F-Up the Peaks & Dales - Final (I promise) Pre-Weekend Update

[NothernDan]

Now then F-Fans! Only 4 more sleeps!!! 😀

Here’s a final update from me before the weekend with the final, confirmed route plan and itinerary for the weekend.  This has been changed since my last post so please use this one from now (Mods, can you sticky this till after Saturday please?)

Following recce number two last weekend with Mrs NothernDan and the dogs I’ve made a few subtle changes and clarified and corrected a few of the directions. You’ll find an updated itinerary with slightly adjusted timings and directions below so please take a few moments to read through this and get a general idea of the plan before the weekend. Whilst I’m sure we’ll make every effort to be “in-convoy” a basic knowledge of the route and general plan would no doubt be useful for those “which way next” or “I’m lost” moments.

One very important thing to remember on the day is PLEASE BRING PLENTY OF COINS FOR PARKING AS BUXTON ITSELF IS COIN ONLY PARKING IN MOST PLACES, THERE IS NO CARD OR PAY BY PHONE AVAILABLE. With this in mind it might also be an idea to dress in black and white as they don’t have colour TV’s up there yet so anything too bright will freak the locals out and you may end up being sacrificed in some strange ritual to appease the gods.  

As before, I’ve listed all the main locations in the route planner below. The main change is, given that we are getting breakfast laid on at Lexus Derby, it seemed a bit pointless stopping at Matlock after less than an hour of travel (for more bacon rolls) so I’ve combined the first two legs of the trip and we’ll now head direct to Buxton (via the outskirts of Matlock) and use the time we’ll gain for a bit more of a chilled-out stop in Buxton for lunch. It will also make the morning route a bit simpler and give us more time on some decent roads.

If anybody really wants to stop at Matlock they can obviously feel free, even if it’s just a short comfort break at the conveniently placed Maccy-D’s.

The itinerary is now broken down in 3 legs (not 4 as before). Just as before a “(T)” means  Through and a “(P)” means Past. The route still starts at Lexus Derby on Saturday the 29^th September (for both day trippers and overnighters) and will continue on Sunday the 30^th September (for overnighters only) with the second day being an open agenda.  

We start here - Lexus Derby – Orient Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8BY – 01332 426 185

This is on the North side of Derby but easily accessible via the M1 - A52. It’s almost right on the A6 and as Big Rat pointed out is right opposite Derby FC grounds. We’ll meet there any time from 09:00 onwards on Saturday the 29^th with a view to leaving as close as possible to 10:00. I’d say 10:30 at the latest.

AS BEFORE – MAKE SURE YOUR FUEL TANK, WASHER FLUID ETC IS FULL WHEN YOU ARRIVE! – THIS WILL SAVE US A HUGE AMOUNT OF TIME AND PREVENT UNECESSARY STOPS

Leg-1 – Lexus Derby to Buxton – roughly 50 miles taking about 1hr 45 mins. ETA at Buxton is about 12:15 assuming a 10:30 departure from Lexus Derby

Lexus Derby - Start

Duffield (T)

Milford (T)

Belper (T)

Ambergate (T)

Whatstandwell (T)

Cromford (T)

Matlock Bath (T)

Matlock – (P)

Darley Dale (T)

Rowsley (T)

Bakewell (T)

Ashford in the Water (P)

Brushfield (P)

Taddington (P)

Blackwell (P)

King Sterndale (P)

Buxton - Stop

The early part of this route is very picturesque, we’ll pass the cable cars (Heights of Abraham) at Matlock Bath as well as the outskirts of Matlock itself with a great view of the main street (on your right) spread out up the valley side. The route after Matlock past Ashford in the Water has a good stretch of pretty open dual carriageway so you can stretch the legs on your beloved vehicles. We follow the A6 all the way from Matlock to Buxton so I doubt anyone will get lost on this stretch (famous last words). We should arrive in Buxton at about 12:15.

Important – When you get into Buxton please follow signs for Parking near the Opera House and Pavillion Gardens. This will be straight on over a few roundabouts (two I think) then up a short hill past the train station (on your right) before heading down a short decline with the Opera House in front of you. Please park up near the Opera House. We now have a bit more time for lunch and to stretch your legs (about two hours if required).

The Pavilion gardens are very pretty so the various wives (and dogs) will appreciate these. There are quite a few places to eat overlooking the gardens and many more in the town so we will be spoilt for choice. We can all leisurely take photos, compare exhausts, wheels, carbon bits etc etc. We can also decide between us what time to set off for the next leg of the journey. I’d suggest about 14:30 at the latest.  

For Leg-2 (previously Leg-3) from Buxton we’ll leave via the A6 again taking the route outlined below. This takes in some amazing scenery all the way along the route and some good fast winding A-Roads (and spectacular countryside) between Hathersage and Ringinglow. No speed cameras along here either!! It looks like a lot of locations below but rest assured it’s all pretty good roads so happens fast!

