A few years ago I visited North East Derbyshire and explored places in this part of the english Peak District.

On this trip I was seeing family, but got to see plenty of splendid spots and spectacular scenery.

I came up on the train from Plymouth, where I was living at the time. My uncle picked me up in Chesterfield the closest big-town and central to the area.

He drove us to the cottage he lives in in with wife just outside the tiny village of Press on a late march lunchtime.

What struck me immediately was how open the landscape was, with hills emerging abundantly across all sides. We walked up one of these here at Ashover Rocks, a good vantage point. Also known as “The Fabrick” I was told. Would have been even better with binoculars. This was a 15 minute walk from his house.

We went back and had some lunch. Fussed his two dogs. Different ages but loved getting out for walks which wont surprise you.

A peaceful, mind-clearing spot to walk.

We then drove out to the local town of Matlock (not to be confused with Grandpa Simpson’s favourite TV show) and to Cromford Mills; the birthplace of the modern factory system. You can observe the first water powered cotton spinning mill. Its a delightful and equally informative mill to visit. The history of the labour involved in early textile manufacturing from as early as the late 18th century.

We came back to the cottage, had some dinner, a beer and an early night. Up early the next morning and off for a drive again. This time out to Baslow edge, an excellent scenic spot that shows off the Peak District gloriously.

The weather was bracing and we got out at the National Trust car park. Perfect conditions for the ruff and rocky terrain.

Once you get to the edge its fantastic.

You can see the small villages below and this vast open area of the peak district. Green with splashes of brown. Even better with a flask of tea and a lunchbox.

The rock formations and the gritstones themselves are spectacular.

A pleasure to view and absorb your surroundings, all around and into the distance.

Below to the right is the village of Curbar.

Curbar Edge is a perfect spot to tower over the village here.

Baslow Edge to the left, Curbar to the right:

We came-back and had some food, a beer and watched a movie.

The next day we went to The Blue John Cavern in Castleton. The home of the Blue John Stone mined here. Used in Jewellery, including earrings, bracelets, brooches and pendants.

We took the 245 steps down into the cavern with a guide. It gets deeper and darker. The guide goes into the history of this hand mined gem. He was an older chap who gave the impression of doing the job for a long time.

It is interesting how he explained the care required in the mining to not disturb the colouring of the Blue John in the mining processes, which if failed leaves the mineral worthless. The crystalline formation of the gem can be seen in the these pictures I took in the dark cavern.

This rare mineral, only known to be found at this Derbyshire mine, first to be discovered by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.

Being in this cavern gave you the feeling of going back in time. To an age where the need for raw minerals through mining was central to local communities. But the Blue John is special and unique to this place.

You can see this in the gift shop aswell, where you can buy jewellery and ornamental pieces made with the Blue John. The displays of different pieces of gemstones, i bought one for myself and one as a gift for family.

Be prepared for a trek and back up when you go, but a good day out certainly.

We then went to Derwent Reservoir. The site of practice raids for World War II RAF 617 Squadron. Practice for those known today as the Dambusters Raids.

It takes some getting around that these pillar towers either side would have seen the main preparation for one of the most significant allied aviation missions in the war. Dive-bombing aircraft low-flying above the water.

Aside from this, Derwent is a nice reservoir to visit anyway. Watching the water as it streams along and crashes as it hits the base of the dam is peaceful and hypnotic.

The Dam wall is also impressive. The area is hills and woodland split apart on either side by this River Derwent. This is definitely a spot to make a point of seeing in the peak district.

At the end of this we headed back to my uncle’s place and had some hot food.

The next day i headed back on the train. This was a good trip and we packed a lot in in only 2 full days.

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