Heidi was everything I hoped and more, everything went so well.
The weather was beautiful when we set off on Sunday lunchtime and the Camper was all packed and ready
I had booked a two night stay at The Duke of York in Pomeroy on the A515 in Derbyshire. As I had left it very late to book I didn't get much choice but was happy with my find.
It took just over an hour to get there and we were greeted by amazing views over the peaks.
After a fast check in and hook up to the electricity we made the most of the sunshine and headed for the Tissington Trail which started across the road from the campsite.
The dogs were in Heaven as we walked in the afternoon Sun, first to Hurdlow then on to Parsley Hay. I had forgotten to eat lunch in my hurry to get on so by the time we got to Parsley Hay I was beginning to wonder what dog leg tastes like!!! Anyway there was a small cafe so we stopped for a rest and a bite to eat before starting the return journey.
The Tissington Trail is the former Ashbourne to Buxton railway line and is a reasonably flat, well laid path that is well utilised by walkers and cyclist alike. The views were fantastic and the dogs were able to run free.
As we approached Parsley Hay there were warning signs about animals grazing and just as I was about to put the dogs back on the lead they showed great interest in a hole in the fence that surrounded a field full of Sheep. I called them quickly and they both came back to have their leads put on.
Now if I didn't know better I would say that Poppy made a mental note of this hole because as we were walking back - before I got a chance to put the leads back on, she had scooted down the hole and into the field. Once in there she proceeded to chase the Sheep with great delight as she became DEAF!
So of course, I had to chase the dog, who chased the Sheep, who ran all over the large field with a considerable incline, up and down twice! All the time I was expecting to see a farmer jump out of the hedge with a gun to shoot my pup - instead he appeared and very calmly and kindly spoke to Poppy and called her over telling her how good she was (reverse psychology) giving me chance to put her lead on - phew (no more free running for her)!
When we finally returned from out 7 mile round trip I had two very sleepy monkeys on my hands .....
After sampling the bar meals in the pub it was off to bed ............
(The fluffy bundle to the right of this picture is actually Bracken - not a cushion)
The first night in the Camper was very snugly and we all awoke with the sunlight the following morning. This was an added bonus as I had been expecting the forecast rain. So after a quick breakfast we headed off to Hartington as Kristina has recommended a walk from there.
The walk took us from the village across fields and through a wood that followed a stream. Again there were animals and I took no chances - the dogs stayed on their leads until we got to the woods. Another hour and a half later we returned to explore the village and stop for a mid morning coffee.
As we made our way back from Hartington I spotted a sign for Monyash Well dressing so that was our next stop.
Well dressing (also once known as well flowering) is a summer custom practised in rural England in which wells, springs or other water sources are decorated with designs created from flower petals. The custom is most closely associated with the Peak District and Staffordshire. Its origins are based in Pagan celebrations of pure Well water during the Black Death and the tradition is said to of originated in Tissington.
This one done by the School actually had the rows of vegetables made out of vegetables themselves as well as flower petals.
And no British Village Bank Holiday Well Dressing would be complete without dancing around the Maypole.
Another very handy aspect of owning a Camper is that you have everything to hand all the time so Lunch was made and eaten by the side of the road before continuing our journey.
Next stop Buxton - Buxton is a spa town and has the highest elevation of any market town in England. Much to my surprise it also has an Opera House.
Built in 1903 it had the same designer as the London Palladium and the London Coliseum. It ran as a successful theatre until 1927 then it was converted in to a Cinema. After falling in to disrepair it was restored in 1979 and now hosts the annual Gilbert & Sullivan festival, amongst others.
The University of Derby also has a campus there - a grade II listed building which dominates the local landscape and has a dome which is over 145 ft (44 m) in diameter, bigger than that of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
The building was originally a hospital, funded by the Duke of Devonshire, for charity patients seeking treatment at the spa.
Just time for a cream tea before leaving as the rain clouds appeared.
Once back at the campsite it was time to try out the new kettle ................
First trip - total success!
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