More Elliots, more walking!

Having spent a nice weekend with Nina's Mum & Dad in Bakewell we get a surprise text from Russ & Lynne (Elliot) and do they fancy a few days in their company at Dethick?

The answer is a definite yes as its been a while since we've seen our chums and only on foreign soil in previous winters down in sunny Portugal

The weather looks great for the next three days so all is set for their arrival…

Lynne guides 'Nobby' as I now affectionately call him on to those all essential levelling ramps and the seed of doubt is planted for their eventual extraction from the sloping grass

(grip mats and dry weather triumphed easily in the end)

Oh dear…

After some al fresco catching up it soon descends in to our 'Retired Brits' preferred activity

Much hilarity and 'wetting of whistles'

Next morning after much group debate we are off walking the local area in glorious sunshine

It turns out to be a very warm day and mental notes are made by the boys of the need for regular hydration stops..

I think I'll have a cider first..

Russ and his trusted Maps.me app takes us in to Matlock via a series of footpaths and side roads clearly displayed on his phone. This is a first for us as we've never walked this route before and discover several new places of interest

A longshot of Riber Castle now about to be turned in to flats

We are soon in Matlock Green and enjoying some tasty fish & chips again

No surprise there then..

A few shops for the Girlies and a walk in to nearby Matlock Bath is planned by the boys

One up, one down

The winding riverside route reveals lots of activity going on

After some light refreshment in the tourist village we are off again to Cromford to continue our circular walk taking in Masson Mill and Cromford Mill

A relic from when Britain led the world industrially

Time to walk that canal again...

Me doing Nobby

The oldest working factory in the world apparently and originally owned by the guy who had Riber Castle built

Nearing the end of a very long walk we hit panic mode as the storm clouds gather very quickly behind us, the wind increases, gets very dark and we practically run for..

This fine establishment..

We made it just as the storm passed, complete with lightning show, but strangely no rain 

Next day was recovery day with us visiting Mum on Max and a check up Xray for Nina's cough

A relaxing afternoon was spent in fine company before Lynne dished up a tasty roast dinner enjoyed with views of the setting sun

As ever our time together was really good and now look forward to our next RV who knows where but I'd hazard a guess at Portugal in the winter

Safe travels Chums….

I have to report Mick that the 'weapons grade' sherry is now alas no more..

Keith & Chris do Dethick too

No sooner are we back from partying with those pesky Clarkes and the Elliots arrive with beer, food and lots of chatter to keep us fuelled socially for the next few days

Keith is chef outside while Chris does wonders in the main restaurant kitchen within

Keith likes talking so attracts disciplinary measures from time to time as a wayward sous-chef

The beer flows and the catch up gets in to full swing…

A lovely braised steak dish with full trimmings was eagerly scoffed and thoroughly enjoyed sat in the peaceful surrounds of our 'temporary garden'

Next day, and not too early, the foursome set out a walkin' but are soon delayed at Tansley by that pub again..

Rather nice this what….

Looking over towards Ogston reservoir 

Ray Mears stunt double...

Laborious plea for wedded bliss...

Our 'Sunshine Girls'

We never really knew what this was...

Sewage works or horse exerciser?

A rodent's paradise

We are thinking horse or possible big dog...

Prior to these welcomed goodies we had yomped up some pretty bad terrain trying to follow a very unsuitable footpath, sorry guys…

Early evening drinks after the long walk with Nina's shepherd's pie to follow..

Shaun, their son, tips up next morning and we don our boots again for what was to be a great day's walking down by the Cromford Canal

A call in at Dethick church first and the key is sought from nearby Manor Farm

An easy ID for Mears….

How disappointing this was. A favourite stop of ours is shut for the season bizarrely and soon followed by the closed tea rooms near the canal. The twist here was that we'd walked past the Jug & Glass at Lea  earlier as it had just opened, doh!

Sarnies al fresco between Crich & Cromford with a cafe on the canal to follow

Back at base safely after another long walk

Chris knocked up another beauty from the Autotrail restaurant and yet more beer and banter ensued until, way after dark and staring at the stars, the tired teddies retired for the night

Shaun departed early next day which left the 'Duddies' to walk up the lane and catch the bus to Matlock

There's a small market on and we promise this guy we'll return later after he tried to fill us up with olive samplers

The main event

Fish & Chips Matlock style…

The antique shops suck in the ladies and we amble around the many 'yesterday year' alcoves

The book of truth...

An hour before the bus is due we fall in to Wetherspoons and rest our aching feet

On our 'drive back to the house'

Next morning a joint breakfast effort puts the icing on the cake for this particular RV

The weather was excellent for the past few days and we now look forward to our next big get together in the sun of Malaga at Christmas