Okay there are so many reasons why I love coming back to Derbyshire. Dry stone walls covered in rich, green moss; winding roads overhung with trees; the expanse and loneliness of the moors; the peaks and of course market towns like Buxton. We are staying 8km from this historic town, It's the highest market town in the Peak District and the coldest place in England! Its mineral waters have been famous since Roman times. They called the place Aquae Arnemetise. After the Romans left, the baths fell into neglect but they were rebuilt in the 16th century and came into their own in the Edwardian period when it became fashionable and the Opera House, Palace Hotel and Pavilion Gardens were established.
As a child we spent most weekends walking in Derbyshire. A clever device by our parents to save on heating bills and to wear us out! The whole family would clamber onto the bus ready for an adventure. We didn't have a car and so Buxton was a rare treat as the bus service was tricky It was the last stop for a Sheffield bus - Manchester next! One rucksack was packed and we took turns to carry it. I think I lasted five proud minutes.
After climbing the peaks we would tuck into a packed lunch. I seem to remember tinned sardines and boiled eggs packed in brown paper bags. Mum would bring a thermos of tea and we would top up with hot water from a local cafe and have a 'mash up'! On one occasion my brother left our lunches behind and so mum went to a cafe and asked if we washed the dishes could we eat for free ... and we did! Ha! Ha! We thought it a great adventure even though we always quarrelled about washing up at home. Couldn't do it today.
Then it was always a rush for the bus home. If we missed it there was a two hour wait OR horror of horrors what would we do if the last bus home had gone! It certainly made those tired legs move.
Lovely memories!
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