Day 2. Hartington, Biggin Dale, Alstonefield

Twas a lovely sunny morning when I set off on Wednesday. This kind of start to the day is so uplifting. There is happiness in my heart, and a sense of freedom which makes me want to fly, so with map in hand I am looking forward to what the day has in store for me.

I turned left out of the hostel, and set off down Highfield Lane to the right.

Eventually arriving at the start of Biggin Dale.



Eventually the path joins the River Dove, and I followed it down to Coldeaton Bridge.

This is a photo taken looking back, the path is well worn along here as it's a very popular route.

At Coldeaton Bridge I crossed the river and climbed up the steep Gypsy Bank. There's the bridge down there. I didn't want to continue any further down the river because it leads to Mill Dale and Dove Dale, two areas where I have walked before.

The view from the top of the bank. I sat and had a bite to eat at this point, just to take in how wonderful it is here. Right across on the opposite side of the valley I can see tiny figures walking along the top, they are on the Tissington Trail, a disused railway line that has been turned into a long distance path.

It was a short distance to the village of Alstonefield. This is the old Methodist Chapel which now houses a furniture making enterprise which uses traditional methods using real wood. It looks as though someone also lives there, as a ready made up bed is visible through the left hand window. I've always fancied living in a converted church or chapel.

This is St Peters Church, there was signs of activity inside so I didn't venture in as my boots were caked in mud. They were getting ready for a four day event, The Festival of Angels.

Most of the villages I have visited in Derbyshire have had a Reading Room sign on one of the houses. This one dates back to the 1820's.

After a bite to eat I sat on a bench opposite the village pub, I decided to start heading back as it had begun to cloud over a little and the threat of rain loomed.

If my hostel at Hartington is at the top end of the scale as regards luxury accommodation, then this has to be at the bottom end. The YHA also have Camping Barns, which are really only one step up from a tent. They have the most basic of amenities, and are very cheap to stay at. This is four walls and a roof, and will cost you £7.50 a night. Inside there is a communal cooking area with picnic bench type seating, toilet and wash basin, and a seperate sleeping area upstairs for twelve people. Basically you would need to carry everything you need for camping, except the tent.

I lost my way a bit on the next part of the walk. Skirting round the edge of Narrowdale Hill, there should have been a path off to the left, just after passing the derelict buildings of Narrow Dale Farm. I couldn't find it because it wasn't signed, and everywhere I looked was just like any other mud bath at the entrance to a field. Luckily my knight in shining armour was to appear, and show me the way.

Earlier in the day I was aware that a lone male was following me, quite a good way back. Not to worry, as long as he keeps his distance I thought, I kept my eye on him and kept checking his whereabouts. Then I stopped to talk to a group of three men, who reminded me of the three old boys from 'Last of the Summer Wine', and the lone walker passed us. A bit further along he stopped for a drink from his flask, and I passed him. Looks harmless I thought, just a walker like me. As I crossed the bridge and looked back I noticed that he had carried on along the river. Hmmm, I wonder if he might be doing a circle like me, and he would catch me up later.

I was right in my assumptions, there he was, just when I needed to ask someone the way. He told me he was checking out a route for a ramblers walk he was leading the following week, and by luck he had walked that particular route a few years ago, he was refreshing his memory. He looked genuine to me, so we walked together back to Hartington to where he had parked his car.

There was time for a little bimble around the village, maybe an hour of daylight left. This house is opposite the car park and toilets, don't know anything about it but I thought it looks interesting.

This is the Charles Cotton Hotel, which has been providing food and accommodation for the past 275 years.

Across the road is the Devonshire Arms pub.

St Giles Church stands high up overlooking the village.

I took a peek inside and found this colourful display, entitled, 'How the World Was Made.' Looks like a community effort, I bet they had a lot of fun making it.

I still had a little bit of daylight left so I did a short circular walk to fill the time. Luckily it hadn't rained so I returned with dry clothes. Back at the hostel it was stew for dinner again, this self catering is saving me a fortune. A quiet night in front of the fire tonight, with piles of magazines and papers to read. A few other people were staying, but the place is that big we were hardly sitting on top of each other. Plenty of room to spread yourself about. Toodle pip.

Hartington Hall Youth Hostel. The place to stay

It's not very often you get to stay at a four star hotel at a cost of £8 a night. I arrived in the dark, and discovered the following morning just how grand Hartington Hall looked from the outside. The manor house was built in 1611 by Robert Bateman, and in 1862 it underwent substantial alterations. The Batemans remained at Hartington until the 20th century and in 1934 the property was opened as a Youth Hostel.

