My personal challenge for this round of Miss Jenny Matlock's alphabe-Thursday is to post about a location within the borders of my own county of Derbyshire, UK, for each letter of the alphabet.
Each time, X will mark the spot.
Today, A is for Alport Heights.
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The approach is up narrow country lanes; single track with passing places...
...but it's worth it when you get to the top.
The western slope of Alport Heights was acquired by the National Trust in 1930, one of the first properties to be bought by them in Derbyshire. The hill is the first significant high point north of Derby and is topped by a line of seven radio masts, which make it a distinctive landmark for some miles around. The slopes are mainly covered in gorse bushes, which make it particularly rewarding at this time of year. Today was hazy, but on a clear day it is possible to see as far as the Malvern Hills in Shropshire.
Once a sandstone quarry, this 6 metre pillar of gritstone was left standing proud.
Once, Mark climbed it and scared me to death. Today, I watched quite comfortably while Ben climbed it. It's amazing what a bit of experience will do.
A lovely spot to stop and soak up the warm spring sunshine.
I'm going to enjoy these posts! I grew up around Derbyshire and had lots of family there, and as I live very close now, I'm sure I'll have visited most of the places you will post about - I look forward to seeing them :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos! I'm glad you decide to do a series of these so well known places in the writing world.
ReplyDeleteSeeing Ben climb the rock gave me a better idea of how tall it is.
ReplyDeleteoh this is going to be fun. Like taking a vacation without leaving my home (except I do like to leave!!) what a beautiful place to explore!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful countryside! I love it. So nice it's in national trust, and will stay untouched by "human" developers. Thanks for the view, {:-Deb
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! This is so picturesque.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to like this round of Alphabe-Thursday with you. Something to look forward to every week. Vicarious travel!!
=D
Wow! those are some nice sceneries!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery! I didn't realize how big the rock was til you showed Ben climbing it!
ReplyDeleteI have been up there once, some years ago, but I didn't realise it was the Malverns in the distance.
ReplyDeleteJust catching up with you! Derbyshire is such a beautiful county and your photos capture that.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures, lovely countryside. And how perfect that there's a town named "Matlock." Guessing Jenny's ancestors may have hailed from there at some time in the past, no?
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures. My son lives in Milford, not too far away and I was walking in Derbyshire only last weekend with him. Love it almost as much as Wales!
ReplyDeleteI adore driving on country lanes, so that is not a challenge. The view, with all the yellow broom in bloom, looks lovely, even with the haze. It wold be more of a challenge for me to climb the rock like Ben... my slight vertigo would make my knees weak! And speaking of challenges, that is an interesting one you set for yourself!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I am looking forward to seeing your picturesque landscape and learning about Derbyshire...my dream is to visit England.
ReplyDeleteThat is one fine looking, proud looking rock. I can see a face in it. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, and a terrific idea for Alphabe-Thursday! Can you go all the way to "Z"???
ReplyDeleteThose are amazing captures, my fav is last but one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Vrinda
you know, I always love country side... it give me some peace just to look at your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for stopping by and give some comments.
Amiko
A is for AWESOME photos!
ReplyDeleteWonderful A post!
Have a great ALPHABET week!
Coralie
I loved driving along that lovely English country lane and felt rather sad when it came to such an abrupt end...but you're absolutely right! The views from the top were worth every penny spent on the trip over to join you! What a wonderful place and I felt so comfortable with all that lovely sunshine :)
ReplyDeleteI, too, feel totally relaxed when Ben or Mark climb as I now know they are careful and experienced, but I did marvel at that massive slab of black granite jutting up out of seemingly nowhere! Such stunning countryside!
I'd love to have a go at climbing that gritstone pillar :-)
ReplyDeleteamazing landscapes.
ReplyDeletewow.
Hooray! A themed Alphabe-Thursday link. I'm attempting it this time as well.
ReplyDeleteThis place is absolutely amazing. Love the granite columns from the quarry.
I can't wait to see where you take us next.
A+