Anyhow, how were the Easter hols for you all? We started ours with a little break in the Peak District. Taking a tip from the lovely Lucy we decided to try a Youth Hostel. Ian has stayed in them for his cycling trips but we had never been as a family. It was fantastic! For campers like us it was serious luxury, the sight of the bunk beds sents the children in whooping, jumping paroxyms of delight, us parents less so since we were designated the bottom bunks.
The place itself was amazing, set amongst the hills and with a gorgeous walk down to the river right on our doorstep. We could feel the stresses of daily life falling away as soon as we arrived and the whole three days were fab. 
Our days were spent walking, eating and just being together. We found a great 99p walks book in Bakewell and aimed for fairly short and interesting strolls, having a four year old with easily tired legs meant that Ian's shoulders took about a week to recover. She's not the most reliable of walkers but we took it in turns to cart her about when she needed it and bribed her with promises of chocolate and treats when exhaustion kicked in.
Derbyshire is a truly beautiful place, one I'd never visited before. The people are lovely, very welcoming and the scenery is spectacular. We had our usual "let's move here" moments until we realised that Ian would have a 2 hour each way commute each day! We'll definitely be going back as soon as we can.
Signs of Spring were everywhere we looked and despite a dreadful weather forecast of heavy rain the sun shone on us every day. 
A hearty YHA breakfast set us up each morning, gazing out at the hills and deciding how to spend the day ahead. We had to tear the children away from the bunkbeds, I seriously think they'd have been happy to perch up there all day. We were all in bed by 9pm, lights off, unheard of for us parents but you don't have much choice when you're all in together. It did mean we were refreshed the next morning and ready for an early(ish) start.
Now the decision is, which hostel do we try next?
See you all soon.................
10 comments:
Hello....I just found your blog and I think it is lovely....thank you for bringing me to Derbyshire....a place where I would love to be but alas most likely will never be able to get to....that's the beauty of this blogging experience....we get to share and see the world through each others eyes...
Have a great day! Be well, Laura
Hi there, I hope you dont mind, but I've added your blog onto my blogroll on my site.
Take Care
Melanie
I have recently discovered your blog and think its fab! Love your kitchen too!
Derbyshire looks beautiful, sounds like a lot of fun.
Hi Julia
FAB, another YH convert, yaayyy!! I have been singing the praises of YH-ing as a family to anyone who will listen and several of my friends have since joined and are loving it too. We're hoping for a YH wkend soonish, we are working our way round the Lake District hostels, although do very much fancy the whitby one, its right up on the cliff next to the Abbey.
Your experience sounds so much like ours, bunkbed mania, all in bed by 9pm, up early and a fab cooked brekkie, all good stuff.
And derbyshire, yes beautiful isn't it just?
Good to hear from you, I think of you often
Lucexxxxxxx
looks like a fab time was had by all!! what is it with kids loving bunkbeds mine are the same.....
Derbyshire is a lovely county I should make an effort to go soon as Ive not been for years and years!
nice to see you back
Lesleyx
Hi Julia,we're hoping to go camping in Derbyshire in the summer.It's taken me a while to persuade my hubby to do the whole camping thing!.Your holiday looks lovely!
Rachel x
Julia I would miss your blog so much! The hostel idea I haven't tried, but have heard it is great. Having taken my husband camping too many times years ago (3 times but really bad storms!) I doubt if I could get him to consider a hostel. We are going to Centerparcs soon and I am really looking forward to it. We don't get over to England and Wales enough, so it should be good. Like you I have a 4 year old who will need bribing!
Yes, Derbyshire is a lovely county. We're over the border in the Staffordshire Moorlands, but right on the edge of the Peak District, so are able to visit it often. Bakewell is one of our favourite towns for a day out. Love your photos and pleased you had such a good time.
Margaret and Noreen
Hello Julia,
Your family's getaway sounds really marvelous. What a beautiful place to visit in springtime.
Looking forward to seeing some more posts from you. Hint, hint!
xo
Well of course i would have to agree there !! You stayed not that far from us , we are the other side of Buxton in the Goyt Valley !!
We drive past were you stayed every other weekend to take my step daughter home !
Glad you had a great time
Sara x
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