This is one of three entrances off the road, it leads to the front door and straight into Eliza's Restaurant, which is open to the public as well as hostel guests.

It has extensive grounds and is licensed for civil weddings. To the right is a covered veranda with outdoor seating.


On the left is a long sweeping driveway up to the back of the house. I missed the first entrance in the dark for the car park, and drove right up to the house and parked there. No one asked me to move it so there it stayed.



At the back is a small pets enclosure with three goats in one pen, and big fluffy bunnies and clucking hens, in the other.

Across the courtyard is a converted barn which houses more dormitories, a meeting room, drying room, members self catering kitchen, and a laundry.

This is the main lounge with big soft sofas,

a wood burning stove,

and piles of magazines to read. Unfortunately the TV was out of order.

Another stove in the adjoining lounge area.

More sofas and oak paneling.

Part of the dining room, with huge old fashioned cast iron windows set in stone.

And a bit more of the dining room. These two enjoying their breakfast were the lovely people who spotted me from the tele.

Two more pics of the extensive dining and lounge area. This looks like a cosy pub, and yes you can get a drink here, they are licensed.



The reception desk with a friendly chappie eager to help.

There is a reading room, with a computer.

A games room where you can play pool, a table soccer game, and games for younger children.


I didn't take a pic of my room. It had eight beds, I shared with one other lady on the first night, and had it to myself on the second night. There was a wash basin in the room, and also a shower cubicle. The toilet was next door but one, which was no problem because there was hardly anyone else there. I would definately stay here again, even at the full price it is still very good value. I'll catch you later.

Day 1. A bimble round Matlock

I really should be saying Good Morning, but as I have been a bit of a slacker today I will amend that to Good Afternoon. The reason for my bone idleness? Watching last nights 'Ultimate Guide to Pennypinching' on Channel 4 catchup, and reading all the comments about it on Money Saving Expert forum. Got to keep up with what's going on haven't I, ha ha.

Anyway, what have I been up to for the past three days. My apologies for one measly post from the hostel, but at 50p for ten minutes, or £5 for 24 hours, whether on their computer or my own, I didn't feel inclined to spend the money. What a tight arse I am, ha ha.

As I mentioned, I stopped for a bimble around Matlock on the way to Hartington on Tuesday. The weather wasn't brilliant, very windy. Although I don't mind the wind, later on it developed into a full blow gale and I got a bit wet. Not ideal for taking photo's but I tried my best.

Riber Castle is a distinct landmark which towers over the town, set high up on the hillside. A place I have not been to before so I headed in that direction. It looks very spooky from a distance. It was built in 1862 by John Smedley as his private home. He died before it's completion, but his wife continued to live in it untill her death. The castle then became a school, but was a derelict shell by the 1930's. In the 1960's a group of zoologists set up a nature reserve there, which operated at near bankruptcy for many years. It had a reputation for cruelty and neglect of it's animals and was finaly closed down in September 2000. It was also used as a set for filming, 'Dead Man's Shoes'.

Turning round to admire the view from half way up the hill.

And again from near the top of the hill. Looking down on Matlock.

The final push to the top along this path which has been partly cleared and improved.

This is as near as I can get. The grounds are surrounded by tall fencing, it looks magnificent. Apparently they used a series of pulleys to haul the blocks of stone up there.

If you want to see some pictures of the interior I have found this video on youtube. Ignore the silly music and the ghostly tales, it will give you some idea of just how derelict it is. Apparently now the plan is to turn it into appartments, but there is a lot of local opposition. Around the back there is a lot of work going on, but I am not sure if this is part of the plan, or they are just making it secure. I couldn't get anywhere near it to ask.



Another look down before I move on.

In the hamlet of Riber is this very old house. It looks uninhabited and amazingly spooky. There is a sign on the front saying Antique Centre, and looking through the windows I saw signs of old furniture.

Steps to the front door. The property to the left hand side at the rear looks to be inhabited, the front is perhaps used for the selling of antiques.

The weather was worsening, more wind and the real threat of rain, so I went back down to my car. Didn't quite make it before the heavens opened and I got a bit wet. After ten minutes or so of torrential downpour when the roads turned to rivers, and I had a bit to eat, I decided to venture out for another little bimble. This time towards another vantage point, High Tor. I set off and viewed the castle from afar.

