A great sunny Spring day, that thinks it is summer with temperatures reaching 27c, and the best places for a walk is in one of Derbyshire many Limestone Dales. Bradford Dale was the chosen one and like the majority of these dales there is a river running through it, in fact the dale is only here due to the erosion of the limestone by the river over the millennia. On a hot day it is cool and the sound of running water adds to the sensation. You are also struck at this time of the year by the vibrancy of the greens, the trees all bursting into leaf and an abundance of new life……
The River is called the Bradford and is perhaps one of the shortest in Derbyshire. It starts as not much more than a trickle at the head of the dale and about 2 or 3 miles down stream joins the River Lathkill which in turn joins the Wye then the Derwent. But it is an interesting and beauty packed journey.
As is the way with most Derbyshire Dales whilst they may look tranquil now once they were busy with Lead mining and other mineral extraction. The water is crystal clear and in more recent times a series of dams were created with sluices to create ponds and control the waters flow. May be the original intention was based upon the ancient ‘Stew Ponds’ found elsewhere in the county but here I believe it was one of the very early game fishing rivers…Brown Trout being the quarry. Whatever this intervention by man it has added to the charm of the Dale.
In between the ponds the river returns to its more normal ways, tumbling over its stony course. It is also a wonderful habitat for wildlife and I regret not taking my long lens with me. We had quick glances of Dipper, views of nesting Coot and encounters with Moorhens…..no chicks yet.
The Packhorse Bridge marks one of the old trade routes across the county and towering above is your first real glimpse of the village of Youlgreave (sometimes spelt Youlgrave)
The village gardens are its pride and all make a special effort for the time of year when the village celebrates with floral decorations to its old wells (a custom know as Well dressing).
With the village being built on the sides of a steep dale land has always been at a premium, so not all houses have a garden of any size if at all…..so on flat ground above the village the community sports and area of allotments.
The fact that space was limited is well illustrated by what is possibly the smallest cottage in the village……appropriately and humorously named “Thimble Hall’
Approach the village from any direction and it is the Church Tower of All Saints that is the landmark to make for. It is a magnificent mediaeval structure. The first written record that has been found is dated 1150 but many insist that there had been a place of worship on the site long before.
But it once you are inside All Saints that you start to really appreciate the skills of the Norman builders with it sturdy columns and arched windows.
Like all old Churches there has been changes, extensions and of course renovations over the intervening centuries. But two quirky items have been retained…though may be not in their original location. Both are very old stone carvings. The one on the left is of a Pilgrim whilst the one on the right is Communion washing vessel called a ‘piscina’
After visiting the Village and its Church you can return to the Dale and follow the Bradford on its journey to the Lathkill…..and don’t forget to watch out for the Trout!
26 MAY
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 