with 3 good meals a day. Although your reason for being on the Boot Camp is to get fit and possibly lose some weight you will be doing a lot of exercise and will be given balanced, healthy and filling meals. You will need this energy to be able to do your best on the boot camp, but rest assured you will be burning it, and more off as well!

When you have booked, you will be asked to fill in a health questionnaire, this is also the time to tell us if you have any allergies, or if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Boot Camp Dates and Prices
Dates
•6th – 10th June (Female only)
•11th – 15th July (Female only)
•12th – 16th September (Female only)
•26th – 30th September (Female only)
•3rd – 7th October (Female only)
•17th – 21st October (Female only)
We may also be able to add other inbetween dates on request subject to a minimum of 10 people booking

For more details Click Here

WATCH the Buxton Video Click Here

Diana Princess of Wales.Her historical marriage links to Chatsworth in the Peak District

2011-04-21T09:34:00.017+01:00

Did you see the film The Duchess?? I thought it was fab!

The life of Georgiana Cavendish has been made into a movie and it was called 'The Duchess' and filmed at Chatsworth House in the Peak District and Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire during 2007. It was directed by Saul Dibbs and stars Keira Knightley as Georgiana.

When we were at The Chatsworth Estate filming the new video in partnership with Peak District Online we saw much evidence of the life and times of Georgiana Cavendish - the Duchess of Devonshire. The Staircase here shows some of the history in pictures........ on the right here is Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire and she was born Lady Georgiana Spencer on June 7th, 1757. Georgiana Cavendish was the first wife of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire. Her father, John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer, was a great-grandson of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Her niece was Lady Caroline Lamb. Among her descendants is the present Duke of Devonshire (via her granddaughter). Another was Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Spencer), who was descended from Georgiana's brother, the 2nd Earl Spencer.

Georgiana Cavendish was a celebrated beauty and a socialite who gathered around her a large circle of literary and political figures. She was also an active political campaigner in an age when women's suffrage was still over a century away.

Georgiana married William Cavendish on June 6, 1774. They has a son , William George Spencer Cavendish who became the 6th Duke of Devonshire and 2 daughters. They were Georgiana Cavendish (1783-1858) and Harriet Cavendish (1785-1862).

Georgiana was famous not only for her marital arrangements, her beauty and sense of style, her political campaigning, but also for her love of gambling. She was reported to have died deeply in debt, even though her own family the Spencers and her husband's family the Cavendishes were immensely wealthy.

During her years in the public eye, Georgiana was painted by Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. Gainsborough's famous painting of her in a large French hat was lost for many years. It was purchased a decade ago by Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire for the Chatsworth collection.

On the left here is a gallery totally dedicated to Georgiana and some of her personal belongings and favorite things.

I wonder what Georgiana would have thought about the forthcoming royal marriage - She would have loved it I am sure!

Here at Peak District Online we have so much information on this subject.....Click here to find out more about The Chatsworth Estate

Uncovering a Peak District and Chatsworth - Hidden Treasure!

2011-04-20T16:47:00.014+01:00

You probably know by now, the Peak District Online Team were filming at Chatsworth to work in Partnership with The Estate to produce a fantastic Video for both Chatsworth and Peak District Online.......

Whilst we were there we were told about a new addition to the north courtyard stonework!!!! Ordered by the Duke himself.

All the renovation is to bring back The Chatsworth Estate to its original appearance in every way...............with one small hidden addition!! Under the skirt of one of the fighters in the stonework depicting war are two new additions....an engraved poppy and an AK47!!!! You can only see them when you go right up to the buildings wall and look up and under the skirt..............but they are there!! Well done to The Duke for making his mark!!!! can you see it?? If not......why not..................

Visit Chatsworth when all is uncovered otherwise or watch the Peak District Online Video - out very soon during May!

First glimpse of the newly renovated Chatsworth....

2011-04-19T09:29:00.007+01:00

On the day some of the Peak District Online Team was at The Chatsworth Estate shooting the new - soon to be released Peak District Online & Chatsworth Estate Video - we saw glimpses of what the new look Chatsworth building would be like.

It is being restored to its original state, with totally clean stone work and newly painted window frames, in gold leaf, just as it would have been when it was built all of those centuries ago.

One of the walls of the north courtyard has been completed. I hope you agree from these pictures, that is will look fantastic when the entire building is complete!

We uncovered some secrets within these walls too - ordered by the Duke himself.....more details to follow soon.......

Little Longstone Massacre?

2011-04-18T10:12:00.008+01:00

Really exciting news just in for the continued National and International limelight on the Peak District!

There has been a mass burial found near Little Longstone. This apparently suggests a massacre at Iron Age hill fort. The discovery sheds new light on how our ancestors lived and died Archaeologists have found evidence of a massacre linked to Iron Age warfare at a hill fort in little longstone. Nine skeletons were discovered in a section of ditch around the fort at Fin Cop in the Peak District. A burial site contained only women and children - the first segregated burial of this kind from Iron Age Britain.

Scientists believe "perhaps hundreds more skeletons" could be buried in the ditch, only a small part of which has been excavated so far. Construction of the hill fort has been dated to some time between 440BC and 390BC, but it was destroyed before completion. The fort's stone wall was broken apart and the rubble used to fill the 400m perimeter ditch, where the skeletons were found. A second, outer wall and ditch had been started but not finished. Iron Age warfare The findings provide a rare insight into warfare in pre-Roman Britain, according to Dr Clive Waddington of Archaeological Research Services, who directed the excavations. "There has been an almost accepted assumption amongst many archaeologists that hill forts functioned as displays of power, prestige and status and that warfare in the British Iron Age is largely invisible," he said. Archaeologists excavated along the line of the fort's perimeter wall and ditch "For the people buried at Fin Cop, the hurriedly constructed fort was evidently intended as a defensive work in response to a very real threat." The skeletons are of women, babies, a toddler and a single teenage male.

The archaeological team believe they were probably massacred after the fort was attacked and captured. All were found in a 10m long section of ditch, the only part to be excavated so far. The ditch was 5m wide with 2m deep vertical edges and would have guarded a 4m high perimeter wall. Animal bones, also found in the ditch, suggest the fort's inhabitants kept cattle, sheep and pigs. There were also remains from horses which indicate some of the fort's inhabitants were of high status. The human and animal remains at Fin Cop are relatively well preserved, at least partly due to the limestone geology - the alkaline chemistry slows down decay of organic material including bone. This may also help explain why similar evidence of Iron Age warfare has not been found at other sites; many hill forts are built on gritstone or sandstone whose acidic soil accelerate the decay of organic matter.

Deer Shooting in Clough Wood, Wensley

2011-04-18T09:46:00.005+01:00

For over 100 years a small herd of black faced deer have roamed ans survived in the quiet valley nestled between the village of Wensley and Stanton Moor in the Peak District. Despite the encroachment of industry and the changes of land use the herd has quietly survived.

Sadly, I feel this situation will not continue as over the past few months there has been evidence that someone is shooting the deer and presumably selling the meat making a bit of cash. The herd is not large and if the shooting continues, the herd will not survive.

I understand that it is not illegal to shoot deer but is there anything we can do to prevent this continuing? The herd deserves some respect - once the last deer has been shot, the herd will never return. The deer are unique and seeing them is something you don't forget.