Beautiful Lancashire

[Mathos]

This road was obviously used very little.

Worth keeping this photograph I thought, there won't be too many roads of this calibre.




We were more than impressed with this brilliant looking road, so much so, that I reversed back up to the cross roads and took a couple of photographs.



The cottages were really attractive in their own right.

The various wild flowers growing by the roadside were very neat and attractive looking. Similar to Margurites, the white ones.



There was anice Barn conversion well under way at the bend in the road as well.

The old Landrover was a real classic.
I bet it's an isolated little spot on the map when the winter snow arrives though.
I reckon between them they will burn a good few ton of coal in winter.

Cosy though.


The extended high reaching satellite dish was quite amusing.

I bet they never get a same day newspaper delivery here.

I like the saftey mirror on the end building.

They probably only get half a dozen vehicles a year coming down there.

[Mathos]

That really was a superb looking stretch of road and homes, we liked that.




This was different as well.



I'm going to carry on when I get my PC back, it's driving me daft, trying to use this.

Some nice photographs to transfer as well, but the next lot are on my PC, I had already transferred these to Photobucket.

(Later)

[wanderering walter]

Hi Mathos I used to ride with Dave at Denham Hill Quarry just up the road from me, I lived in Radburn Close by the Lord Nelson then, my neighbour had the Shell garage opposite the Half Way House Pub, Dave used to live on the Wigan rd at Euxton near the traffic lights at the motorway exit, that was 26 years ago!
Regarding Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti etc, I am dubious as well, I watched a progamme called Monster Watch on TV here in Thailand, this episode was dedicated to Bigfoot, very informative, As per usual no sightings on camera (except for the 1957 film) they obtained some blood and flesh samples from a spike/nail trap someone had set up to protect his remote cabin in Canada (something had wrecked his house previously), the DNA was extracted and analysed, it was a new strain, in between Apes and Humans !! they are still working on it,

[Mathos]

Originally Posted by wanderering walter

Hi Mathos I used to ride with Dave at Denham Hill Quarry just up the road from me, I lived in Radburn Close by the Lord Nelson then, my neighbour had the Shell garage opposite the Half Way House Pub, Dave used to live on the Wigan rd at Euxton near the traffic lights at the motorway exit, that was 26 years ago!
Regarding Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti etc, I am dubious as well, I watched a progamme called Monster Watch on TV here in Thailand, this episode was dedicated to Bigfoot, very informative, As per usual no sightings on camera (except for the 1957 film) they obtained some blood and flesh samples from a spike/nail trap someone had set up to protect his remote cabin in Canada (something had wrecked his house previously), the DNA was extracted and analysed, it was a new strain, in between Apes and Humans !! they are still working on it,

I think there is a natural conception with regards to us very peculiar animals viewing things of such a nature Walter.

Yes, we would all like to see Big-Foot, The Loch Ness Monster, E.T. and a host of other magical fairies. Even the Leprechaun's sound great when you're a kid.

We carry such matter within the deeper parts of our brains where they are associated with the bygone pleasures of youthful dreams and wishes. When the mention of a name re-triggers such a memory it automatically associates it with the pleasures of yesteryear.

It's still good fun, I love it. We all do, that's why the films gross millions at the box office.



My younger daughter and her husband have a Shell Franchise, they run seven sites all together, the Shell Station you mention is one of their sites now. Small world Walter, isn't it.

When I get the chance, I'll take a picture or two of The Nelson and stick them on for you and The Half Way house.


I haven't been in The Nelson for years. it was a cracking pub.


The Half Way House, now they used to do fantastic freshly roasted turkey sandwiches in there. Must be over thirty years or so back.

I used to enjoy a drink in Whittle, The Dog, Nelson, Bay Horse and Sea view.

Good days they were.

Pubs in general aren't so good now though, they dig the dead up round here, prop them up round the bars to make the places look busy.

No atmosphere. Pity, but that's evolution. the government do it.

I'll explain why to you, when I get my PC back. I hate this bloody lap top, it's awful.

David P, you are right about him living on Wigan Road, (up to a few month ago anyhow) he sold the Farm and retired to Samlsbury. I was talking to him a week or two back. His farm was next door to Burrows Grass Machinery or Reg Daniels as it used to be called and virtually opposite Jenning's Garage, aka Thorntrees.

