Derbyshire in September

Another enjoyable break with my friends from Surrey meant a few more snaps for the blogsite. I met up with everyone in Ashbourne on Friday and we went on to Matlock where we were based. On the first evening we saw the following from the window of the house.



On Saturday we made our way to Ashford in the Water and did a circular walk to Monsal Head.



Then it was off to Bakewell for Bakewell pudding and shopping. Later that evening we caught the train to Matlock Bath to view the illuminations. We found a great fish and chip shop though and spent more time there. Joy was a little put out to find that small portions could be had by senior citizens. She usually finished off what we had left!!



On Sunday we found a beautiful Derbyshire moor with the 'Cork stone' and stones which represent 'Nine ladies dancing'. Apparently turned to stone when they danced on the Sabbath. Of course we had to try dancing too. Well I took the pics.





The rest of Sunday was spent at Chatsworth. As the others visited the house, I went around the gardens and snapped the sculpture exhibition 'Beyond Limits' which is on to the end of October. I still didn't find the resident sculptures I have been looking for so I guess I will have to go back. I recommend a week to visit Chatsworth.

Chaos Pamplona by Jedd Novatt


Hungry God by Subodh Gupta


Rod Gomli by Ron Arad (part of it)


Taichi Series by Ju Ming


Large Mirror Nijinski (one of them) by Barry Flanagan


Saint Bartholomew Exquisite Pain by Damien Hirst


Ace of Diamonds III by Lynn Chadwick


Contemporary Terracotta Warriors by Yue Minjun


Le Diabolo by Germaine Richier


Three Elektras by Lynn Chadwick


Why does Strange Fruit always look so Sweet? by Johan Cretan.


Swimming by Ju Ming


Swimming by Ju Ming


Gurutzeak I by Eduardo Chillida


Ping Pong by Ron Arad


You Again by Zadok Ben-David



Leftover by Zadok Ben-David


The Engine of Evolution



Butterflies by Manolo Valdes


Cubo I by Arnaldo Pomodoro


High Wind IV by Lynn Chadwick


Stairs by Lynn Chadwick



Visitor by David Breuer-Weil


Eve by Richard Hudson



I have been trying to find the Chatsworth's hens and rooster and finally came across them on this visit. A pop to the Ladies next to the Orangery shop and I found this lovely decoration.



I took the others on a swift tour of the gardens when they came out of the house. It takes about 2 hours to go around the house and about 4 - 6 hours for the gardens if not more. Joy and Yvonne posed for me.


On Monday we set off back south to stay a night in a wonderful B & B in the Cotswolds. We did a short walk on the Tissington trail before leaving Derbyshire.




A few snaps from the gardens and private wood at 'Windy Ridge' which is in Longborough near Moreton in the Marsh. This B & B is definitely worth a visit. Hospitality, food and comfort of the highest standards.




Pilgrim Wood

Windy Ridge hens


We left Windy Ridge and went for a wander around the nearby Batsford Arboretum. Batsford House below was the home of The Mitfords which provided a link with our visit to Chatsworth.



Penny on the bridge.