Images

April 25th – Chesterfield Lodge, a handsome, victorian house just round the corner from Chesterfield itself, in Raikes Lane – is an intriguing place. Now a secluded, tree-shrouded oasis of calm complete with large lake and tennis court, it was once a workhouse. I’ve not been able to find out much about it, but it just goes to show that many buildings have intriguing histories that we may be unaware of…

April 25th – Chesterfield is a lovely little hamlet, just south of the A5 between Wall and Shentone. Standing on the junction of Ashcroft and Raikes lanes, it’s a small, rural idyll where cows still hold up traffic and fascinating houses from several periods give the place an air of permanence and tranquility.

If I have time on my hands, I always take this route back from Lichfield. It’s quiet and beautiful.

April 23rd – Waiting for the rain that never came. On the canal in Walsall Wood, the Walsall Wood Fisherman – Rod to his acquaintances – is still without the company of Bob the fish, mysteriously ‘lost’ some months ago. 

The sculpture, like it’s fellow follies, now looks rusted, scruffy and forlorn. It’s utterly symbolic of the supposed regeneration and council attitude to the village. Throw some sculpture at it and hope it goes away.

Thankfully, the spirit and soul of the Walsall Wood people is stronger and worth more than that…

April 22nd – The long Good Friday.

Another big panorama image, about a mile further into the Manifold Valley. The road descends nerve-wrackingly to a 90 degree righthand bend through a farmyard, otherwise known as Throwley. Nearby, the ruins of Throwley Hall are preserved. Few really seem to come here, and it’s why I love the area so much – there’s unexpected delight in every turn.

Further down the valley, people throng at Dovedale and Milldale, yet seldom stray up the hill. Their loss.

April 22nd – The long Good Friday. 2nd 100 mile plus ride this year, a 114 mile spin up through Staffordshire, into the Dove Valley and up over the Weaver Hills to take some photos and video for top twitter guy @66usual (Steve Lightfoot), who’s interested in the area. Dropped down into the Manifold Valley, then up onto the Tissington Trail, back down the High Peak Trail to Brassington and home via Ashbourne, Hatton, Barton and Lichfield.

This image was taken from the back of the Weaver Hills, just north of Calton, overlooking the Manifold Valley. Few people here, only livestock and bird song to break the silence. And, of course, an old, sweaty cyclist singing tunelessly to the Stone Roses as he descends on one of the best downhill runs he knows.

A great day and a fantastic ride. Seem to be in good shape for early spring, and didn’t crap out once – although the climb out of Thorpe to the Tissington had me sweating a bit. 

Look out for a post and video here and on the main blog in the next day or so. This is a large panorama photo and you’ll need to click on it to get the full impression.