Not Euxton though (pronounced Exton for any other readers) it's probably Cuerden that stretch of Wigan Road, could be Clayton le Woods even

Euxton begins on the other side of Pack Saddle Bridge.

I know his brother really well, Philip. He's a character, grand lad too.

[Mathos]

A liitle to look at here from last weeks trip. This was the River Dee at Llangollen.

We had a nice walk around here, and a big pot of tea at the Chainbridge Hotel. Very nice it was too.




I have a couple or so photographs already on the Photobucket site from last weeks trip so I'll put them on, quick visit this. PC should be ready to collect on Thursday, then I have to reload the new drive etc.




The suspension bridge was closed due to it's state of repair, I smiled to myself when I thought of some of those in Thailand.

Flobo mentioned them too, "Crikey" she said, "They'd be taking an elephant across here!"



The Railway Station here was in fantastic condition a credit to all concerned.



The viaducts and bridges were really interesting, they had their own little hives of activity to display.

I have a lot more photographs and some from around the hotel, but I haven't transferred them yet, and cannot do until I get my PC back, so I will put them up at a later date.

I scanned a menu and drink tariff from the Hotel, it's interesting, I'll put it on when things are back to normal.

Computers... Great until they go wrong.

[Mathos]

Just came across this on The net and thought i would put it up on the thread.

It is a really nice Hotel and in a breath-taking spot by the river.


3 for 2 - Any 3 nights for the price of 2....
Home

Book this hotel online now!

The Chainbridge Hotel is located in the magnificent vale of Llangollen in North Wales. It is sited in a unique position literally overlooking the spectacular River Dee with it's racing white water and leaping salmon and the Llangollen Canal that begins it's life just a short walk away at the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. Sit in the bar or restaurant and marvel at the view which is floodlit at night.

Flanked by one of the oldest roads (the A5), the oldest canals, the oldest steam railway line, the most famous bridge to cross the river Dee and the river Dee itself the Chainbridge Hotel could not occupy a more uniquely beautiful location. Although standing in splendid isolation the hotel is just 2 miles from the bustling town of Llangollen, which can be reached via the canal towpath or by car, horse-drawn canal boat or steam train.

There is so much to explore locally for all ages, The Horseshoe Pass, the motor museum, the home of the famous 'Ladies of Llangollen', the working steam railway, offering trips along 12 miles of the most beautiful Welsh countryside, horse drawn boat rides along the canal, plus many ancient ruins and walks for all ages and abilities. Llangollen is also world famous for hosting the annual International Music Eisteddfod.



We have free WiFi in selected areas including the conference room and reception area.


As a family owned hotel, we pride ourselves on personal service and the freshness and quality of our food. Daily deliveries of fresh and organic produce allow our team of chefs to prepare a varied daily selection of excellent food at very modest prices.

We hope to welcome you personally in the near future and promise to make your time with us truly memorable.




Click here to download a brochure in PDF Format

Kind regards,

David and Stephanie
Proprietors

[Mathos]

Couple of photographs here which I took of the Conwyy Falls near to Betws Y Coed.




We were actually overlooking this particular section of The Falls from a road bridge down a country road, the roar of the water as we passed drew our attention to the same, or we would have missed them.

There's a bit to be said for the advantages of driving with your windows open at times.



As you can see they were runnig at quite a rate of knots.

The water was very rusty looking, I put this down to iron deposits in the area?




We got some decent photographs from both sides of thje bridge.



Looking at the photographs, it was a good reminder of the force of the water running through this Glen.



It's quite amazing how the trees grow all around the sides of the Glen as well.



No shortage of water, that's for sure.



Bit from the net as well, all very interesting.

Conwy Falls


Conwy Falls

Dramatic waterfalls, located at the confluence of the rivers Conwy and Machno, tumble through a wooded gorge. There are woodland walks where you can enjoy a wealth of wildlife, and a Fish Pass to aid the migration of salmon and sea trout upstream to their breeding grounds. The remains of the old Victorian salmon ladder can also be seen. Café and restaurant.
Opening Times

Open daily all year.
(2006 times)
Admission

Small admission charge.
(2006 prices)
Contact Information

Address:
Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0PB
Telephone:
01690 710696
E-mail:
e-mail attraction
Website:
view attraction website
Facilities

Toilets:
Toilets at the Conwy Falls café.
Eating:
Café and restaurant on site.
Location/Travel

Parking:
Large car park.
Public transport:
Train : nearest station Betws-y-Coed approx. 2 miles.

