We are staying near Chester for a few days and have visited towns near and not so near.

We drove through the southern part of the Peak District (which doesn’t really have any peaks), but is at the southern end of the Pennine mountains. The area became known to us years ago when we watched 'Peak Practice' on television. The area is beautiful. A stunning green at the moment, with rolling hills, sheep and grey stone houses. 

Matlock and Matlock Bath (a spa town) are at the very edges of the area. Matlock Bath sits along a long deep gorge and has become a mecca for motorcycle riders. In a big way. There were bikes lined up as far as we could see. More leather than in a shoe factory, and countless fish and chips shops(?). Almost everyone we could see had a beer and fish and chips in a Styrofoam box. Or an icecream. The place was crawling with people, so we didn't linger but drove further to Bakewell.
 


Bakewell is mostly known for the Bakewell pudding. It is another touristy town, and on that lovely sunny day it was a buzzing place. There were people sitting by the River Wye and the shops and cafes were busy. We bought a small Bakewell Pudding to try. It is a rough pastry shell spread with jam and filled with ground almonds and egg. It is much nicer than I thought it might be - not that much jam, and I always like almond flavour..

We visited 12C Haddon Hall on the way here. It is described as a 'Manor House'. All the rquirements are there - stone walls, turrets, lots of old timber inside, and terraced gardens and a stream outside. This house has also been used for filming locations like 'Elizabeth' and a number of versions of 'Jane Eyre'. The filming companies certainly have choice of locations here.
   
 
Another day we went to the walled city of Chester. It is a very elegant place. The 'black-and-white' architecture went up another notch. Not only are the buildings ornate, they are also grand. Interesting are the 'Rows', a second tier of footpath along the main streets. Very unusual. I wonder if the upper rows were for certain people only?

 In this area every village, every town has something to look at. Something to photograph. Something to wonder at when buildings are so old. But best of all is the countryside - the green, the trees in their various shapes and colours, and at the moment, the spring flowers.