Derbyshire Peak Cavern, The Devil's Arse!

Hiking in the Derbyshire peaks on Christmas day, a party with a difference

I have chosen Dove Dale for your Christmas Day out, Dove dale is near to the village of Ash Bourne on the main Buxton road, go north on the A515 and just two miles from Ashbourne there is a turning on the left. Take this turn and this is the easiest road you can take into this National park. The only turn you take off this road is where the famous luxurious Izaak Walton Hotel is. You may want a coffee or two here to warm up. Turn here for Thorpe and Ilam, Dove dale. The area you will be searching for is that of Thorpe, Dove dale.

Dove dale situated in the Derbyshire peaks is owned by the national trust.

You will see many sheep on the rocky slopes and in the woods that shadow the River Dove that flows through the gorge to Mildale and Wetton mill. You will be overwhelmed by the shear monstrosity of Thorpe Cloud shadowing the river.

If you haven't eaten too much Christmas pudding, then you are allowed to scale the side of the mountain and hundreds of people do just that on Christmas day.

The view is immense and when you have reached the top and had enough of the incline then you can go over the top and start to descend down to the very popular Stepping Stones at the foot. The stepping stones that scale the River Dove to the other side.

This is a must and must do, and another must and must do is to walk casually through the gorge along the river towards Mildale on the appropriately man made created tow path; shadowed by trees and rocks that reach high into the clouds.

Your journey doesn't have to be long; you choose how far you go but remember you can walk the whole length to Hartington and beyond and there are many other directions and villages you can cut through to.

Your walk will take you through some of the breathtaking scenes in the country, gravel paths and boardwalks are the order of the day. Cool temperatures it may well be or 6 inches of lying snow. But rest assured this Christmas day trip is one with a difference and is one not to be missed.

Sit by the waters edge or on one of the rocks that scatter the area and then sift your way through your well deserved pack lunch, maybe a glass of wine or Champagne if you are like me.

Absorption turns to fascination and the latest trends in the form of tree trunks, trees that have fallen in the autumn fall, trees that have been just left for all the wild life that roams the area, yes that's what I thought. I came across a very trendy mania that's occurring in the Dales, someone had decided to strike a coin into the tree remnants and you can guess what had happened after this event, the tree trunks are now just heavily laden with hundreds and hundreds of pounds worth of coins. How novel is that? It's a must see.

Take your 5 mega pixel camera and don't forget those ankle biters. (Kids); enjoy the most perfect Christmas day ever. Obviously the driver will have to refrain from booze, sorry you cannot have a glass of Champagne, you really don't need one when you have the next best thing right besides you. The View will knock you over.

What a Day out and this is my number one of my best things to do at Christmas. The day is drawing to an end and many hundreds who have enjoyed this special day out are now leaving and we have also got to do the same and it's sad that I will have to wait 12 more months to relive this wonderful event all over again. Remember! This is not the only area of distinctive beauty in the Dales, there are many more diamonds scattered around in the vicinity.

Its time to leave now and we are to return home, sad! But fulfilled with our day, on the way home you suddenly have that amazing feeling. It was so long ago you have forgotten about one special thing. You have remembered that you still have one task left to do that you did not do earlier on when you arose. No, you didn't forget the turkey; remember you didn't put one in, that's for New Year's Day to consume.

We have still got all those presses to open when we get back home.

Waffle; I don't waffle, I am just merely soaking up the splendour of my journey home and soaking up the evening sunshine The sun setting over these awesome hills and looking forward to opening all my Presents that Santa bought me.

So as you can see I do enjoy the lights, the festivities, taking time off from work and spending time with those closest to me.

I do not enjoy stuffing my belly with large amounts of chocolate and turkey that's the old fashioned way and I am 5 Lb lighter not 5 Lb heavier, Tubby.

The Devil's Arse! was one of the attractions which we felt wasn't worth the money. The staff seemed unfriendly and even rude on occassions to some of the PAYING visitors. The cavern is situated in the middle of the village, Castleton. A pleasant riverside walk takes you pass old miner's cottages, opening out into a limestone gorge. The cavern boast of the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles, it is certainly impressive. Within the entrance chamber you see the remains of an ancient village where a whole community lived and worked making ropes for the local lead mines for more than 400 years. You then venture deeper into the Cavern. After the initial Cavern talk on how they lived and made ropes the rest of the tour is pretty unimpressive. Beware, I feel this is not suitable for elderly people who cannot bend for a short walk or who are unsteady on their feet. Disabled visitors would find it either unsuitable or impossible, I should ring beforehand. The tour last for approximate one hour. There is a Pay & Display car parking which we felt the charges were a rip off, especially considering the entrance fee. Opening times daily 10 a.m to 5 p.m from April to October, last tour 4 p.m. See website for up-to-date information www.devilsarse.com. Address is Peak Cavern, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WS. Tel: 01433 62085. Another thing, after the entrance fee the staff have a 'tip box' expecting you to tip as well - expect a funny look if you ignore !!