[wanderering walter]

I remember Dave and his wife coming round one night unannounced, we were about to go out so I told dave, alright he said and promptly sat down!! OK I said we are not going out then!!!!. The Half Way was run by George Banks and Family back in the 60/70s, in the early 80s the Messchersmidt (spell check) club arrived at the Nelson 1 Monday in every month, about 20 cars !! Weird,
Did you remember Don Martindale Cross Hall Works Chorley, used to deal in Ex G,ment trucks, and Harts Transport Coppull (Oliver and Ronnie) a couple of tough Gits, they started in the 40/50s with two Charabangs (buses to the heathen) only one licence between them, used to swap as one approached tother returning from Blackpool!! They always ran Leylands until they bought a Merc Truck, as they had a contract to haul coal from the mine south of Chorley(forgot it,s name),they delivered coal to Leyland Motors in the Merc, shit hit the fan,nearly a strike,wouldn,t let it in,they have gone now, wonder why?? F**king Stokes and the Dreaded "500" diesel engine,What a bloody waste!!! Funny tale here ,Harts Transport disappeared leaving Ronnie junior to bag coal! he somehow got involved with a guy making cash/bank cards, they fell out ,Ronnie won the toss and took over the firm . now he is very wealthy , even has a steam boat on Windermere! ain,t fate strange, just heard though he is not well,
There was a guy called "plank"! in Chorley, Why? everytime someone saw him he was always carrying a "Plank", strange world.

[Mathos]

There used to be a group of peculiar men meet up about once a month in the Dog, with model Dinky Cars. Some apparently changed hands for very serious money.

Can't say I knew Don Martindale Walt. The Harts, yes, everybody knew those boys. A couple of real tough nuts as well.

They had to be tough to run a haulage business like that in those days. There were a lot of characters who came into the 'double hard' category in these parts though.

There's always a faster gun Walt, believe me. I could go into detail but it's all water under the bridge now.

They were connected to Speedway as well, Belle Vue perhaps?

They had a form of practice race track on the farm at Coppull as I remember.

Can't think of the name of the mine you refer to, the name of Ellerbeck springs to mind associated with the Harts though. Also the name Blainscough?

Ronnie Junior, yes he was selling pre-packed coal and such like for a while, his wife did the repping for him. We retailed quite a bit of his products when I was in the Convenience Store business.

It must be twenty years since I heard the name mentioned, I'm sorry to hear Ronnie isn't so good though.

The Chorley Plank... That's a good 'un.


Indexes - Lancashire LanternTitle, Oliver Hart and Sons, Coaches and Haulage vehicles, Coppull. Image place, Coppull. Image Date (approx), c1955. Image storage location, Chorley ...
lanternimages.lancashire.gov.uk/index.php?a=indexes&s=item&key=IYToxOntpOjA7czoxOT oiQnVzZXMgYW5kI... - 13k - Cached - Similar pages

There isn't much on here, but it is a link.


Took one of my grandsons out with us today.

It was different, we went to some caves in the Peak district, once I get my PC up and running again, I'll put some photographs on.

There's a bit to follow after this post though.

This lap top is still bugging me.

[Mathos]

The Castleton Caverns.




Peak Cavern lies below Peveril Castle
The Castleton Caverns comprise The Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern, Speedwell Cavern (all clustered around the Winnats pass) and the great Peak Cavern, just outside Castleton village.

Peak Cavern is the only wholly natural cavern of the four and is the least commercialised. It is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster but now managed by the owners of Speedwell Cavern. It was known to locals as the Devil's Arse and the stream issuing from it as the Styx, which give some idea of the mixed feelings the local people had about this natural wonder.

The approach and entry are very impressive, taking you into an immense cleft in the rock below the crag on top of which sits Peveril Castle and into a wide and spacious cave entrance which was used by ropemakers until the middle years of the 20th century and once accommodated several small ropemakers' cottages, which were demolished in the early 20th century.


