Set off from Derby towards Duffield, then B5023 north to Wirksworth. Turned left at the town square onto a lovely unclassified road which rises up out of the town and eventually joins the B5035 to Carsington. Pretty "minor" road and good view from the top of the hill.
Then onto Carsington Reservoir. For those that don't know, it is Severn Trent's premier visitor centre. Opened by the Queen in 1992. It's Britains 9th largest reservoir, holds 7 billion gallons, serves 3 million people a day in Notts , Derbys & Leics. It is 300mtrs above sea level (hence good for sailing) , 31mtrs deep (7 double-decker buses) and has an 8 mile walking/cycling track around it's shore (good for a day out with the family).
I learned to sail here and raced dingies and yachts for a few years, until I got fed up of the unreliable weather
Then went onto Brassington village, just north of Carsington. Love this little limestone village perched ona hillside. If I could afford a weekend retreat , this would be the place. Quiet village with quaint cottages, 2 pubs, great views , lovely walks and away from the crowds.
This'll do
Rode north out out Brassington to Longcliffe then took a left onto the lovely B5056 to Fenny Bentley
Some of the scenery
Just north of the hamlet turned left off the A515 and headed for Thorpe and Dovedale. Love the view you get as you cross over the cattle grid and ride down into the valley towards ILam. Second phot is beginning of Dovedale viewed form the road (Doesn't do it justice)
After a couple of phots, then headed back to the A515 for a quick blast north for a few miles. Great road this.
Turned around after a while and did it in reverse. Called in at Tissington Village to see the glorious Well Dressings. Sadly, I was a day early. It starts tomorrow
5 wells in this village. Its one of the few privately -owned villages in the country. Owned by the Fitzherberts (for the last 8 generations) . No sign of the credit crunch outside the 17th centrury Jacobean Mansion. Can be booked for Corporate events. Fancy a club night here?
One of the 5 wells. Tutted at the woman with the horse spoiling my photo, acting as if she owned the place........then watched her walk into the Mansion.... Seems she does!
Then home via Ashbourne and the pretty A517 (to Belper). Got caught in the rain at Duffield. Not nice having water roll down into the boots.
but didn't spoil the fun. Glad I was almost home though.Still looked clean, despite the rain
So a quick wash was needed before putting the new toy to bed.
Bike was fabulous to ride.
Likes:
- handling
- comfortable, relaxed, upright riding positon
- torquey motor
- looks (didnt look out of place next to Tissington Hall)
- economy
Dislikes (minor gripes only):
- screen creates a fair bit of wind noise at high speed
- indicators caused a little confusion , but guess I 'll get used to them
Was out for about 3 hours. A few stops and slow-ish roads so only did 70 miles. OBC recorded 52Mpg.
Good start. Pleased with the purchase.
