Wednesday 12 September 2012

A favourite place

I had a birthday at the start of the week - so hubby and I took the day off and went cycling to one of my favourite places in the entire world - Monsal Dale.  I won't overload you with photos as I have brought you here many times before.  We started off here with a full English - big mistake as it took some getting going after that!  I think if search my previous posts from here, you will discover I made the same mistake last time - so some people never learn!

 We follow the old railway track and cycled all 8.5 miles (and back again!).
 The track has very high bridges, and very many long tunnels along the way (and you know I am not keen on either, so I peddle faster!
 Apart from the stunning scenery, the thing that makes this a special place (and bamboozles my mind too) is the Geology of the surroundings.  The Railway track is approx 1000 feet ABOVE sea level.  The red rocks below are lava from a volcano that erupted when these surroundings were at the bottom of the sea!!
 After the eruption, limestone continued to be deposited on top of it for another 350 million years (the skeletons of dead marine life), and then somehow, it ended up where it is today.  A very scary thought.
 After our ride, we popped to visit Tideswell, a small village not far away.  I remember coming here with school when I was 10years old to do Brass Rubbings (I'll have to dig the photos out).
 It is a gorgeous little village.

 Then it was home to get dolled up for a romantic meal for five of us - when really I could just have done with a nice cup of tea and a lie down!

21 comments:

Lisa said...

That was an epic bike ride to do on your birthday! I reckon a full English first is the best way to tackle it!
Lisa x

June said...

I agree with Lisa! Belated Birthday wishes.
June

Unknown said...

Belated birthday wishes to you Diane. Sounds like you had a lovely day.
Not sure that I'd have been able to bike that far. Bike saddles are never comfy enough for my wide posterior!
xx

Jan said...

Belated Birthday wishes. It looks like you had a lovely day. Jx

Faye said...

Looks like it was a lovely day, Happy late Birthday x

Patricia said...

Glad you enjoyed your birthday Diane. Many Happy Returns. Your bike ride sounded wonderful.
Patricia x

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Sounds like you had a lovely (if exhausting) birthday!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Anonymous said...

Tunnels and high bridges? You are a brave girl!

Louise said...

Happy Birthday!

Sounds like a good day. I like walking around the Tideswell area, I used to go there often as a child. The monsal trail is a bit flat and dull for me, I prefer to be below it!

Mad about Craft said...

I went to Tideswell chursh as a Guide to do brass rubbings!

Little Blue Mouse said...

Sounds like a lovely way to spend a birthday!

diane b said...

A great way to celebrate your birthday. It sure looks a lovely place. I can imagine 'a cup of tea and a good lie down" would have been welcomed after such a long ride. My legs would turn to Jelly.

A garden just outside Venice said...

Please make my mouth water with pictures of your fully English!!!
xxx

rusty duck said...

It is lovely to go cycling, but I don't reckon I could do it on a full breakfast.. you must be fit!

Well done, and belated Happy Birthday.

rental mobil jakarta said...

Very nice photo shot, thanks for sharing.

love those cupcakes said...

Belated birthday wishes. Looks like you had a great day.

Rosie said...

Belated birthday wishes! Have been away for a week but hope you received the parcel I sent you in time for your special day:)

BadPenny said...

What a wonderful place & a lovely way to celebrate your birthday x

Young at Heart said...

happy happy birthdy....... I trust there was cake..... looks like a grand day out, have a hankering to visit the countryside myself now!!x

Carol said...

Happy beleated Birthday greetings. A great day out, hope you had a lovely celebratory meal.
Carol xx

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