Entrance to Peak Cavern
Beyond the entrance a narrow passage leads to a chamber called the Bell-House. Continuing on along the path (at one time visitors were taken by punt along this part) you reach a chamber called the Great Cave which is about 60m high and contains a passage in its roof which emerges near Peveril Castle.

At the far end of this chamber a passage leads through to Orchestral Chamber, where village maidens used to sing to distinguished visitors, such as Queen Victoria. Further on is Pluto's Dining Room and the Devil's Staircase and an area called the Five Arches, which is as far as the standard tour goes.

For potholers it is possible to go much further into the cave system, which extends for miles, and at selected times in winter the cavern is open to them.

This was a really enjoyable day out today, as I mentioned earlier, I'll place some photographs on when I have my PC up and running again.


We also went to New Mills intending to walk the walk so to speak on the Millenium Route. the weather knocked that trip on the head though, so we will have to do it again.

[Mathos]

THE WALK

Many, who have only driven through New Mills before, will not be prepared for the dramatic start and finish to this inspiring walk.
Entering the Torrs Riverside Park, deep in a gorge below the centre of New Mills, it immediately becomes apparent that this walk is different from any other in Derbyshire. It is very special as only 20 years ago Torrs Gorge, now so beautiful, was notorious for dereliction and the heavily polluted river.
After leaving the gorge, the walk follows an easterly route through fields, before joining the Peak Forest Canal for a relaxing stroll along the busy canal bank. Newtown Marina is passed on the way before going under the A6015 to walk through open countryside.
On the route back to New Mills your walk takes you through the Torrs Riverside Park again by the side of the River Goyt.
A further surprise waits in the form of the spectacular Torrs Millennium Walkway for about half of its 125 yards length it hugs a tall retaining wall, before running along pillars rising from the river bed. The walkway forms the final link in the 225 mile long Midshires Way.

WALK DETAILS
Length: 4.5 miles.
Start/Finish: Hyde Bank Road, turn off A6015 opposite the Foodstore.
Location: On the A6015 off the A6 Buxton to Stockport road.
Terrain: Easy. Flat walking, apart from a short ascent and descent to New Mills.

THE ROUTE
1. Walk up Hyde Bank Road, turn right at the Leisure Centre entrance onto a track where you turn right again under the road bridge you have just crossed.
2. In about 30 yards turn left into Torrs Riverside Park, signed ‘Goyt Way Via Millennium Walk’. With the river on your left continue to the point where the rivers Goyt and Sett meet, here you cross a wooden bridge and pass under a two tier bridge.
3. Stay beside the river at first before continuing straight ahead along the track to the left of Goytside Farm. Turn right immediately you have passed the farm.
4. Continue along the path behind the farm to cross the Goyt by a footbridge and walk uphill bearing to the right to the top of the field to join the Peak Forest Canal.
5. Turn right along the canal towpath and follow it for about one and a quarter miles. After passing under the A6015, at the next bridge bear right up the side of the bridge and turn right down a rough track.
6. At the bottom of the track continue along a minor road heading slightly to the right, crossing the Goyt by a road bridge, before in 75 yards turning right into Torrs Riverside Park.
7. Stay on the main path following ‘GW’ and Midshires Way indicators keeping close to the river on the right.
8. After going over a stone stile by a gate, turn half left to follow the direction of the finger post signed ‘Goyt Way’ through an area of woodland.
9. Bear right by a derelict stone building and in 20 yards, before reaching a pair of redbrick houses, turn left through another area of woodland to enter and cross a small park and reach a factory unit at the end of a road.
10. Here you cross the road and soon follow a path on the right leading down to the Goyt Valley and Millennium Walkway.
11. Go over the Millennium Walkway and continue alongside the river.
12. On reaching some picnic benches take the path that bends left and from this point you can retrace your steps along the path you used at the start of the walk. Turning right out of the Torrs Riverside Park, then left after going under a bridge, and then left again along Hyde Bank Road.

Back to the top of the PageReturn to the Contents Page Return to the Home Page
www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk is an independent, not for profit website.

