There’s something magical about packing up our trusty motorhome Peggy, turning the key, and letting the road decide the pace. This time, our wheels rolled us through a string of gems in Derbyshire and beyond — from medieval castles to windswept moors, from stargazing monuments to the quirkiest pub you could imagine.
Bolsover Castle – Knights, Nobility & a View to Remember
Our first stop was the magnificent Bolsover Castle, perched proudly on a limestone ridge. Built in the early 17th century by Sir Charles Cavendish, it’s part fortress, part pleasure palace. We wandered through the lavish Little Castle, imagining the banquets and masked balls that once filled its halls. The panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale were worth every step up the spiral staircases.
Derwent Edge & Derwent Dam – Nature & Wartime Echoes
Next, Peggy carried us into the heart of the Peak District. Derwent Edge greeted us with dramatic gritstone tors — weathered rock formations that look like nature’s own sculptures. A short drive away, Derwent Dam stood tall and proud. Built between 1901 and 1916, it famously served as a training ground for the RAF’s “Dambusters” in WWII. Standing there, you can almost hear the roar of the Lancaster bombers overhead.
Back Tor – A Windy Wonder
We hiked up to Back Tor, where the wind seemed determined to carry our hats into the next county. The views stretched endlessly, and the sense of space was intoxicating. It’s one of those spots where you feel both tiny and infinite at the same time.
Cromford – Arkwright’s Legacy & the “Really Brian” Incident
Rolling into Cromford, we stepped back into the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Sir Richard Arkwright built the world’s first water-powered cotton spinning mill here in 1771, changing history forever.
But before we could explore, we met the slightly over-enthusiastic mill attendant, who firmly told us we couldn’t park Peggy anywhere near the mill. Fair enough — rules are rules. But moments later, he gave us a telling off again as his colleague had let us park our noble steed the Livewire park in the loading bay. His exasperated cry — “Really, Brian? In the loading bay?!” — was so perfectly delivered that it’s now part of our travel vocabulary. Anytime something’s a bit daft, we just shake our heads and say, “Really Brian?!”
Wirksworth – Livewire to the Stars
Wirksworth charmed us instantly with its winding streets and artistic vibe. But the real thrill? Taking the Livewire up to the Star Gazer Monument — a quirky, modern sculpture that seems to point straight into the cosmos. The ride up was exhilarating, and the view from the top was pure magic.
Asian Flavours & a Pub Like No Other
Back in town, we tucked into fragrant, spice-laden Asian dishes that warmed us from the inside out. Then, across the road, we found the pub — a treasure trove of curiosities. Every inch of wall and ceiling was covered in eclectic mementoes: vintage signs, ship wheels, porcelain cats, and even a dusty old diving helmet. It felt like stepping into a living museum curated by a wonderfully eccentric collector.
Ribby & Hathersage – The Final Flourish
Our journey wound down with peaceful moments in Ribby, soaking up the countryside calm, and a visit to Hathersage, a village steeped in legend. It’s said to be the resting place of Little John, Robin Hood’s loyal companion. Whether or not the tales are true, the charm of the place is undeniable.
Peggy’s verdict?
A trip full of history, scenery, laughter, and the occasional “Really Brian!” moment — the perfect reminder that adventure is as much about the journey as the destination.
Peggy and Crew
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