Pictures from the  three trips to The Peak District, the first with Rob, the second with Jim and the third with Jim and John. With Rob  we managed a couple of quick walks, the first without snow from Curbar Gap along Froggat edge, the second with snow by Chrome hill.. We completed a return trip to Chrome hill with Jim, a circular walk near Castleton, taking in the Speedwell Cavan,  a walk along Dovedale & a very impressive visit to Chatsworth House...see below!.

It is also fair to say the weather was very unseasonably grim for March on the last trip.. snow & cold winds. We stayed at Hartington Youth Hostel on all visits, which is rightly regarded as a flagship hostel.

 Hartington Hall >>>>  http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/hostelpages/53.html
 Chatsworth       >>>>  http://www.chatsworth-house.co.uk/

Chatsworth

Stately home visiting is not in my top 10 list of pastimes ... in fact it usually appears just above watching paint dry... but Jim was keen to go, so nothing ventured etc.

I am happy to report Chatsworth is good news, as it is still owned by the family you were able to enjoy their collections well preserved and thoughtfully presented.

On their first day of opening this year, the big stars were the staff... what a terrific bunch, friendly, helpful & informative people>>> while still making you feel like welcomed customers. From the guy at the gate to the waitress in the cafe they were a class act and a breath of fresh air in this age of artificial customer service.

The home made carrot & parsnip soup was not only very good, it was a lot better than my latest brew!

Chatsworth should also be congratulated on allowing photography... the reasons to stop this activity in other places are always a bit questionable.