Matlock Bath 17/5/2012

The busy centre of Matlock Bath

A this time of the year we are usually busy visiting a number of events like the Rushden Transport Cavalcade and the Stoke Goldington Steam Rally but sadly this year there was so much rain in April 2012 that these events were cancelled. Anyway we decided that it was time that we had a day out and decided to visit Matlock Bath in the Peak District.

Warm springs were discovered in1698 and a Bath House was built, to this day tourist are attracted to the area and there are a number of 'modern' tourist attractions. The main street always reminds me of the seaside as the buildings are virtually all on one side with a river on the other. Amusement arcades stand shoulder to shoulder with museums. Another thing that is noticeable is the vast numbers of motorcyclist that seem to be attracted to the area (presumably by the challenging roads) and there are a number of shops catering for their needs.

Another long time feature of Matlock Bath has been the petrifying well where objects can be left in the waters to be covered in a hard crust of limestone. We were looking forward to making use of the cable car to visit the Heights of Abraham. This is a self contained park on top of a hill of the same name. The park contains a former lead minewhich is open to the public and a cliffside cafe. There is a fabulous view across the river Derwent to High Tor, a sheer cliff, this is popular with climbers and walkers.

It looks like a head for heights is needed but in fact it's not too bad.

 It's worth noting that the cable cars don't run in high winds (just as well!!) and so it can be worth ringing ahead to make sure that the system is open On the ride up there are some lovely views of the river valley so don't forget a camera and possibly some binoculars. The cars travel 568m (621 yards) long and climb 169m (185 yards).

Once at the top there are a number of exhibitions to visit and the tour of the Masson Cavern. This is an old lead mine that takes you deep under the hill side. To be totally honest this wasn't quite as spectacular as some other caverns I have visited but still well worth seeing and climbing the 170 odd steps that link the caverns. Like most caverns of this nature the floor can be a bit damp and steep to sensible shoes are a good idea. Despite there being lots of steps the guides take it all at a leisurely pace and most people won't find it too difficult.

Steps certainly feature strongly in the walk round the caverns!

There are some lighting effects but these fall a bit short of amazing.

What is turly spectacular is the view across the Derwent Valley and in particular Riber castle is impressive. This was built in the mid 19th century and sits high on a hill, it was built by John Smedley, a local textile manufacturer. Smedly built it to live in and made it of local stone. His wife lived in it until her death and it later became a boys school, this ended in the 1930's. It later became an animal park but there was controversy about the treatment of the animals and that closed in 2000.It's now in a state of disrepair but there is talk of it being converted into apartments.

Riber Castle across the valley.

Apart from the amazing views and the exhibitions at the Heights of Abraham there is a very nice cafe. It has a terrace with more v iews and it's very clean and modern.

There's no doubt that Matlock Bath is very interesting place to visit and with it's abundance of places to eat and unusual shops, amusement arcades and spectacular views there's something for virtually everyone. Without doubt we will be going back.