Newark

A group of us took the train on a dismal rainy day to Newark. John Jones, Alan Hurst, Chris Keenan and myself braved the elements.

On arrival we had a coffee and cake at the Harbour Master cafe. Its selection of cakes was very tempting and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I had Chocolate Guinness cake with my hot chocolate.

We then went to the Castle with rain steadily dampening our enthusiasm for photographs. We had to regularly wipe raindrops from our lenses.

We sauntered through the town via a shopping mall and did a shoot in the Parish Church – a large, dark and imposing building with little atmosphere. We were turfed out around midday when we wandered further to the war museum where we had lunch. I had soup and a cuppa.

Our final shoot was by the river where there is a big lock and some industrial areas round about. Having watched a few boats navigate the lock we then drifted back to the station to catch the 3.07 train home – a direct train which stopped nowhere but Nottingham.

Nottingham Canal

Catalologue of Nottingham Canal and the Canalhouse

The Nottingham Canal flows into the River Trent at Trent Bridge. From Trent Bridge, we walked past the lock which feeds into the river itself and past the flats at Turney’s Key. There are a number of old bridges taking vehicles from London Road to the Meadow Lane area and the Cattle Market.

As it approaches Jury’s Inn the canal takes a 90 deg turn to the left and into the city centre. On the other side is an old industrial site, some high-rise apartments and an old factory or two. At Carrington Street, you see the Law Courts on the left and the Canal House on the right – an excellent place for an evening drink.

Cromford

Cromford Station

Cromford Station

Cromford is a picturesque village in the approach to the Peak District between Ambergate and Matlock Bath.The most relaxing way of visiting Cromford is by train. It is on the line between Derby and Matlock. The station is a throw-back to olden times and retains much of its character.

Cromford Canal

Cromford Canal

The village itself has a few shops and pubs but not far down the lane you will find Cromford Mill and the canal where narrow boats take visitors on pleasure trips through the woods.

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Cromford Mill

Cromford Mill

The Mill has a courtyard of shops and exhibition rooms plus water flowing over the old mill workings. At the canal you will find a couple of really quaint shops, one selling souvenirs, the other selling quality cheeses.

You can walk along the road to Matlock Bath. However, you can wander up the hill towards Willersley Castle and admire the views and a walk through the woods. From here there is a good view of the Masson Mill and the weir.

Masson Mill