Leg-2 – Buxton to the Ladybower Inn – roughly 30 miles taking about 60 minutes – ETA about 15:30 assuming a 14:30 departure from Buxton

Buxton – Start

Fairfield (T)

Dove Holes (T)

Then following the A6 towards Chapel-En-Le-Frith and Castleton before taking a right at the roundabout (the first one after we’ve gone through Dove Holes) and onto the A623 towards Castleton.

IMPORTANT - Along the A623 take a sharp left at “The Wanted” Pub towards Speedwell Cavern and Blue John Cavern and IGNORE the green sign at the junction saying that Castleton is to the right, that’s directing heavy goods vehicles away from Winnet’s Pass…. You’ll see why soon!

This next bit is a great stretch of fast A-road and we’ll go past …..

Peak Cavern (P)

Right at the junction for Castleton, NOT left towards Blue John Cavern

Winnats Pass (T) – We’ll drive down this, great scenery but watch out for sheep and Tour De France wannabes!

Castelton (T)

Hope (T)

Bamford (T)

Hathersage (T)

Awesome views over your right shoulder all along here 

Millstone Country Inn on your right (P)

Then round a long sweeping walled left hand bend and take the next sharp left up a slight incline towards Ringinglow

IMPORTANT – LOOK OUT FOR TWO THINGS ALONG HERE;

1. Sheep on the road who are unafraid of cars/horns/flashing lights.

2. About a minute or so up this road take a look over your left shoulder for more amazing views. There are always a lot of camera geeks with expensive lenses along here stood waiting for perfect light conditions!

We’ll take in renowned beauty spot Striding Edge along this fast section of winding A/B Road which again is very photogenic. There’s a very busy car park on a sharp right bend about half way towards Ringinglow so watch out for dog walkers and the red sock brigade (walkers). Feel free to stop and click shutters should you so desire.

You’ll know you’re approaching Ringinglow as you’ll see views of Sheffield in the distance on the left, as soon as you see houses and the 30 signs that’s Ringinglow although there are no actual “Ringinglow” signs.

IMPORTANT - we are taking a sharp left 10 yards after the 30 signs at the entrance to Ringinglow (mentioned above) onto Fulwood Lane. This left is before the Norfolk Arms pub/hotel with the white exterior wall. If you pass the Norfolk Arms Hotel (big car park on the left) you’ve missed the road, so turn around and head back.

Apologies for the detail overload  here but if you get lost on this leg you may never be seen again!

After the left before the Norfolk Arms (P) we’ll go past Mayfield Alpacas (P) on your right along Fullwood Lane, there is a very sharp right hand bend up ahead after a long straight so watch your speed approaching this.

IMPORTANT - The next 2 miles or so includes some pretty narrow B-Roads, winding downhill off camber corners and more sheep in the road so please take care.

So, continuing along Fullwood Lane

After the sharp right turn mentioned above take the second right onto Andwell Lane - you can’t see the sign for Andwell Ln it until you are on it but it’s immediately after Greenhouse Lane

The next turn you take will be a Left onto Blackbrook Road - You will have come along Douse Croft Lane, Gore Lane & Harrison Lane to get here but you can’t really see any of the signs for these so just look out for the left onto Blackbrook Road (small triangular junction)

CAUTION – Winding downhill off camber stuff from here onwards with the occasional sheep!

You’ll come through a built up area and across the crossroads with Redmires Road onto Lodge Lane

Follow Lodge Lane down more steep stuff to the T-Junction onto Manchester Road (This is the A57 Snake Pass) at Rivelin

Head West (left turn) onto the A57 (Snake Pass) towards Manchester

A good few miles along fast flowing A57 through Hollow Meadows (T) to the Ladybower Inn where we’ll stop

Ladybower Inn - Stop

It'll take us about an hour to do the route above from Buxton so we'll arrive at Ladybower Inn, overlooking Ladybower Reservoir, at about 15:30.

We should all be in convoy but if you hit the traffic lights at the corner of the reservoir you’ve gone slightly too far!The Inn is about 100 metres back up the road you’ve just come down.  You’ll easily spot The Inn on the right as the car park (on the left) will be full of F-Cars!

We’ll stop here for refreshments and toilet break before the last leg of the journey. Let’s take 45 minutes to an hour here before we head off.

 For Leg-3, the final Leg before the overnight, we’ll be following the route below along the A57 (Snake Pass).

Leg-3 – Ladybower Inn to Buxton (via the Snake Pass and Glossop) – roughly 40 miles taking about 60 minutes – ETA at Buxton about 17:30 assuming a 16:30 departure from Ladybower Inn

Ladybower Inn – Start

All the way along the A57 towards Glossop

Glossop (T - Outskirts)

Left Turn at the Train station junction (Lloyds bank on the left , The Howard Arms slightly further back on the right and The Norfolk Arms diagonally opposite Lloyds the right. Then follow the road via;

Howard Town Shopping centre (P)

Little Hayfield (T) – Great views around here

Hayfield (T) - Two Speed Cameras opposite each other!

