Thursday 19 July, Matlock Bath

An early start.  Kerry arranged to change the unoccupied beds while we were out. We all felt lethargic. We hoped to go to Dovedale for a walk, but it was raining steadily. Instead we drove to Matlock Bath, which I knew would be interesting. On the way there we passed the place where I first went camping with the Guides, and also Carsington Water where I visited with my mum and bought my fish mobile.

Inside Matlock Bath Mining Museum

On arrival we parked at the Mining Museum where we paid for entry and a tour of the lead mines. I found it very interesting as I come from a mining area in Mansfield, and Sarah was also interested as Tangshan is also a mining city. We read about the history of mining and the tools used, saw samples of lead and other ores, the trains and trucks used to transport it and experienced the dark, enclosed conditions that the miners worked in.

A tour of Temple Mine with its lead and fluorspar ores

Then we were taken on a tour of the Temple mine opposite, which is still workable, and contains lead ores and fluorspar. We had to don our chic helmets as the ceiling was very low in places. The minerals glowed in the light of the guide's torch. Walking was quite difficult at times and it was damp underfoot.


Then we had lunch in a nearby cafe, the Charles, where we were served with fresh sandwiches or fishcakes. After that we drove to the nearby textile mill museum and shopping outlet, but the museum was closed. We saw the old bobbins and shuttles still on display. Back at Birdsgrove we had pasta with tuna and tomato sauces for tea.