View from The Keep

Yesterday we went to stay over in Castleton, Derbyshire, high in the Peak District.

I have many fond memories of the village and have visited it many times. My first experience was on a school trip when we went to Peveril Castle which sits perched on the hill overlooking Castleton.

Built soon after 1066 by one of William the Conquerer's most trusted knights, William Peverel, it is protected by sheer drops on each side and was an impregnable stronghold and served an important role in defending the Peak Forest.

Even in ruin it cuts an imposing figure on the landscape and offers 360 degree views of the breathtaking Derbyshire countryside.

This photograph is taken near remains of The Keep. I tried to give you some idea of the scale but failed miserably. You can tell how high we are as there is still snow on the tops of the surrounding tors.

Aside from Peveril Castle there are Blue John mines to visit and this time I chanced upon the best sweetshop in the world which has its own fudge making kitchen. I was given a guided tour and was offered the stirring spoon which had the most delicious lemon fudge you could ever dream of tasting.

It was not quite as wonderful as the view from Peveril, but it was pretty close.