No recommendation of any establishment is implied by inclusion on this website.
PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE LOCALITY

The Torrs Millennium Walkway a much admired bridge set deep in the spectacular Torrs Riverside Park and gorge. The walkway forms the final link in the Midshires Way long distance footpath.
The Heritage Centre (Tel. 01663 746904)is housed in a converted stone building of great character and tells ‘The New Mills Story’ with the aid of a magnificent model of the town as it was in 1884. There is a viewing platform outside looking down over The Torrs gorge. A small café serves mainly drinks and biscuits and in the shop maps, guides and gifts are sold. Open all year Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11-4pm.
Lyme Park (Tel. 01663 762023)is a National Trust property comprising a magnificent mansion and a 1,400-acre park and formal gardens. The park contains a herd of deer. Ducks and wildfowl can be seen on the lakes and ponds in the park. In the house is a varied collection of historic furniture, textiles and tapestries. For further information website: The National Trust
REFRESHMENTS
The Royal Oak (Tel. 01663 743675)a popular family pub in the centre of New Mills where a good range of hot and cold food is normally available daily at lunchtime only.
Gio Mia Café Bistro (Tel. 01663 746893)Italian,Mediterranean and English food, hot and cold snacks served every day apart from Sunday. Licensed.
THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE


Provides a wide range of features with heritage trails and detailed countryside walks, through some of the most scenically attractive countryside in the UK.
1. To return to the main site click the link below.

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2. To return to the contents page of the main website click the link below.
Return to the Contents Page

DISCOVER DERBY
A special new sub-section has been added to this website, based on the Discover Derby Supplement, published by the Derby Evening Telegraph during March 2005. The most recent additions are:

Click below for details.
Discover Derby

NEW MILLS FEATURE
Spectacular New Mills! But many people who drive through the town by car are completely unaware of the secret beauty that lies below. The Torrs Riverside Park provides access to a dramatic gorge and an area of stunning natural beauty.
In the late 18th century, a rapid change took place with the implementation of the factory system for spinning and weaving driven by waterpower. The Torrs was an ideal place. Set in a natural gorge it had the joint waterpower of the Rivers Sett and Goyt. Rocky waterfalls and cascades allowed the construction of weirs to provide a controlled supply of water.
The ledges along the riverbank, above the flood water level, were ideal to build on. The sandstone rocks at the side of the gorge meant the builders did not have to go far for their materials.

One of the best of the many good viewpoints of the Torrs Gorge is from the platform outside the Heritage Centre.

New Mills Feature

SPECIAL FEATURES

St George's Church

Sett Valley Trail

All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.

[Mathos]

We were really looking forward to the above walk, so next time we will make certain we pick a guaranteed good weather day.

It would probably be a great walk to do on a cold frosty clear sky winters day.

[Mathos]

Enter the inner world of the underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District National Park and absorb the atmosphere as a watery silence echoes all around you.
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.
design : TRILOGY | production : ZERO-1

This one we were really dissapointed in not being able to do. The queues were amazingly long and the majority of those in the same had been waiting for an hour. It was mid afternoon when we reached the Cavern and they told us to expect a two hour wait or so.

Again, a must to do again.

[Mathos]

This one we did manage to gain entry too, there was a forty minute wait or so, but it was well worth it

Enter an Ancient Underground Wonderland in the Heart of the Peak District National Park.

Your guide will explain how miners in the 1750's constructed a tunnel using only hand tools to reach the Blue John Stone deposits inside the hill. You will see veins of Blue John Stone across the cave roof, and 'The Pillar', the largest piece ever found. Your guide will point out fossils in the limestone rock which formed the hillside above you 330 million years ago.

You enter the mysterious Witch's Cave where even richer deposits of Blue John Stone are revealed. The guided tour descends even deeper into the hill where you will experience the wonder of underground limestone cave formations. Multi-coloured flowstone adorns the walls of Aladdin's Cave. Stalactites and stalagmites decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation is 'The Stork', standing on one leg!
During your tour the guide will explain where Blue John Stone came from, how rushing water made the caverns, and how stalactites are formed. Back on the outside, you can enjoy tea and coffee made from water collected inside the cavern, or browse in our shop where there is a selection of jewellery and ornaments made from Blue John Stone.

Treak Cliff Cavern is of international fame and geological importance. It has been a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for many years and by agreement with English Nature all the Blue John Stone deposits on the visitor route are preserved. However, Blue John Stone is regularly mined in Treak Cliff Cavern, from areas not seen by visitors. This is then crafted into fine jewellery, small bowls, ornaments and other decorative items.

I'll second that.

Brilliant day out despite the weather.