Rest, relaxation and recovery. A few days ago I spent time with my husband walking and relaxing in Derbyshire. We’d cancelled a weekend away in March because I’d broken my elbow and after 3 months I was looking forward rediscovering favourite walks. Previously we’ve started along the Manifold valley from the Staffordshire side.

This time, it being sunny and a Sunday, the car park at Hulme End was full. One section was occupied by a horse box. The horse, encouraged by its owner encouraging the horse was munching the hedge – thereby blocking several parking places for cars.  Annoyed, we moved on.

We drove through the village of Hartington to the Tissington Trail fully expecting that would also be overcrowded. But no. There was plenty of space and we enjoyed the walk along with many cyclists. The path is relatively flat and has the advantage of great views, and it suited me. It’s a splendid facility with parking, toilets and to our surprise, on the ground floor of a converted signal box, there was a snack bar. It sold fresh sandwiches, cold and hot drinks.  We sat at a table, listened in our imaginations to the steam trains chugging along the former railway line.

On our second day we decided not to drive. We left our car at the hotel and walked along the Manifold Valley from Ilam Country Park. Again, perfect weather for walking. We met several people who were prepared to chat, which is one of the pleasures of walking. We had a coffee at the National Trust café where we resisted the many home baked cakes.

On our way to the stepping stones at Dove Dale itself, we were part of what felt like a pilgrimage. Families, couples, singles took a route up a steep slope which avoided the busy road. Many carried picnics. When we reached the river, rugs and plastic sheets were spread out on the grass and families sat around eating and chatting. Children and adults joined the ducks in the river. Considering how busy it was, the mood was easy going and peaceful. No music, not much birdsong. People seem to like being together.

A few yards away, still by the Dove, it was quiet.

On our final day we took a longer walk starting in Tissington itself. This time there were more walkers than cyclists. It being half term there were many families enjoying the sunshine and exercise. One little girl was learning to ride a bike, helped by her father. It reminded me of Edenfield Avenue, Hornsea where I’d fallen off my bike several times on the cinder road before pedalling away from my dad whom I’d thought was hanging on to the saddle.

References: The photo of the restored signal box was taken by Lou Johnson and is in public domain. https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk

The website on the Manifold Valley shows photos of the area. The other photos here are those I took.

Reading: Show Me A Mountain – Kerry Young (novel)

Stowaway: A Levantine Adventure – Richard Gwyn (poetry)

Both are being read slowly with quiet enjoyment.