After quite a bit of steep climbing, I came across this handy little shelter, no time to sit down though as I didn't think the rain was going to hold off for very long.

The pics are not very good, it's a shame because on a clear day the views would be magnificent. This is looking down on the main A6 trunk road, the River Derwent, and the railway line that runs alongside.

Same road, a bit further along. The wind was getting up again, nothing to stop me from toppling over the edge, I stood well back, ha ha.

Time to get back in the car, starting to run out of daylight now and it's only 3pm. I decided to make a short stop at Matlock Bath, and climb up behind the houses to take some pics looking down. My mum used to take us on bus trips here. Day trips were the only holidays we had. I also came to the Matlock Bath Hotel for a posh dinner when I was a child, it was a choir trip which was organised by the Methodist Church, of which I was a member. I remember it well.

I took numerous pics of this scene, but the lighting was not good. I've done my best with a bit of titivating. The street lights are reflecting on the river, and it gives you some idea of how people build their gardens on the steep terraces. One thing I did notice that while it looks like a beautiful place to live, there is the constant drone of traffic noise. Something I would not like one bit.

This is a busy tourist place in the summer, it is teeming with people. It's also a well know bikers meet up place, they come from all over to show off their bikes and admire each others. Yes, I have been here as a biker as well.

Daylight was fading fast and shops were closing, no point in hanging around so I headed off to Hartington. When I got there I couldn't see much of the outside of the building in the dark, but hey, the inside was amazing, I was gobsmacked that this place was so cheap to stay at. More tomorrow.

A good lungfull of farmyard pong !

I love my short frugal breaks, a change of scenery, new places to explore, it's very uplifting and keeps me sane. I've had two days of fantastic walking. Hardly had to wear a jacket at all, my body warmer over a fleecy top and sweatshirt was enough to keep me warm. I've been up and down hills, sloshing through muddy fields full of cow dung, paddling through more cow dung in farmyards, and clambering over stiles set in stone walls. It's been flippin fantastic.

I see Annie has asked a couple of questions about my walking. Hi Annie. Do I always go to the Derbyshire Peak District? No Annie, I go anywhere I want to go, but I have to think of cost. The reason I chose the hostels at Eyam and Hartington is because they are part of the special out of season offer. £8 and £10 per night. I am constantly checking the YHA web site for availability and prices. I also have to think of my travel expenses, and try to use the hostels which are nearest to me, to save on petrol costs.

You also asked if I have had any problems on walks, I assume you mean walking alone. No I haven't. I take precautions, always look around me, be aware of my surroundings, check no one is following me. I feel safest when I am the only person there. The fact that I don't see anyone for ages is a bonus for me, I love the isolation, I am very happy in my own company. I think you have more chance of being attacked in a town centre, now that does make me a bit nervous.

Well tonight I am sitting here all wrapped up in a chilly house. Last night I was sweltering hot lounging on a comfy sofa with my feet up, next to a roaring fire. It was pure bliss. I'd had a hot shower after my walk, and there was a healthy glow in my cheeks. The hostel was probably the best one I have ever stayed in, and all for £8 per night. You will see what I mean when I post the pics, definately five star status.
My brain is shutting down for the night, I'll catch you tomorrow. Toodle pip

Quick note

Hello. I am writing this on the hostel computer, sorry this post will have no photo's because £1 for 20 minutes would not be enough time to insert them and the words as well. And I am too mean to buy any more time, ha ha. Photo's will appear when I get back.

What have I done today. I stopped off at Matlock to have a look around, climbed the hill to Riber Castle, then it started raining so I had a bite to eat, then went for another walk, up High Tor this time. The views from here were fantastic, looking down on the main A6 road, the river and the railway line. It's a pity the weather wasn't too good.

Then I went a bit further to Matlock Bath and had a look around there. It was starting to get dark then, at 3.15pm, it was very overcast. The hostel looks like a posh hotel inside, I will take some photo's. There are a few people here, I am in a room sharing with one other. Guess what, I was recognised from Super Scrimpers, my fame follows me, ha ha.
My time is nearly finished, catch you later.

Lets have a cosy chat

Hi, I seem to be getting a little bit behind with replying to your comments, so why don't we sit down with a cuppa, and have a little natter, and I'll fill in some of the gaps. I'll be working backwards through the posts, so if you've asked me something hopefully all will be clear quite soon.

Dartford Warbler asked if the last photo on the Brigg walk was the Angel Hotel. Yes it was DW, here is a bit from the Brigg Market Town Website.

