The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail

We live close to the Derbyshire border and fairly near to two of the five rivers in the area where they converge at Malin Bridge. These rivers and streams with their fast flowing water from the surrounding peaty moorland heights were ideal for powering the wheels of up to twenty mills along their courses.  One of the most famous was Mousehole Forge at Malin Bridge which produced anvils that were exported worldwide.

Malin Bridge Corn Mill is a listed building that has had a new lease of life after a period of decline by being converted into apartments.  The water wheel is now just a show piece.

A plaque marks the site where this mill
(using a tilt hammer) stood.

There are several conservation groups in these valleys who work to preserve and record the heritage of this industrial past and encourage the effective management of the wildlife habitats in the area. Many of the 20 mills and forges no longer exist, but the artificially created ponds which used to feed them do.  The area around the dam nearest to Malin Bridge was upgraded for recreational use with bench seating and this is the pond we have been coming to in the Rivelin Valley. 

Below the pond is the river and I go and explore.

I hear rustling behind a tree.  The squirrel freezes and I stay still

as I take the photo before it scampers off. 

I walk along the path by the pond and cross a stone walkway
at the head of the dam.

Which path do I choose?  The right one continues along the river bank
and the left one leads to the road.

In fact, a walk (or drive) along the Rivelin Valley Road is a pleasant one.  Once a cart track it's now a main road that leads out to the Derbyshire Reservoirs and the Snake Pass route to Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire.  The Rivelin Valley still runs through farmland and for 5 kms it's lined by an avenue of lime trees.

I pass a stone bridge which leads to another village.
 The Holly Bush Inn is close by the bridge on the far bank.

I rejoin the river side by another bridge where there's a cafe 

and children's play area.

I pass another weir before walking through the woods

back to the pond. It's a good circular, short walk.

We usually sit near this tree and just around the bend in the path

 I know Mr. P and grandson will be there hoping for some action!

An old timer, Ebenezer Elliott, wrote some verse....

Beautiful river! goldenly shining, 

Where, with the cistus, woodbines are twining,

Birklands around thee, mountains above thee,

 Rivelin wildest! Do I not love thee

Gone fishin'

It's nearly the end of the six or seven weeks of holiday time

for our school students.  

We've been caring for our grandchildren since

we've been in this area and it's interesting 

to see the change in their interests as the years go by.

Our grandson enjoys all types of sport, but recently

he's become enthusiastic about fishing.
Going fishing is a new experience for active grandfather!

We have five rivers running through our area as well

as reservoirs and ponds so a few hours by the water

is always a pleasure.  

This quiet pond which feeds into a river is a popular place 

as there is off-road parking and footpaths by the water. 

We usually go there together and I sit and read

or take a walk.  There's a cafe not far away with a playground

for younger children, but we normally take our own snack food.

On the opposite side of the pond there are reeds where

no-one can disturb the wild life as there isn't a path.

I like to sit and watch the water birds go in and out

of this area where they are breeding and raising their young.

These three ducks have unusual markings and they are

always swimming together in unison.

The ducks don't mind the rain....

 ...and it doesn't worry those fishing, walkers or anyone who just

wants to sit in a peaceful spot for a while. 

This is where I went for a walk before it started to rain

and more about my walk next time.