Not too long ago, we went for a nice walk in the Peak District from the village of Hartington to Pilsbury. Hartington is a bucolic spot, famous as the home of the oldest continually operating creamery in England and source of about a quarter of the world supply of stilton cheese. It is a beautiful area. We camped nearby last summer and we’ve walked along lower sections of the River Dove before, but this time we walked along the upper reaches of the Dove towards a tiny village called Pilsbury.
The weather was cold and promised to be wet, so we went prepared for anything. River was is high form, as you can see!
The views of Dovedale are spectacular, though sometimes I feel like I take the rolling hills and ancient stone walls for granted. It was a particularly gray day, but it was still beautiful.
This old tractor caught my eye. River and Sage had a discussion about how they wished they lived on a farm. I think they’d probably do well in such an environment.
River also got a new hat recently, thanks to her aunt’s prodigious talent. I love the colors and I think it really suits her.
Eventually, we came upon Pilsbury Grange, a 300 year old house once part of the Chatsworth estate and now available for hire. Actually, this is basically all there is to the village of Pilsbury. You could easily miss it if a passing sheep caught your eye for a second.
We crossed the River Dove on this bridge and began the return journey back to Hartington.
We caught a few moments of sunshine and collected some of the wool it illuminated on the wire fence.
The footpath returns across some pasture and over some stone walls. I particularly liked this embedded stairway.
It was good that we had prepared for inclimate weather, because we experienced some ferocious flurries on the walk back. The wind was so strong that the snow, at one point, was literally blowing up the hill.
We were glad to get back to Hartington and the warmth of the local tea shop where we rejuvenated with a cream tea. The kids had pudding with custard. Quintessentially English, if I do say so myself.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
It sounds like a wonderful time, although it reminded me of how cold it was when I was there last year. Good thinking to dress so warmly and dryly. I can’t believe how beautiful it all is. Love,
Grammy Gail
February 17th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
It looks as if you had another great hike! Is Chatsworth the estate where Lady Georgiana Spencer lived? There is a movie about her that was filmed in Derbyshire called “The Duchess.” I haven’t seen it, however–just read about it. It is so much fun to see all of the places that you visit! Love to everyone, Grana