Chinley (T)

Left at the T-Junction under the railway bridge at Chinley

Left at the next roundabout

Right at second roundabout towards Buxton

Follow A6 back to Buxton via Dove Holes (we’ve driven the opposite way down this bit of road just after lunch)

Buxton – Stop

So, we’ll end up right back in the heart of Buxton where we had lunch.

I’ll bring printed copies of this for everyone on the day so you can find yourself (not in a voyage of personal discovery way) if you get lost.

[NothernDan]

Mods/Admins - Can we sticky this till after the weekend please?

Thanks!

[emjay82]

Bravo, fantastic work Dan! Hope the day goes well 👍. Look forward to the photos!! 😀 

[Twellsie]

awesome Dan, lets hope this new found sunshine lasts till the weekend!!

[Northern isf]

I'm never going to be able to remember all this I don't even know my own phone number! better make sure I'm on top form with the throttle so I can keep close to someone.

[Big Rat]

To all.......... the forecast.......🤗

Big Rat

[Twellsie]

cold but dry, ill take that!!

[Cezar B]

Great job, Dan! Will try to add up all this details to the map 😀

[steve2006]

Topic pinned as requested 🙂

[NothernDan]

1 hour ago, Northern isf said:

I'm never going to be able to remember all this I don't even know my own phone number! better make sure I'm on top form with the throttle so I can keep close to someone.

Better start revising Wayne, you'll fail the entry exam! 😂

[NothernDan]

1 hour ago, Twellsie said:

cold but dry, ill take that!!

Likewise!!

[Northern isf]

1 hour ago, NothernDan said:

Better start revising Wayne, you'll fail the entry exam! 😂

I'll copy off the person next to me 😁 

[bobmc]

I doubt I'll be able to keep up with all you 'f'ers () so I'll need the route plan 

 

[NothernDan]

23 hours ago, Big Rat said:

To all.......... the forecast.......🤗

Big Rat

Let's hope skies like this stick around for the weekend!

[Big Rat]

@NothernDan Just look at that sky dan epic......... the only ’thunderous’ event in that locality then will be the arrival of @Cezar B and his system to bring the ‘’Haus” down............

Itll be “Musa “ to our ears.........

Ok I’ll stop now........

🐀

[Cezar B]

1 minute ago, Big Rat said:

@NothernDan Just look at that sky dan epic......... the only ’thunderous’ event in that locality then will be the arrival of @Cezar B and his system to bring the ‘’Haus” down............

Itll be “Musa “ to our ears.........

Ok I’ll stop now........

🐀

🤣🤣🤣 I hope Green Peace doesn’t hear about it 

I have a hunch there will be minimum two more very loud exhaust systems... (intruder included here) 😜😜😜

[Big Rat]

@Cezar B Oooh noise of the tubular variety...........☺️

The big guns are out to play.........

Being near the coast I’ve arranged for the navy to give them a quick polish.....

Big Rat

[Flytvr]

On 9/25/2018 at 5:11 PM, emjay82 said:

Bravo, fantastic work Dan! Hope the day goes well 👍. Look forward to the photos!! 😀 

Yes, excellent work!

[Twellsie]

34 minutes ago, Cezar B said:

🤣🤣🤣 I hope Green Peace doesn’t hear about it 

I have a hunch there will be minimum two more very loud exhaust systems... (intruder included here) 😜😜😜

having owned a Sierra Cosworth and a M5 that constantly got black flagged for noise, the ISF is definitely on par, bring your ear plugs folks !!!

[Cezar B]

5 minutes ago, Twellsie said:

having owned a Sierra Cosworth and a M5 that constantly got black flagged for noise, the ISF is definitely on par, bring your ear plugs folks !!!

Ear plugs ready, matey! There’s plenty for everyone! 

[Peter P18]

Just going to leave these here! Little taster before Saturday! Lol.

See all you fine people soon.

Cheers,

 

Pete 👍😎

[Cezar B]

4 hours ago, Peter P18 said:

Just going to leave these here! Little taster before Saturday! Lol.

See all you fine people soon.

Cheers,

 

Pete 👍😎

Awesome sound, Pete! Love it! 😍

[NothernDan]

Particularly love the very end of the top video!!

”Mate... your car sounds f@#£&in’ amazing”!!!

Quality!

Looking forward to some bleeding eardrums on Saturday 😍

[NothernDan]

Red hot and sunny in the big smoke today! Apparently if you say this three times it definitely happens...

please stay hot and dry for the weekend!

please stay hot and dry for the weekend!

please stay hot and dry for the weekend!

[Cezar B]

It looks like it’s going to rain on Sunday 😳