Brigg Town Council is justifiably proud of the Angel Suite, which was officially opened in 1995, following the final phase of renovations to the old Angel Hotel.
The Town Council Office is located in the basement of the Angel Suite, but the main function of the building is to provide Brigg with a Community Centre which lends itself to any type of function. The building is also regularly used by a number of local organisations.

Welcome to the new Annonymous contributor, who used to live in North Lincolnshire, and who now lives down south, good to hear from you. I can imagine how difficult it must be to lead a green and frugal life in a part of the country where everything is expensive. Up here in the sticks is recognised as one of the cheapest places in the UK to live. Try not to get too disheartened, you are lucky to be near your family.

Hi lizzie, no I have not tried making my own yogurt. I sometimes buy the plain which is cheaper, then add my own fruit. Fast forward 20 mins and I have just been reading a web site called http://www.makeyourownyogurt,com/ and watched three videos, and now I feel ready to have a go. So maybe a project for next week. Thanks to you, and PP, and Sarina, for suggesting this.

Hi PP, you ask how much I spend on food each month. I am in the process of monitoring it. There is a seperate page for this which you can access from the link at the top of this page. Total for the first month was £55, I am monitoring it over a six month period, some months will be up some will be down, I am looking for an average figure over the six months. I grow vegetables in the summer only. I want to keep it as an enjoyable hobby, not as a chore which I have to do, so I take the winters off. I don't want to keep chickens, the two main reasons reasons being, there is a big initial outlay of time and money to build a fox proof henhouse and run. And I don't want all the responsibility that goes with looking after them. Letting them out each morning, getting them back in at night, dealing with red mite, prolapse, and any other chickeny ailments. I dont want the commitment. No thank you very much.

Anonymous has commented with some price comparisons, thank you for your input. Your Lidl bran flakes are a good buy at 69p. Mine are 77p for a 750grm box of Value at Tesco. As you say, just as good as the branded one, and half the price. I must admit I tend to do the bulk of my shop at Tesco, but will call in any other supermarket when passing. I have tried the Value yogurt and it was horrible so the next step is to try Sains basics, that's if I don't start making it myself.

There has been some comments on re heating food. I don't always re heat the whole pan. If I am taking some out to eat I microwave just that portion. If I am adding something to the pan and it needs cooking first, I steam it seperately then add it, and warm the whole lot up on a low heat. Or if I add a tin of something I chuck it straight in the pan and reheat the whole lot. It seems to work ok for me, but I wouldn't advise anyone to do the same if they have meat in their stew. Oh, and I ought to mention that you won't be struggling to erm, 'go', if you do as I do, ha ha.

Anonymous in Australia asks if I will be doing any bag tutorials. I am not sure if the Anonymous readers are all the same person, perhaps if you could add your preferred name to the end of your comment I could reply to you personally. I think I have done a couple of tutorials, I am never sure if people actually want to copy the bags, or just read about them to give them some ideas, either way is ok. I must start sewing again, and adding some tutorials.

I think that's covered most things. It's been a tad cold here today, but I still haven't any heating on. I'm sitting here with a fleece dressing gown on over my clothes, as long as I keep moving about that will keep me warm. I did an hour of litter picking this morning, my goodness that was cold round the old lug holes. I need to get my wooly hat out.

It's mobile library day today so I changed my books. Got six more to add to the five I already have out, we can have a total of twenty. I like to have a selection lying around the place so I can dip into them at any time.

I've picked up a massive book with just under six hundred pages, The Good Book, A Secular Bible. Inside the front cover it says, 'The Good Book is a book of insight, inspiration, wisdom, solace and commentary on the human condition drawn from the great humanist traditions of thought and literature of the world. It's principal concern is how life - the good life - should be lived. Stimulating, thoughtful, rational and rewarding, it makes essential reading'. It says it is made by philosopher A.C. Grayling, not sure if that is the same as 'written by'. I reckon this will send me off to sleep a treat :o)

A couple of bargains I got yesterday. This is the sort of shopping I like. Cheers me up no end when I find cheapo's like this.

And this makes me fed up. Now beans are 31p, they were 26p four weeks ago.

My lunch for today. Plate piled high with iceberg lettuce, half a tub of potato salad, grated cheese, spinach, with a blue cheese dressing. Fabulous.


I'm off now to brew up another three day stew to take with me to Derbyshire tomorrow. I'll take the net book because they have internet at the hostel, so I'll be keeping my beady eyes on you. Toodle pip.