A Day Out In Derbyshire

As today has been a fairly full one, the second and final part of the Mongolia expedition will be published when space allows.

As for today, with the weather still holding despite being in The North, we kicked off with a walk around Melbourne village particularly the Pool where I have spent many a happy hour fishing with Andy Lindsay.

Melbourne Hall from the east,

and across the Pool to the Parish Church and part of the village from the same direction.

It is rare to find no angler there at all, and this morning was no exception as we happened upon one who had just landed this 5lb Tench.

There was also a gaggle of Greylag Geese on the Pool, along with a Yellow Wagtail a pair of Nuthatch, Great Crested Grebe with young and the usual few Common Terns. From there we headed off to meet a few people I have come to know in the village, including firm favourite Glen Wicks ex Chief Constable of Police who is consistently good fun (except to those 'behind bars').

Chatsworth House, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. This was my second visit.

At noon we headed for the Peak District, and while I consider there is nothing to equal Dorset scenery, this part of the world certainly comes close.

The church at Chatsworth.

The medieval packhorse bridge at the quaint village of Ashford in the Water.

The village church,

and a typical Derbyshire cottage.

Lunch at the village Tea Rooms proved great value despite a limited menu due to high tourist volume. For Andy a goat's cheese and bacon salad and for me a delicious burger and one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had in UK.

Monsul Head a beautifully scenic place, but the photographs were not very complimentary.

except for the viaduct which was well worth the walk down.

Here are the details.

The bridge at Bakewell over the River Wye.

and downstream the river was crowded with Rainbow Trout, plus a few Brook Trout and Greyling all taking bread and chips thrown by the holiday makers.

And finally what for me was the highlight of the day, the twisted wooden spire of Chesterfield Parish Church. What a remarkable edifice.