Despite the limited experience I had in UK, I think it is a country that keeps its natural treasures well protected. I used to think that one of the characteristics of a developed country is that it has better facilities and skyscrapers than a developing country. How wrong was I. Scattered across the country are clean rivers and streams, green lush hills and delicious fresh air. One of the places as such is the Peak District. It is located at Derbyshire, roughly an hour's drive from Nottingham.
It was a warm summer day when Nush, Pete (Nush's bf), Shuv, Becky (Pete's sister), Kes (Pete's brother) and I decided to spend the day picnicking at Milldale, Peak District, Derbyshire. Milldale is a picturesque village situated along river Dove. It was as if Enid Blyton stories came alive, out from its pages.
A little stroll in the village towards the river
Stopped by a store that doesn't sell beer, can you believe it? No beer, in UK!?
Crossing the Milldale bridge, yupe, we had a guitar with us :D (Kes was carrying it)
A funny poster on instructions to handle dog poo
shallow river
We wanted to go somewhere with less people so we went on further towards the hills. The sun was glowing welcomingly on us. Within our sight were hills that stretches up towards the blue sky with soft cotton-like clouds, surrounding us were lush green trees and the running river sang a lighthearted tune.
Big bag of food in my hands XD
I was the excited little girl
After a short walk, we came to a stretch of flat ground where the sun glimmered invitingly on the grasses. We laid out our towels and unpacked our food supply.
We bought all of these from Sainsbury's
Having a picnic here is different from any picnics I had back home. The sun was cosy enough to warm our bodies but not sweaty. There were no mosquitoes nor flies. The grass was dry but every now and then there were some prickly plants that irritates the feet. We ate to our hearts content, resting our stressed minds, listening to the strumming of the guitar (played by Becky) that weaved with the ever-flowing river beside us. All was serene and tranquil.
Everything glowed under the sun, not just me.
This is Becky, she loves music :)
After food, we crawled climbed up the hills. It may look like an easy hill to climb but thou shall not be tricked! I had to crawl on all fours as I climbed higher because it became steeper. If I slipped, I would have rolled down the hill like Jack and Jill. (>_<)
Nush was so quick I thought she flew
I tire easily so I camwhored while resting
The view from above was breathtaking
Can you see how small the trees below are? We were VERY high up indeed!
Going down hill was so much easier. Just let loose my legs and there I go!
Resting at the bank after climbing
I decided to test the waters, literally speaking.
Wading through the rushing waters.
It was icy cold! The riverbed was covered with sharp stones and rocks that were wrapped in thick moss. I used to think mosses were gross but those that grew in the river felt like a thick comfortable carpet. The rocks were shaky so we had to be take one small step at a time while trying to find a less sharp area to step on. It was like walking on cobblestone footpath plus icy cold waters. Stepping out from the river onto the bank was heavenly, like how you'd feel after a foot reflexology session.
After a good rest, we packed our things and head on further along the river.
Duck napping on a rock in the river
We then arrived at a high bank, a little cliff where some boys were jumping off into the cold river. The braver ones among us (that includes Nush, Pete, Shuv and Kes) gave it a try. I didn't initially but went ahead to do it before we left.
Walking carefully up the cliff
Standing at the edge while Pete showed me where to jump
Squat and ready to plunge
There goes nothing...
Touching down
Splash!
Shivering and shocked by the cold. The jump was shorter than expected. Fun!
There was a cave beside the cliff.
Pete, who enjoys rock climbing, climbed up the cave with Kes, bringing the guitar up with them.
For us girls, it was our natural changing room after the jump. Picture of the day.
Pete brought us to his home later in the evening. Did I tell you he grew up in a farm? His house is so cooooooool! I wish I lived in a farm... We spent some time talking with his family and went behind the house to check out Becky's toy: a trampoline!
That was Pete showing us his moves
On the way back, we drove past his poney: Cherry. Pete whistled and called her name. She came to us.
She was as graceful as a unicorn
The day ended with a scrumptious dinner at Mr Man's (for more info check out old post here). I must say it was the best summer day spent in Nottingham. When shall we go again? :D
