Day 1: Derby to Chinley

Our train to Derby doesn't depart from Stockport until 08.55, so we have a leisurely start in the morning. A cooked breakfast, poached egg with fried tomatoes and mushrooms 

before setting off just after 8am, in a cool but calm morning 

Along the old railway to Parrswood, and then follow the river Mersey to Stockport

All of our trains are on time, and we arrive at Derby at 10.30. It's noticeably colder

so additional layers are put on before we venture out onto the streets of Derby 

Some small navigational issues getting out of Derby, as we wind our way through quiet backstreets. We are heading for the official start of the trail at Etwell, 8 miles outside the city centre

We are hoping to find a cafe, but nothing appears on the route. At Etwell we search for something nearby, and are directed to the World Peace Centre, a Buddhist retreat which also runs a very warm and welcoming cafe. Coffee, and a pannini with haloumi and sweet chilli jam, later we have thawed out.

We meet Carlo and Vanessa, a couple of local cyclists. They are very interested in what we are doing and give us food recommendations for this evening in Chinley

We eventually leave the cafe and start on the Pennine Cycleway proper. 

Nice quiet country roads going through quaint hamlets

Well signposted

At Ashbourne the air is starting to warm up, if imperceptably.

It is also the start of the Tissington trail, 

following the old railway line between Ashbourne and Buxton

The surface is fantastically smooth over its 13 mile route, as it climbs gently but unremittingly to Parsley Hey

The higher sections of the route offer great views over upland pastures with drystone walls and a profusion of flowers 

The old line carves its through the landscape 

After a short refuelling stop at the Parsley Hey visitor centre we are onto mainly quiet roads, as we head towards Buxton

Stopping for cows

View towards Chrome Hill. I am impressed by the scenic quality of the route. 

Buxton is in full bank holiday mode, but we have another big climb to get over to Whaley Bridge 

Long Hill. Does what it says on the tin. Draining the energy from our legs at the end of the day. 

Following the earlier advice from Carlo and Vanessa we are booked into the Old Hall Inn in Chinley for food. However we need to locate a camping spot

Bugsworth basin, at the end of the Peak Forest Canal, provides an option. But is near the busy A6

When we reach the pub I go and scout out likely camping spots. Downhill from the pub, in the village of Whitehough, I find a likely looking patch of grass. It looks like a field but is probably part of a large garden. We will have to be discreet and away early in the morning 

The steak and ale pies are superb, and a struggle to finish

Leaving the pub the evening sky promises a fine day tomorrow. And cold

Put up the tent in the last bit of twilight and settle in for the night 

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