Derbyshire
Draycote Water Warwickshire
Our journey started with a drive to Warwickshire and a visit to Draycote Water. Draycote is a reservoir and country park owned by Severn Trent in the village of Dunchurch South of Rugby. It's a great place for a walk, to try out a few water sports or even fishing. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed to walk around the reservoir, only in the country park, but still a lovely area. There are some very good areas to park your car or even a campervan/motorhome. We found a great spot to park our van. Be aware there is a parking charge.
Barley Mow Inn Newbold-on-Avon
From Draycote, we travelled onto our first ever Britstops. So with the book in hand, it was time to try out an overnight pub stop. If you don't know what Britstops is and how it works, check out our blog page and have a look at Camping Apps We Use
We stopped overnight at the Barley Mow Inn - Newbold-On-Avon Warwickshire. Great pub along the North Oxford Canal.
After a great night it was time to head off to our next stop which was a few days at a campsite in Derbyshire. We drove through some lovely countryside, corn fields, rolling hills, and narrow country lanes which isn't good when you're driving a campervan that takes up much of the road, but that's the UK for you. From here we travelled on into Derbyshire.
Packhorse Farm Campsite - Tansley Matlock
Packhorse Farm Campsite is nestled in the heart of Derbyshire on the outskirts of the village of Tansley near Matlock, with some stunning views of the Peak District. When you arrive you are given a welcome pack which is really nice. This was full of leaflets on places to visit and a few walks from the site. The site has all the normal campsite facilities and a centrally heated shower block, one of the best campsite showers. We have used a few in our time and that's one of the things I look for in a good campsite, plus they are free which is even better. There are 50 pitches with 44 having electric hook-up (16amp) set in this beautiful campsite with some being very private and having hedges on each side. There are also two camping pods for those of you who don't have a leisure vehicle or tent. No wi-fi or phone signal and the TV signal isn't great, but the peace and quiet make up for it. Run by a lovely couple Bryan and Susan who can't do enough for you.
We highly recommend this campsite and we will be returning. packhorsefarm.co.uk
Walks From The Campsite
From the campsite we took a walk that was included in our welcome pack. Down the lane, across the fields, and into the woods. Derbyshire is a beautiful part of the UK.
The walk takes you around the Matlock moor but we joined it from the campsite which took us along the side of an old quarry. You can see this would be great for mountain bikers. The track takes you along the edge of the wood towards Tansley and Lunsdale.
Bakewell
A short drive from the campsite is Bakewell, a market town with many independent shops. The town lies on the River Wye and is famous for its Bakewell tart. There are plenty of eating places, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Not forgetting the fish and chip shops, which were very good.
There is a very good car park for campervans and motorhomes. Head towards the Agricultural Business Centre (Postcode DE45-1AH) which is also the coach car park.
Monsal Head
Just a short drive from Bakewell you come to Monsal head. There are two car parks, one long stay, and a short stay.
From the short stay car park, you can look out over the superb views over Monsal Dale, known as the White Peak. From here you can see the Headstone Viaduct which forms part of the Monsal Trail. The Trail is an 8.5 mile traffic-free walk. You can start the walk from Bakewell or join it here. There is a shorter route of only 2 miles.
Drive Through Chatsworth Estate
You can drive through the Chatsworth Estate - set in 73,000 acres of land - which does not involve paying. To drive through the estate get onto the B6012 and carry along this road. It takes you over a cattle grid and into the estate. It's a beautiful short drive, just be careful of the sheep. They like to wander all over the road.
You can see the house from across the valley. The road also takes you to the Chatsworth Farm Shop.
Cross a small bridge over another cattle grid and this takes you out of the estate.
We didn't even get time to stop for tea with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire!
The Anchor Inn Hurley Common
From Derbyshire we travelled into Warwickshire to carry on our journey home. But before we arrived home another Britstop overnight stay was planned. We stayed at The Anchor Inn Hurley Common, Atherstone. Hurley Common is a village set in North Warwickshire, consisting of several houses and two farms. The village does not have it's own parish church so it is technically a Hamlet.
The Anchor Inn is run by a lovely couple Matt and Tracy who couldn't do enough for us. The pub served great food and had a good choice of beers.
Website: anchorinn.online
Holidays always come to an end, just look forward to the next one!
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