Peak District 16-20 Oct 26

Sheffield Rugby versus Cambridge on Sat 17 Oct and our research showed that we could take the van to Hope (near Castleton) and catch the train from Hope station to Dore and Totley, which is very close to the ground. We found a great caravan site named Laneside Caravan Park in Hope, which provided a fully serviced pitch, excellent facilities and even a bar and snack bar for £10 cheaper than the Cackyvan Club site in Castleton, which is usually fully booked in any case. On Friday we set off for the usual horrible journey to the Peak District, deciding to cut across country from the A1 to Hope in the "hope" of avoiding Chesterfield and Sheffield. The cross country route was worse than going through either of those places. Anyway, we arrived safely, pitched up and stretch our legs by walking into Hope and enjoying a well deserved pint in front of the roaring fire in the Old Hall Hotel, a great pub we had last visited in Apr 19.  From there it was back to the bar on site for a pint and a pizza then relaxation in the van.

Hope Church

On Saturday we had an excellent full Derbyshire breakfast in the Hope Tearooms before catching the hourly train for the 18 minute journey into Yorkshire. The train was very busy (3 carriages, 1 train an hour - what do they expect?) but we soon arrived and wandered into the wonderful Abbeydale Sports Club at the Rugby ground where we were joined by our friends from Cambridge and watched us lose yet again. Back on the train after a very nice Dale Pie and home in no time.

Hope Tearooms

Sheffield RUFC

On Sunday we needed some exercise so we slogged up Win Hill. When we eventually reached the summit it was blowing a hooley and it was quite hard standing, so we quickly admired the view and then descended, stopping for refreshment at Twitchill Farm Cottages and just about avoided the very light shower. Back to the van to rest our aching legs and an early night.

The following day we walked the 2 miles or so into Castleton, had a mooch around, a fabulous lunch in the Cheshire Cheese (the pies were massive) then wandered back to rest. 

Peverill Castle above Castleton

Halloween already?

Innkeepers Pie - delicious!

On Tuesday the weather was awful. We packed up and decided on yet another route back home, which was fine until we discovered the M1 was blocked (again) and we took a wrong turn on the A617, going up a very steep, twisty and narrow road which was nerve-wracking to say the least. Luckily this van is narrower and has lovely electric fold in mirrors - our "get thin" switch! Eventually, after a bit of a slog, we arrived home.

We like the Peak District. It's a shame it is such a pain to get to.