English
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Español
Day 1: Hitting the Road from Blackburn
The excitement was palpable as my wife and I picked up our campervan in Blackburn, our home for the next five nights. After a quick check of supplies and a last-minute dash for snacks, we set off towards Derbyshire, a county promising rugged landscapes, charming villages, and hidden gems.
Our first stop was Hayfield, a picturesque village at the edge of the Peak District. We settled in at Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club Site, nestled beneath Kinder Scout. With the sun beginning to set, we took a gentle stroll along the Sett Valley Trail, soaking in the rolling hills and winding rivers before returning to the campervan for a cozy night.
Day 2: Hiking Kinder Scout and Exploring Castleton
A bright morning greeted us, perfect for tackling Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the Peak District. The climb was challenging but rewarded us with panoramic views stretching for miles. Feeling accomplished (and slightly out of breath), we rewarded ourselves with a pub lunch at The Sportsman Inn.
After lunch, we drove to Castleton, home to historic caves and the dramatic Peveril Castle ruins. We explored Speedwell Cavern, drifting through eerie underground passages on a boat tour before climbing up to the castle for yet another breath-taking view. That evening, we parked up at Laneside Caravan Park, where we fell asleep to the soothing sounds of the countryside.
Day 3: Buxton and the Monsal Trail
After a hearty breakfast, we set off for Buxton, a town famous for its Georgian architecture and natural thermal springs. A visit to Poole’s Cavern led us deep into limestone caves, filled with stunning stalactites. We wandered through Pavilion Gardens, admiring the glasshouses and vibrant flower displays.
In the afternoon, we took on the Monsal Trail, an old railway route turned cycling and walking path. The journey through tunnels and across viaducts made for a spectacular ride. That night, we camped at Greenhills Holiday Park near Bakewell, indulging in a well-earned Bakewell pudding from a local bakery before calling it a day.
Day 4: Chatsworth House and Bakewell
No trip to Derbyshire is complete without visiting Chatsworth House, the grand estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The art, opulent interiors, and extensive gardens kept us busy for most of the day. My wife, a lover of all things Jane Austen, was thrilled to walk in the footsteps of Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy.
We then returned to Bakewell, where we wandered along the River Wye, browsed quaint shops, and, of course, sampled another Bakewell pudding (for research purposes, of course!). We parked up at Beech Croft Farm, a peaceful campsite in the heart of the countryside.
Day 5: Matlock Bath and a Scenic Drive
Our journey led us to Matlock Bath, a quirky riverside town with a seaside feel. We took a cable car ride up to The Heights of Abraham, where we explored caverns and marvelled at the panoramic views of the Derwent Valley.
With our trip nearing its end, we embarked on a slow, scenic drive through the Derbyshire Dales, stopping in small villages for tea and a chat with friendly locals. Our final night was spent at Rivendale Caravan Park, a quiet retreat surrounded by nature. We reflected on our adventure, already reminiscing about our favourite moments.
Day 6: Homeward Bound
Reluctantly, we packed up and started the journey back to Blackburn. The rolling hills of Derbyshire faded into the rear-view mirror, but the memories of our campervan adventure remained vivid. From towering peaks to underground wonders, Derbyshire had offered us a perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation.
As we returned the campervan and stepped back into our daily routine, we couldn’t help but start planning our next road trip. After all, the open road always beckons.
Book your Campervan in Blackburn: 01254 495999
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/EasihireBlburn
