Ilam Hall - Wednesday

A break from walking and instead cycling! Off we went to the Tissington Trail – a disused railway line which is now a path spanning many miles: popular with both cyclists and walkers. We collected our hire bikes and off we went. We pedalled for several miles in one direction before returning. On the way back, it was lovely as it was mostly downhill. You barely needed to pedal! After some lunch, we boarded the coach to Chatsworth House.

Home to the Devonshire family, Chatsworth is an incredibly beautiful place. The house itself is amazing but the gardens are equally as good. We walked around the house first, learning about the history of the building and the many pieces of artwork. We had lots of questions for the staff which kept them on their toes. Several members of the public came to us to say just how well behaved the children were! Then we strolled around the gardens and had an explore of the maze. Some of us bought ice creams as Chatsworth ice creams are particularly yummy.

You can probably guess by now what we did on Wednesday evening but there was a slight change… A number of keen football supporters were really hoping to watch the night’s matches… Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur and Forest Green Rovers versus Southend United. So, we made it happen! With one match on a laptop and the other on an iPad we were football-ready. The small group watching the matches really enjoyed themselves although a couple of Man U fans were less happy. However, Southend’s penalties win cheered them up! Seasiders! Unfortunately, I am writing this the day after the Wembley heartbreak. Not this year Southend… maybe next year!